1. Summary of the Book
Tobit is a beloved narrative from the Deuterocanonical books, offering a beautiful blend of family life, fidelity to the Law, suffering, prayer, angelic intervention, and God’s providential care. Set among the exiled Israelites in Assyria, it teaches that God watches over His faithful ones even in foreign lands and difficult circumstances. The book interweaves the stories of two righteous but afflicted individuals—Tobit in Nineveh and Sarah in Media—and shows how God brings healing, restoration, and joy through the ministry of the Archangel Raphael.
Tobit, a devout Israelite, remains faithful to God despite living in exile. He performs works of mercy—feeding the poor, burying the dead—at risk to his own safety. One day, while performing a charitable act, he becomes ritually unclean and sleeps outside, where he is struck blind by bird droppings. His blindness plunges his family into hardship, yet Tobit remains steadfast in prayer and righteousness. In his suffering, he prays for death, asking God to deliver him from his misery.
Meanwhile in Media, Sarah, a righteous young woman, faces her own tragedy. Demonic affliction has caused each of her seven husbands to die on their wedding night before the marriage could be consummated. Accused by others of causing their deaths, she too prays for death in her despair. Her prayer, offered at the same moment as Tobit’s, rises before God.
God answers both prayers by sending the Archangel Raphael, disguised as a human traveler, to heal and guide them. Tobit commissions his son, Tobiah, to travel to Media to retrieve money deposited long ago. Raphael accompanies Tobiah on this journey. Along the way, Tobiah catches a fish whose heart, liver, and gall will become instruments of God’s healing—driving away demons and restoring sight.
In Media, Tobiah meets Sarah, and with Raphael’s instruction, he marries her in faith. Through prayer and the burning of the fish’s heart and liver, the demon is cast out. Tobiah returns home with Sarah, and using the fish’s gall, heals Tobit’s blindness. The book ends in joy: Tobit praises God, teaches about righteousness and almsgiving, and foresees God’s plans to restore Jerusalem. Raphael then reveals his true identity as one of the seven angels who enter before God’s glory.
Tobit is a story of divine providence, family faithfulness, prayer, angelic help, healing, and God’s tender care for those who trust Him.
2. Author
Unknown Jewish author, likely writing in the style of wisdom and historical storytelling. The book reflects detailed knowledge of Jewish law and exile life.
3. Time of Composition
Likely composed between the 3rd and early 2nd century BC, during the Hellenistic period. The story itself is set in the 8th century BC during the Assyrian exile.
4. Intended Audience
Jewish communities living in the Diaspora, needing reassurance that God remains with His people even outside the land of Israel. It speaks to all believers seeking encouragement in trials, affirming God’s faithfulness.
5. Major Themes
Divine providence and unseen guidance
Fidelity to God in exile
Prayer and righteous living
Almsgiving, charity, and mercy
Marriage and family faithfulness
Healing—both physical and spiritual
Angelic assistance (Raphael)
Victory over evil
6. Section-Wise Division
A. Tobit’s Piety, Misfortune, and Prayer (Tb 1–3)
Tobit’s righteousness and charitable deeds (Tb 1)
Tobit becomes blind; family hardship (Tb 2)
Tobit’s prayer for death (Tb 3:1–6)
Sarah’s suffering and prayer (Tb 3:7–15)
God sends Raphael to help both (Tb 3:16–17)
B. Tobiah’s Journey with Raphael (Tb 4–6)
Tobit instructs his son in righteousness (Tb 4)
Tobiah departs with Raphael (Tb 5)
Encounter with the fish and instructions for its use (Tb 6)
C. Marriage of Tobiah and Sarah (Tb 7–8)
Meeting Raguel and Sarah (Tb 7)
Marriage and exorcism of the demon (Tb 8)
D. Return and Restoration (Tb 9–12)
Recovery of Tobit’s money (Tb 9)
Healing of Tobit’s blindness (Tb 11)
Tobit’s hymn of praise (Tb 11–12)
Raphael reveals his identity (Tb 12)
E. Tobit’s Final Words and Death (Tb 13–14)
Tobit’s psalm and prophecy of Jerusalem (Tb 13)
Final instructions and peaceful death (Tb 14)
7. Historical and Biblical Background
Tobit is set in Assyria after the northern kingdom of Israel was exiled (722 BC). Many Jews lived under foreign rule, struggling to maintain their identity and faith. The book reflects the challenges of diaspora life: oppression, ridicule, intermarriage pressures, and maintaining fidelity to the Law. The narrative also reflects Jewish wisdom traditions and early understandings of angels. It emphasizes that God’s care extends beyond the land of Israel—He remains present wherever His people live.
8. Biblical Flow of Each Section
Tobit and Sarah’s Prayers
Two broken hearts cry out to God, and their prayers initiate divine action.
Journey and Divine Guidance
God’s angel leads Tobiah safely and teaches him how to participate in God’s healing plan.
Marriage and Victory
Tobiah and Sarah enter into a holy marriage centered on prayer and trust.
Restoration
Both families experience healing, joy, and thanksgiving.
Conclusion
Tobit’s closing teachings link their personal story to God’s larger plan for Israel.
9. Orientation to Jesus Christ
Tobit contains rich foreshadowing of Christ.
Raphael’s mission prefigures Christ as the One sent from the Father to heal and save.
Tobit’s blindness and healing anticipate Christ restoring sight to the blind.
Tobiah and Sarah’s prayerful marriage points to Christ’s sanctification of marriage.
The victory over the demon anticipates Christ’s triumph over evil.
Tobit’s psalm of restoration points toward the New Jerusalem fulfilled in Christ.
10. Message for Us Today
Tobit teaches that God hears the cries of the suffering and acts in ways unseen. It emphasizes family devotion, daily faithfulness, and the power of almsgiving and prayer. It shows that angels are real and assist God’s people. The book encourages trust during trials, reminding us that God’s providence is active even when hidden. It calls us to holiness in relationships, generosity, endurance, and joyful hope.
11. Prayer
O God of compassion and providence, who sent Your angel Raphael to guide, heal, and protect Tobit and Sarah, guide my steps and strengthen my faith. Teach me to trust You in every trial, to pray faithfully, to show mercy generously, and to walk in holiness. Through Jesus Christ, the true healer and Savior, bring restoration to every broken part of my life. Amen.