Tobit: A Man saved by Angel (Raphael)

The Book of Tobit is an Apocryphal book, which Protestant denominations do not believe to be canonical Scripture but which the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church do.

Tobit, a Jewish man living in exile in the Assyrian city of Nineveh, is the protagonist of the book. Tobit is a just man who experiences poverty and bird dropping-induced blindness. He sends the angel Raphael in disguise along with his son Tobias to Media to collect money from a relative. Along the way, Tobias weds Sarah, a woman who had endured the wrath of the demon Asmodeus. Tobias is able to expel the demon and restore peace thanks to Raphael, who revealed his actual identity.

Raphael is sent by God to assist Tobit and his family as per the Book of Tobit. He first manifests as a human guide who assists Tobit's son Tobias in his quest to recoup a loan owed to a relative in Media. Raphael assists Tobias in a number of ways along the way:

• He keeps Tobias safe by teaching him how to catch fish responsibly and alerting him to a fish that could hurt him. By burning the fish's heart and liver and creating a smoke with them, he also aids him in defeating the demon Asmodeus, who had been afflicting Tobit's future daughter-in-law Sarah.

• Raphael advises Tobias to wed Sarah and assists him in overcoming the demon that had been preventing them from getting married. He also supports Tobias in his marriage.

• Raphael reveals his actual nature as an angel and instructs Tobit to use the fish gall to anoint his eyes in order to help him restore his sight once Tobias comes home. The moment Raphael vanishes, Tobit regains his vision.

Numerous themes and teachings from the book of Tobit can be applied to modern life. We can learn the following things from the book:

• The value of charitable giving and aiding the needy is emphasized in the book. Tobit sets an example by being a kind giver, even when it puts him in a difficult financial situation.

• Power of prayer and fasting: Because of the assistance of the angel Raphael who was given to Tobit through prayer, Tobit's prayers are fulfilled, and his son Tobias is able to successfully finish a voyage and marry a suitable woman, Sarah, the daughter of Raguel.

• Repentance and humility: Tobit is a humble and regretful guy who owns up to his errors and asks for pardon.

• Observing the laws: Tobit takes care to abide by the laws of God, and he serves as an example for others to do the same.

• Family ties: The book also emphasises the value of preserving strong and enduring family ties, such as the marriage ties between Tobias and Sarah and the loyalty of Tobit and Tobias to one another.

• A righteous life has value because it will bring blessings and rewards in this life as well as the next, according to the book of Tobit.

In response to his pleas, God sent an angel to help him and his family. The parable of Tobit shows that God is aware of the needs of those who live moral lives and are obedient to Him, and that He will assist them when they are in need.

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Writer - Hiteshi Chauhan