1 As they proceeded on their way they came to the river Tigris, and they camped there.
2 And when the young man went down to wash, a fish leaped out of the river and would have swallowed him.
3 And the angel answered him, “Three days’ journey from here, you will find a man named Raguel, one of our relatives. He has a daughter named Sarah.
4 So the young man did as the angel commanded him and when they had roasted the fish, they ate it. Then they both continued on their way until they came near to Ecbatana.
5 So the young man did as the angel commanded him; when they had roasted the fish, they ate it. Then they both continued on their way until they came near to Ecbatana.
6 And the young man said to the angel, “Brother Azariah, of what use is the heart and the liver and the gallbladder of the fish?”
7 And he said to him, “Take hold of the fish.” So he took hold of the fish, and drew it to the land.
8 And the angel answered and said to him, “I will go with you, and I am the one who knows the way.”
9 And when they had gone out and closed the door of the room and left Tobias alone, she went into him and began to say, “Do not be afraid, my child, for the food you eat is good.
10 Then the angel said to him, “Take out the entrails of this fish, and lay up its heart and its gall and its liver for yourself; for these are necessary for useful medicines.”
11 And the demon, smelling the odor, fled to the remotest parts of Egypt, and the angel bound him.
12 And the demon will smell it and flee, and will never return again.
13 Then the young man said to the angel, “Brother Azariah, of what use is the liver and heart and gall of the fish?”
14 Then the young man said to the angel, “Brother Azariah, of what use is the liver and heart and gall of the fish?”
15 Do not be afraid, for she was set apart for you before the world existed. You will save her, and she will go with you. And I suppose that you will have children by her, and they will be as brothers to you. Go now to your own house this very day, and your father’s estate will be given to you when my wife and I die.
16 And when you enter the wedding chamber, you shall take the fish’s liver and heart, and put them on the embers of the incense, and an odor will be given off.
17 Then the angel said to him, “Do you not remember the words with which your father commanded you to take a wife from among your own people? Now listen to me, brother, for she will become your wife; and do not worry about the demon, for this very night she will be given to you in marriage.
18 Then the angel said to him, “Do you not remember the words with which your father commanded you to take a wife from among your own people? Now listen to me, brother, for she will become your wife; and do not worry about the demon, for this very night she will be given to you in marriage.
The True Meaning of Tobit 6
The Book of Tobit is believed to have been written in the 2nd century BC, during a time of great upheaval for the Jewish people. The author, whose identity remains unknown, crafts a captivating narrative that weaves together themes of faith, family, and the unseen hand of divine providence. Tobias, the son of Tobit, ventures forth to retrieve a sum of money owed to his father in this chapter. Accompanied by the angel Raphael in disguise, Tobias embarks on an adventure filled with both peril and divine intervention. The events that unfold foreshadow the pivotal role Tobias will play in the restoration of his family’s fortunes, as well as the unfolding of God’s plan for their lives. As we delve into this chapter, the Psalmist declared, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1). The story of Tobit and his family reminds us that even in the midst of life’s challenges, God’s guiding hand is ever-present, directing our steps and providing for our needs.
Tobit 6:1-3
Tobit sends his son Tobias to Media in Tobit 6:1-3, entrusting him with a specific task. Tobit instructs Tobias to go on a journey, seeking a trustworthy companion for the journey. The angel Raphael guides Tobias on his journey, though Tobias is unaware of the angel’s true identity at this point.
This passage highlights a significant theme of guidance and trust in the book of Tobit. Tobit’s decision to trust his son Tobias with this important task is a reflection of the trust he places in God to protect and guide his son. This act of sending Tobias on a journey also mirrors the journeys of faith and obedience found throughout the Bible. For example, Abraham was called to leave his homeland and go to a place that God would show him (Genesis 12:1), and Moses led the Israelites on a journey through the wilderness towards the promised land.
