Written most likely in Aramaic, the original of the book was lost for centuries. The book makes Tobit a relative of Ahiqar, a noted hero of ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature and folklore. 4:3– 19, 21 12:6– 10 14:7, 9) as well as standard wisdom themes: fidelity to the law, intercessory function of angels, piety toward parents, purity of marriage, reverence for the dead, and the value of almsgiving, prayer, and fasting. It contains numerous maxims like those found in the wisdom books (cf. The seemingly historical data, names of kings, cities, etc., are used as vivid details not only to create interest and charm, but also to illustrate the negative side of the theory of retribution: the wicked are indeed punished.Īlthough the Book of Tobit is usually listed with the historical books, it more correctly stands midway between them and the wisdom literature. The inspired author of the book used the literary form of religious novel (as in Esther and Judith) for the purpose of instruction and edification. After Tobiah buries his father and mother, he and his family depart for Media, where he later learns that the destruction of Nineveh has taken place. Before dying, Tobit tells his son to leave Nineveh because God will destroy that wicked city. Tobit then utters his beautiful hymn of praise. Finally, Raphael reveals his true identity and returns to heaven. Returning to Nineveh with his wife and his father’s money, Tobiah rubs the fish’s gall into his father’s eyes and cures him. Later, at Raphael’s urging, Tobiah marries Sarah, and uses the fish’s heart and liver to drive Asmodeus from the bridal chamber. When Tobiah is attacked by a large fish as he bathes in the Tigris River, Raphael orders him to seize it and to remove its gall, heart, and liver because they are useful for medicine. Raphael makes the trip to Media with Tobiah. God hears the prayers of Tobit and Sarah and sends the angel Raphael in human form to aid them both. In Media, at this same time, a young woman, Sarah, also prays for death, because she has lost seven husbands, each killed in turn on his wedding night by the demon Asmodeus. But recalling the large sum he had formerly deposited in far-off Media, he sends his son Tobiah there to bring back the money. Because of his misfortunes he begs the Lord to let him die. Tobit, a devout and wealthy Israelite living among the captives deported to Nineveh from the Northern Kingdom of Israel in 722/721 B.C., suffers severe reverses and is finally blinded. The book was probably written early in the second century B.C.
Prayers, psalms, and words of wisdom, as well as the skillfully constructed story itself, provide valuable insights into the faith and the religious milieu of its unknown author. The Book of Tobit, named after its principal character, combines Jewish piety and morality with folklore in a fascinating story that has enjoyed wide popularity in both Jewish and Christian circles.
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