The story of Tobit is a fascinating and unique part of the biblical canon, found in the deuterocanonical books, which are included in the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Bibles but are not part of the Protestant Old Testament. Tobit provides a rich narrative that intertwines themes of piety, suffering, divine providence, and familial duty.
Tobit, the central character of the Book of Tobit, is depicted as a devout and righteous Israelite from the tribe of Naphtali. His story is set during the time of the Assyrian exile, which places it roughly in the 8th century BCE. Tobit lived in Nineveh after the Northern Kingdom of Israel was conquered by the Assyrians. Despite the adversity of living in exile, Tobit remained steadfast in his faith and obedience to God’s commandments.
The book begins with Tobit recounting his own life story. He emphasizes his faithfulness to God, even in a foreign land. Tobit was diligent in observing the laws of Moses, particularly in his commitment to acts of charity and burial of the dead, which were considered highly virtuous deeds. Tobit 1:3-4 (NRSV) states, "I, Tobit, walked in the ways of truth and righteousness all the days of my life. I performed many acts of charity for my kindred and my people who had gone with me in exile to Nineveh in the land of the Assyrians."
Tobit’s dedication to his faith is further illustrated through his practice of giving alms, which is a recurring theme in the book. He consistently sets aside a portion of his income to help those in need, reflecting the biblical principle found in Proverbs 19:17 (NIV): "Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done."
However, Tobit’s life is not without suffering. One day, while performing a charitable act of burying a dead compatriot, Tobit becomes ritually unclean and is forced to sleep outside. During the night, as he lies under the open sky, sparrow droppings fall into his eyes, causing him to go blind. This affliction leads to a period of immense personal trial and despair. Tobit’s blindness renders him dependent on others and subjects him to ridicule and scorn. Despite this, Tobit’s faith does not waver. He prays earnestly for deliverance and remains hopeful that God will hear his plea.
Parallel to Tobit’s story is that of his kinswoman, Sarah, who lives in Media. Sarah is also suffering greatly, as she has been married seven times, and each of her husbands has been killed by the demon Asmodeus on their wedding night. Sarah’s plight drives her to the brink of despair, and she too prays for death as a release from her suffering. Her prayer and Tobit’s prayer ascend to God simultaneously, and God sends the angel Raphael to heal them both.
In response to his prayer, Tobit remembers that he has money left in trust with a relative in Media. He sends his son, Tobias, on a journey to retrieve these funds. Unbeknownst to Tobit and Tobias, the angel Raphael, disguised as a human, accompanies Tobias on his journey. Raphael’s guidance proves invaluable, as he leads Tobias to Sarah, whom Tobias marries. With Raphael’s help, Tobias is able to defeat the demon Asmodeus, thus freeing Sarah from her curse.
The journey also includes a miraculous event where Tobias catches a fish, and Raphael instructs him to use its gall to cure Tobit’s blindness. Upon returning home, Tobias applies the fish’s gall to his father’s eyes, and Tobit’s sight is restored. This miraculous healing is a testament to God’s providence and mercy, as reflected in Tobit’s prayer of thanksgiving in Tobit 11:14-15 (NRSV): "Blessed be God, and blessed be his great name, and blessed be all his holy angels. May his holy name be blessed throughout all the ages. Though he afflicted me, he has had mercy upon me."
The Book of Tobit concludes with Tobit’s final words of wisdom to his son, emphasizing the importance of righteousness, almsgiving, and faithfulness to God. Tobit’s life, marked by trials and divine intervention, serves as a powerful example of unwavering faith and the belief that God’s providence ultimately prevails.
The narrative of Tobit is rich with theological and moral lessons. It underscores the value of piety, the importance of family, and the power of prayer. Tobit’s story also highlights the concept of divine justice and mercy, showing that God is attentive to the prayers of the righteous and acts in their favor, even if His timing and methods are beyond human understanding.
Moreover, the book reflects the Jewish understanding of suffering and divine retribution. Tobit’s afflictions are not portrayed as punishments for sin but rather as trials that test and ultimately strengthen his faith. This aligns with the broader biblical theme found in the Book of Job and other wisdom literature, where suffering is often depicted as a means of spiritual growth and a testament to one’s faith.
From a Christian perspective, the story of Tobit can be seen as a precursor to the teachings of Jesus on charity, faith, and divine providence. Jesus Himself emphasized the importance of caring for the poor and trusting in God’s provision, as seen in passages like Matthew 6:25-34 (NIV), where He teaches about not worrying and relying on God’s care.
In conclusion, Tobit is a figure whose life exemplifies devout faith, resilience in the face of suffering, and unwavering trust in God’s providence. His story, though situated in a specific historical and cultural context, offers timeless lessons on the virtues of charity, prayer, and fidelity to God’s commandments. The Book of Tobit remains a cherished part of the biblical tradition for many Christians and continues to inspire readers with its profound spiritual insights and compelling narrative.