The presence of the angel Raphael in this story adds a supernatural element to Tobias’ journey. Angels often appear in the Bible as messengers of God, guiding and protecting individuals. Raphael plays a crucial role in the success of Tobias’ journey by protecting him from harm and leading him to his destination. This interaction between Tobias and the angel Raphael serves as a reminder of God’s providential care for His people, even when they are unaware of the spiritual forces at work around them. These verses remind us of the importance of trust and obedience in our own journeys of faith as we reflect on them. We too can entrust our loved ones and ourselves to God’s guidance and protection, just as Tobit trusted his son Tobias to God’s care. The presence of the angel Raphael reminds us that God often works behind the scenes, orchestrating events for our good and leading us on paths we may not always understand. We can walk confidently in the knowledge that He is with us every step of the way by following God’s guidance, even when it seems mysterious or challenging.
Tobit 6:4-8
Several important sections in Tobit 6:4-8 can be analyzed for deeper meaning and significance within the context of this passage. Let’s break it down step by step:
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“So the young man went to catch the fish. But the angel said to him, ‘Cut open the fish and take out its gall, heart, and liver, and keep them with you.’ So the young man did as the angel told him. Then they roasted and ate the fish together. And they both continued on their way until they came near to Media. The angel instructs Tobias to catch a fish and then specifically instructs him to take out its gall, heart, and liver in this section. This act of obedience by Tobias to follow the angel’s instructions is significant, as it shows his trust and faith in the divine guidance he is receiving. The act of roasting and eating the fish together also symbolizes a sense of companionship and shared sustenance between Tobias and the angel during their journey. This concept of divine guidance and obedience to God’s messengers is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, highlighting the importance of faith and trust in following God’s will.
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“Then the young man asked the angel this question: ‘Brother Azariah, what medicinal value is there in the fish’s heart, liver, and gall? You must burn the fish’s heart and liver to make a smoke in the presence of a man or woman afflicted by a demon or evil spirit, and every affliction will flee away and never remain with that person any longer. Anoint a person’s eyes where white films have appeared on them with the gall. Blow upon them, upon the white films, and the person will be cured. Tobias queries the angel about the medicinal properties of the fish’s organs in this section. The angel, known as Azariah, provides Tobias with specific instructions on how these organs can be used to drive away demons or evil spirits and cure ailments. This passage demonstrates the belief in the power of God to provide healing through natural elements, as well as the intermediary role of angels as messengers of divine intervention. It aligns with other verses in the Bible that emphasize the power of faith in healing, such as James 5:14-15 which encourages the sick to call on the elders of the church for prayer and anointing with oil in the name of the Lord.
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“When they entered Media and were getting close to Ecbatana, Raphael said, ‘Brother Tobias.’ He answered, ‘Yes, what is it?’ Raphael said, ‘Tonight we must stay with Raguel, who is a relative of yours. He has a daughter named Sarah, but no other child except her. You are her closest relative and are entitled to her inheritance. She is a very good, sensible, and beautiful girl, and her father loves her dearly. You also have the right to marry her. So listen to me, brother. Tonight I will talk to her father about giving her to you as your wife.”
This final section introduces a crucial plot point in the story, where Raphael reveals to Tobias that he is to marry Sarah, a relative of his in Media. This revelation sets the stage for the unfolding of a complex and challenging situation that Tobias will face in his journey. The mention of Sarah being plagued by a curse that leads to the death of her previous suitors is a central conflict in the narrative, illustrating the themes of faith, perseverance, and divine intervention. This plotline is reminiscent of other biblical stories where characters face trials and tribulations before experiencing God’s ultimate deliverance, such as the story of Job or the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness. Tobit 6:4-8 contains layers of significance that resonate with broader biblical themes of faith, obedience, divine healing, and the importance of trusting in God’s plan even in the face of adversity. Tobias’s journey with the angel Azariah (Raphael) serves as a metaphor for the believer’s journey through life, where challenges are met with faith and guidance from above. The timeless messages of perseverance, trust in God’s providence, and the ultimate triumph of good over evil vividly portray the spiritual journey of individuals seeking to follow God’s will in a fallen world as Tobias faces the trials associated with his marriage to Sarah.
Tobit 6:9-13
Tobias and the archangel Raphael journey towards Media in Tobit 6:9-13, with Tobias not aware that he is in the presence of an angel sent by God to guide and protect him. Raphael advises Tobias to catch a fish and keep its heart, liver, and gall as they approach the Tigris River. Upon catching the fish, Tobias follows Raphael’s instructions meticulously, removing the organs and preserving them.
