Tobit

Tobit 1

Tobit recounts his life story from a young age in Israel to being taken captive by Enemessar king of the Assyrians. He describes how he continued to follow God's laws, even after being exiled to Nineveh, and performed many acts of kindness for his brethren. Tobit also shares how he was forced to flee due to accusations made against him.

Tobit 2

Tobit returns home from his journey and is welcomed back by his family during the feast of Pentecost. He learns that a poor man has been strangled in the marketplace and decides to secretly bury him before eating dinner. Tobit's neighbors mock him for this action, but he continues to show kindness to those in need.

Tobit 3

Tobit prays for death due to suffering and shame, while in Ecbatane, Sara is reproached by her father's maids for her seven dead husbands. Both pray for relief, and their prayers are heard by God. Raphael is sent to heal Tobit and give Sara to Tobias as his wife.

Tobit 4

Tobit gives final instructions to his son Tobias before he dies. He advises him on how to live a virtuous life, including being generous with alms, treating others fairly, and avoiding immorality. Tobit also reminds Tobias of the money he had committed to Gabael in Rages of Media.

Tobit 5

Tobit sends Tobias to Rages to collect a debt from Gabael, but first, he needs a trustworthy companion for the journey. He finds Raphael, an angel who agrees to accompany Tobias and knows the way well. Meanwhile, Tobit's wife Anna is worried about their son's safety.

Tobit 6

Tobit's son Tobias is on a journey with the angel Azarias, who helps him escape danger at the river Tigris. They then arrive in Rages, where Tobias meets his future wife Sara and learns of a wicked spirit that has caused previous suitors to die. The angel provides guidance on how to protect himself from this evil spirit.

Tobit 7

Tobias meets Raguel's family in Ecbatane, where he is greeted warmly by Raguel, his wife Edna, and their daughter Sara. Raguel reveals that Sara has been married seven times before, but all her husbands died on their wedding night. Tobias agrees to marry Sara after swearing an oath with Raguel.

Tobit 8

Tobias and Sarah sleep together after making a prayer for God's mercy. Raguel, Sarah's father, is relieved that Tobias is still alive and thanks God for his mercy. The chapter concludes with Raguel keeping the wedding feast for 14 days.

Tobit 9

Tobias sends Raphael to Rages of Media to retrieve money from Gabael for the wedding, as Raguel has sworn that Tobias cannot depart until it is repaid. Meanwhile, Tobias's father worries about his son's prolonged absence. The chapter concludes with Tobias blessing his new wife.

Tobit 10

Tobit's wife anxiously awaits news from their son Tobias, who is staying with Raguel for a wedding. When news finally arrives that the fourteen-day celebration has ended, Tobit and his wife urge Tobias to return home. Meanwhile, Raguel gives Sara, his daughter, to Tobias as his wife, along with half of his goods and wealth.

Tobit 11

Tobias returns home to find that his father Tobit has regained his sight after being anointed with the gall of a fish. The family rejoices and celebrates the miraculous healing, and they welcome Sara back into their home. Tobias' wedding is also celebrated with great joy.

Tobit 12

Tobit thanks Tobias for his good deeds and reveals that he is an angel sent by God to heal Tobit and his daughter-in-law Sara. The angel explains that he has been with them throughout their journey, observing their prayers and good works. He instructs them to praise God and write down the events of their encounter.

Tobit 13

Tobit writes a prayer of rejoicing, praising God's power to both scourge and show mercy. He encourages the Israelites to confess God's greatness before all nations and deal uprightly with Him. The chapter concludes with Tobit's vision of Jerusalem's future glory, where it will be rebuilt with precious stones and its people will rejoice in peace.

Tobit 14

Tobit, now an elderly man, calls his son to pass on his belongings and shares his wisdom about the future of Jerusalem and the world. He warns his son about the impending destruction of Nineveh and advises him to keep the law and show mercy to others. Tobit dies at age 153, but not before hearing news of Nineveh's destruction.