SUMMARY OF THE BOOK OF TOBIT

OVERVIEW
The Book of Tobit, names 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. 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 was probably written early in the second century B.C.; it is not known
where.

SUMMARY
There was a man named Tobit who was the descendant of Asiel of the tribe of Naphtali.
He was a holy, noble and just man, an Israelite who lived in exile in Nineveh, in the land of
Assyrians. He had a wife, Anna and they had a son named Tobiah. In spite of his fidelity and
righteousness, Tobit was still being tested by God. He suffered from blindness which he got from
the sparrow droppings. No one can cure him so he was completely blind for four years and that
made his wife work for them. His blindness or incapability, his wife getting to work and other
miseries made him pray for death.

On the same hand, in Ecbatana in Media, there was a girl named Sarah, the daughter of
Raguel and Edna who had already been married off to seven times but all of the seven husbands
have been killed by Asmodeus, the demon whos believed to be a lover or admirer of Sarah. The
people blamed Sarah for killing her husbands that made her want to end her life. But instead of
having a suicidal attempt, she entrusted her life to the Lord because she didnt want also to put

her parents in grief if ever she continued the suicide. Upon hearing the prayers of Tobit and
Sarah, Lord sent Angel Raphael to heal them.

When Tobit reflected on his prayer for death, he immediately told Tobiah about the
money he had left to Gabael in Rages in Media before he died. Tobiah instantaneously responded
to his fathers instructions. Angel Raphael became Azariah in human form, whos been the
trusted company of Tobiah in his journey to Media. As they spent a night in Tigris River, Tobiah
caught the large fish who attempted to swallow him. He got the gall, heart and liver and kept it
for medicine as what Azariah told him to do. The heart and liver are for the demon and the gall is
for the blind. On the continuation of their journey, Azariah opened up to Tobiah about getting
married to Sarah, the daughter of Raguel whos the closest relative of Tobit. When they reached
the Ecbatania, they stayed at Raguels house. They traced their lineage together and ended in
arrangement of a wedding feast. After the conversation, Tobiah did what Azariah told him to cast
the demon away and it was successful. He and Sarah prayed and implored for the Lords mercy
and safety, and after that went to sleep.

The following day was Tobiah and Sarahs wedding feast. As Tobiah had promised to
Raguel not to leave after 14 days, he asked Azariah to proceed to Gabael in Rages, get the money
and bring Gabael with him in their return to attend the celebration. After the promised days,
Tobiah together with Sarah and his possessions from Raguel went back to Nineveh. He
gracefully approached his parents and did immediately the medication for his fathers blindness.
Then, he blissfully introduced Sarah to them. Tobit made a wedding feast for his children.
Azariah revealed his real identity to Tobit and Tobiah and told them to continue to praise God.

REFLECTION
The book of Tobit simple relay that God is both just and free. Suffering is not a
punishment but a test (Tobits blindness and Sarahs misery). God in the long run does reward
the just and punish the wicked (demon). The believer is called upon to trust God and live his
way. The book is rich in principle, and presents the sanctity of marriage, intercession through
Angels, reward of good works, and parental respect, as well as the importance of prayer in our
daily lives, fasting, and especially almsgiving in expiation of sin (12:9). Raphael reveals himself
in a fascinating statement in Chapter 12, as the angel Raphael, one of the seven who stand
before the Lord (12:15).

As Ive read this, the story got my heart and taught me many things. This story didnt
focus in a single theme only. It is a one story with multiple themes that makes it more interesting
and overwhelming that once you read, you will be so grateful to the Lord. The book of Tobit
made me realized the real meaning and importance of faith, prayer (3:1-6; 3:11-15; 8:5-8; 8:1517; 11:14-15; 13:1-18), fasting (12:8-10), marriage (7:11), charitable works (1; 2:-7)), parental
respect and advises (3:10; 4; 5:1), expulsion of evil (8:2-3), healing (8:20; 11:11-13) and etc.

I admit that I was touched by this book because I can relate to the different scenario
happened in the story. First thing is with the attitude of Tobit. Gracefully, I was blessed to be
educated in catholic school since my preschool to college (except elementary in public school
but we have catechism there so its almost the same). With this, I can say that I am almost
molded as a Christ-centered person but not so perfect due to temptations. But most of the times, I
end each day of my life asking for Gods forgiveness and doing some fasting and absolution

sometimes. But as Ive read this story, it reminds me of the greatness of fasting and absolution. I
regret all the times that I spent my money for food that I had spoiled myself in eating for many
times in a day than to give those street people asking for alms. I regret that Im living with
gluttony most of the time which I think the cause of my physical figure today as I got chubbier.
This might be my punishment but as what this book of Tobit says, punishment is just a test. I will
help myself, others and continue to praise and serve God.

Another situation is the charitable works and reverence to the parents. In charitable
works, Im serving now in a CFC-YFC program of Cornerstone every Saturday wherein I
volunteered as a tutor for those kids who belong to bottom class or those students who still cant
read. Teaching those kids made me happier especially when they are improving. They are like
angels sent by God. With that, I realized that its not just a one way reaching out as we; the
volunteers spend time to teach the students. Indeed, its a two way process because being a tutor,
I am learning a lot from them, too. God is really a just God. In my reverence to my parents, it is
somehow getting ill but thank God for this opportunity of reading this book. This reminded me
of my role as a child to my parents who never put me in danger. They are indeed people of
advises or instructions like Tobit but following them is like following and believing God.

Lastly, I can relate to the prayerful life of the characters. As Ive read their prayers, I was
surprised and overwhelmed on how they prayed. Its really a meaningful and passionate one.
They just entrust everything to the Lord not like me that full of favors mostly but gratitude and
repent are also there. This story inspired me more to be a prayerful and obedient child of God.
Above all, I am inspired to keep my faith stronger and live my life simply in Gods love and will.