This passage holds significant symbolism and teachings for readers. The act of catching the fish and preserving its organs points towards the importance of faithful obedience even in seemingly trivial tasks. Tobias epitomizes trust and faith in God’s plan by following Raphael’s guidance without question, demonstrating that obedience, no matter how small the task, can lead to great blessings.
Raphael’s instructions to Tobias to keep the fish’s heart, liver, and gall have symbolic meaning as well. The heart, considered the center of life in ancient times, may represent love and devotion in one’s journey. The liver, known for its role in purification and detoxification, could symbolize the need for inner cleansing or repentance. Lastly, the gall, which is associated with bitterness and gallbladder dysfunction, could signify the need to confront and overcome challenges and obstacles with courage and resilience.
This episode in Tobit is reminiscent of other instances in the Bible where obedient actions result in divine intervention and blessings. Noah’s obedience to God’s instructions in the story of building the ark in Genesis leads to the preservation of his family and the continuation of life after the flood. Similarly, in the New Testament, the obedience of Mary, the mother of Jesus, to become the mother of the Savior demonstrates the profound blessings that result from submitting to God’s will. Readers reflecting on Tobit 6:9-13 are encouraged to consider the depth of their own obedience to God’s guidance in their lives. Our obedience to God’s commands can lead to unexpected blessings and miracles in our own lives, just as Tobias’s obedience led to the healing of his father Tobit’s blindness and the protection of his journey. This passage reminds us of the power of faith, trust, and obedience in God’s plan, even in the midst of challenges and uncertainties.
Tobit 6:14-18
Tobiah, the son of Tobit, is on a journey accompanied by the angel Raphael in disguise in Tobit 6:14-18. They make a stop by a river where Tobiah decides to catch a fish. The angel instructs him to catch the fish and keep its heart, liver, and gall. The rest of the fish is to be discarded. Tobiah does as he is told, and as he takes out the fish’s heart and liver to roast them, the smell attracts a demon named Asmodeus who has been plaguing Sarah, the daughter of Raguel, causing the deaths of seven men who were to marry her.
This part of the story is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it showcases the important role that the angel Raphael plays in guiding Tobiah and protecting him on his journey. Throughout the Book of Tobit, we see how God sends Raphael to heal Tobit’s blindness and guide Tobiah in his quest to retrieve money that Tobit had left in trust. This demonstrates God’s care for His people and how He provides assistance in times of need through His messengers.
Secondly, the encounter with Asmodeus sheds light on the concept of evil spirits in the Bible. Asmodeus is portrayed as a demon with the power to inflict harm and prevent happiness, as seen in his actions towards Sarah. This aligns with other instances in the Bible where demons are depicted as malevolent beings that seek to disrupt God’s plans and harm His children. The presence of evil in the world is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, and it serves as a reminder of the constant spiritual battle between good and evil.
Furthermore, the instructions given to Tobiah regarding the fish and the role it plays in driving away Asmodeus symbolize the importance of obedience and faith in God’s commands. Tobiah’s willingness to follow the angel’s guidance leads to the vanquishing of the demon and sets the stage for the future union of Tobiah and Sarah, illustrating how obedience to God’s will can lead to blessings and deliverance from evil.
This passage in Tobit 6:14-18 not only advances the narrative of Tobit’s journey but also provides valuable insights into themes of divine protection, spiritual warfare, and the rewards of obedience in the face of adversity. It reminds readers of God’s sovereignty over all things, His power to overcome evil, and the importance of trusting in His guidance even in the midst of challenges.
After Tobit 6
The young man Tobias had now completed his journey and returned home safely. He had faced many challenges along the way, but with the guidance of the angel Raphael, he had overcome them all. Tobias filled his family with joy and gratitude as he recounted his adventures.
Yet, the story was far from over. For Tobias had brought with him a powerful secret that would soon change the course of their lives forever. The next chapter would reveal the true purpose of his journey, and the profound impact it would have on the family’s future.
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.