I am Tobit and this is the story of my life. My father was Tobiel, my grandfather was Ananiel, and my great-grandfather was Aduel. Aduel's father was Gabael; his grandfather was Raphael; and his great-grandfather was Raguel, who belonged to the clan of Asiel, a part of the tribe of Naphtali.

Tobit's Early Life

All my life I have been honest and have tried to do what was right. I often gave money to help needy relatives and other Jews who had been deported with me to Nineveh, the capital of Assyria.

Tobit's Faithfulness to His Religion

I was the only one in my family who regularly went to Jerusalem to celebrate the religious festivals, as the Law of Moses commands everyone to do. I would hurry off to Jerusalem with the first part of my harvest, the first-born of my animals, a tenth of my cattle, and the freshly clipped wool from my sheep. Then I would stand before the altar in the Temple, and give these offerings to the priests, the descendants of Aaron.

Tobit's Faithfulness in Exile

When I grew up, I married Anna, a member of my own tribe. We had a son and named him Tobias.

Tobit Buries the Dead

While Shalmaneser was still emperor, I took good care of my own people whenever they were in need.

Tobit's Nephew Rescues Him

About six weeks later, two of Sennacherib's sons assassinated him and then escaped to the mountains of Ararat. Another son, Esarhaddon, became emperor and put Ahikar, my brother Anael's son, in charge of all the financial affairs of the empire.

Tobit Is Blinded

That night I washed, so as to purify myself, and went out into my courtyard to sleep by the wall. It was a hot night, and I did not pull the cover up over my head.

Tobit's Prayer

I was so embarrassed and ashamed that I sighed and began to cry. Then, as I choked back my tears, I prayed:

God Hears the Prayers of Tobit and Sarah

As Tobit and Sarah were praying, God in heaven heard their prayers

and sent his angel Raphael to help them. He was sent to remove the white film from Tobit's eyes, so that he could see again, and to arrange a marriage between Sarah and Tobit's son Tobias, who, as her cousin, had the right to marry her. Raphael was also ordered to expel the demon Asmodeus from Sarah. At the very moment that Tobit went back into his house from the courtyard, Sarah, in her house in Ecbatana, was coming downstairs.

Tobit's Advice to Tobias

That same day, Tobit remembered the money that he had left with Gabael at Rages in Media.

So Tobit called Tobias and said to him, Son, when I die, give me a proper burial. And after I'm gone, show respect to your mother. Take care of her for the rest of her life, and when she dies, bury her beside me. Remember, she risked her life to bring you into this world, so try to make her happy and never do anything that would worry her.

Tobit replied, Gabael and I both signed a document. I then tore it in two, and we each took a half. I put his half with the money. That was twenty years ago! Now, go and find a reliable person to travel with you to Media and back, and we will pay him when you return. But you must get the money that I left with Gabael.

Tobias went in and told his father, I have found an Israelite to travel with me. Call the man in, Tobit replied. I would like to know what family and tribe he belongs to, and whether he is a reliable traveling companion for you.

Tobit Meets Raphael

So Tobias went out and called to Raphael, My father would like to meet you. When Raphael came in, Tobit greeted him first. Then Raphael returned the greeting, I hope all is well with you. But Tobit replied, How can all be well with me? I'm blind and can't see a thing. It's like being dead and no longer able to see the light. I might as well be dead! I can hear people talking, but I can't see them. Cheer up! Raphael said to him. God is going to cure you soon, so don't worry! Tobit then said, My son Tobias wants to go to Media. Can you go with him and show him the way? I will pay you, of course. Raphael replied, Certainly I can go with him. I have traveled there many times and I know all the roads in the mountains and on the plains.

Tobit questioned him further, Tell me, my friend, what family and tribe do you belong to?

But Raphael asked, Why do you need to know that? Tell me the truth, said Tobit. What is your name, and who are you?

Then Tobit said to him, Welcome to our home! God bless you, my son. Please don't be offended because I wanted to know the truth about you and your family. As it turns out, you are from a good family and a relative at that! I knew Ananias and Nathan, the two sons of the older Shemaiah. They were always loyal to their religion. We used to travel together to Jerusalem and worship there. Your relatives are fine people, and you come from good stock. Have a safe journey.

Tobit continued, I will pay the normal daily wage plus expenses for both of you.

I will go with him, Raphael said. And don't worry; we will get there and back safely. The roads are not dangerous. God be with you! Tobit replied. Then he called Tobias and said to him, Son, get everything ready that you need for the journey, so that the two of you can be on your way. May God and his angel watch over you both and bring you back to me safe and sound. Before leaving for Media, Tobias kissed his father and mother good-bye. Tobit said again, Have a safe journey!

Calm down, Tobit said to her. He will get there and back safely, and with your own eyes you will see him return home safe and sound.

and said to his wife Edna, Doesn't this young man look just like my cousin Tobit?

Edna said, Do you know our cousin Tobit? We certainly do know him, they answered. How is he? she asked.

He is alive and well, they replied. Then Tobias added, Tobit is my father.

His wife Edna and his daughter Sarah also wept for Tobit. Raguel gave Tobias and Raphael a warm welcome and had one of his rams slaughtered. After the guests had bathed and were about to sit down to eat, Tobias said to Raphael, Azarias, my friend, when are you going to ask Raguel to let me marry Sarah?

So Raphael and the four servants went to Rages in Media, where they stayed at Gabael's house. Raphael gave him the signed document and told him that Tobit's son Tobias had recently married, and that Gabael was invited to the wedding feast. At once Gabael counted out the bags of money, which were still sealed, and they loaded them on the camels.