THE BOOK OF TOBIT

-Cidroy Fernandes.
Introduction
Tobit is one of the OT books. Although it is included among the historical books, it is actually a
fictional story set in the eight century B. C. to encourage personal faith in God among pious Jews.
The story takes place after Assyria conquered the northern kingdom of Israel. It concerns two
individuals, Tobit, son of Tobiel, and Sarah, daughter of Raguel. Tobit is a member of the tribe of
Naphtali sent into exile to Nineveh, the capital of Assyria. Sarah lives in Media and is tormented by a
demon. God sends the archangel Raphael in disguise to help these pious Jews who struggle in
diaspora. In this paper, the author tries to unearth the historical background, the structure and
content, and the message of this book in today’s context.
Historical Context
The Book of Tobit was written around the beginning of the second century B.C.E. Alexander the
Great’s powerful sweep through the Near East had brought Palestine under his domination in 332
B.C.E. Alexander’s death in 323 resulted in a division of his territory, with Syria falling to the
Seleucids and Egypt to the Ptolemies. Palestine, a buffer zone between these major powers, was
controlled first by the Ptolemies and then, after 198 B.C.E., by the Seleucids. This Period was
marked by growing Hellenization. Greek customs were adopted, the Greek language became
common, and Greek cities were built with gymnasia and hippodromes.
Jewish response to Hellenization was mixed. Zealous Jews resisted every trace of Greek influence,
while others found ways to adapt to Greek philosophy and language to the service of Judaism. The
question of whether to adapt to Greek culture became crucial under the Seleucids, who began to
force what had been rather peaceful progress of Hellenization. The author of the Book of Tobit wrote
for Jews who were concerned about being faithful to God and who were questioning God’s fidelity
to them in the midst of this cultural turmoil.
Structure and Overview of the Book
i. Tobit’s Virtues and Trials: Tobit is described as a Godly man and a caring Israelite during difficult
times. As a child, he fled from those who worshipped Jeroboam’s golden calf. He gave alms to
the poor. He also buried the dead, an act which the king (Sennacherib) disliked and for which
Tobit was persecuted. During a festival when Tobit was about to eat a dinner, he discovers a dead
body outside his place. He brings the body in, fasts, buries it at night, and then eats again, with
fear and mourning. He continues this secret burial practices, despite his neighbors’ warnings of
the danger that he may face with the authorities. One night, while Tobit was sleeping, sparrow
droppings fell into his eyes. He was blind for 4 years and his wife had to earn their living by
doing women’s work. Despite this, Tobit continues to be fearful and reverent to God, rebuking
those who believe he should behave otherwise. One day, she was paid her wage and was also
given a young goat. But when she came home, Tobit heard the goat bleat and thought she had
stolen it and so told her to return it. She told him that it was given to her as a gift in addition to
her wages but he did not believe her and so they quarreled. Tobit, thinking of death, prays to God
for mercy so that his soul be delivered in peace.
ii. Sarah’s Tribulations: Sarah, a woman in Media, is rebuked by her dad’s maid because a demon had
killed all seven husbands whom she had married. She prays to God, praising Him and begs for
mercy and release from the shame, or she’d rather be dead. Both Tobit’s and Sarah’s prayers are
answered by God through archangel Raphael.
iii. Journey to Ecbatana: Also on the same day, Tobit suddenly remembered that 22 years ago, he had
left in trust some money with his friend Gabael at Rages in Media. Since he had prayed for death,
he realized that it would be wise for him to tell about this to his son Tobias before he died.
Tobias, on his journey is accompanied by archangel Raphael.
iv. Marriage of Tobias and Sarah: When they arrived in Ecbatana, they went to Raquel’s house. That
night at dinner, Tobias reminded Raphael to ask for Sarah’s hand in marriage from Raquel.
However, Raguel overheard this, so he told Tobias not to worry for he knew that no other man
had the right to marry his daughter and urged them to dine. However, Tobias denied eating until
Sarah was his wife. And so, Raguel made out a marriage contract given her to him as wife
according to the decree of the law of Moses.
v. Homecoming: As usual, Anna was watching the road and when she saw them coming, she leapt
with joy and called Tobit. When Tobit came out to meet them, Tobias went up to his father and
firmly held him. After which he blew the fish gall into his eyes saying, “Take courage father”
and he applied it on his eyes. And suddenly, Tobit regained his sight and he praised God. Tobias
told his father that he had brought back the money and also, he had married Raguel’s daughter.
The people there noticed that Tobit’s sight had been returned to him and they were astonished
and in their presence itself, Tobit acknowledged God’s mercy to him and restored his sight.
vi. Tobit’s Prayer: And so from then on, they continued singing and praising God and Tobit gave
thanks to the God for everything.
vii. Epilogue: Tobit died in peace when he was 112 years old. After recovering his sight, he lived in
prosperity, giving alms and continually blessing God and acknowledging God’s splendor. Before
he died, he called Tobias and his seven sons and asked them to go to Nineveh for the prophecies
foretold that it would no longer be safe to stay there. Tobias inherited both the property of Raguel
and his own father Tobit and he died at the age of 117 years. Before he died, he heard of the
destruction of Nineveh.
Message for Today
1. The importance of praying: In the entire Book of Tobit we see all the people praying. And each of
them began their prayer by Blessing the Lord’s holy name. We are called to be persons of prayer.
Without prayer we can do nothing. The life of Tobit is an inspiration for all of us to praise God for
everything at all times.
2. Works of mercy: Even before Jesus’ coming, Tobit practiced works of mercy like giving food to the
hungry, clothing the naked, burying of the dead, etc. As priests and seminarians we too are called to
be leaders of both prayer and action. For we know, Jas 2:17 says faith without works is dead. As we
pray, so do we need to be men of action.
3. Unconditional fidelity and trust: Tobit was faithful to only one true God. He did not worship
Assyrian Gods like other Israelites. Despite his blindness, he remained faithful to God. He trusted
God for everything. As we live our life, let us remain faithful to the teachings of Christ and the
Church. Trust Jesus and he will never break your trust.
Conclusion
Tobit provided Jews who lived in the Diaspora hope that their lives were not being lived in vain.
Maintaining Jewish identity in the dispersion was no simple matter. They faced many challenges,
especially from the surrounding pagan cultures. Tobit also extended the hope that Jerusalem would one
day gather Jews together again. You never know when the stranger in your midst might be just right
“angel” to help you. In our uncertain times, the book of Tobit is a good example to rely on.
Bibliography
 Nowell, Irene. “Jonah, Tobit, Judith: Collegeville Bible Commentary”, (Mumbai: St. Paul Press
Training School), 2001.
 Witherup, Ronald D. “The Bible Companion: A Handbook for Beginners”, (Bangalore: Claretian
Publications), 1999.
 Ed. Brown, Raymond E., Joseph Fitzmyer, Ronald Murphy, “The Jerome Biblical
Commentary”, (London: Geoffrey Chapman), 1970.