The Book of Book of Tobit is a story from the Old Testament that teaches about faith, family, prayer, charity, and God’s guidance.

The main character in this apocryphal tale, Tobit, was a faithful Israelite from the tribe of Naphtali. He lived during the exile in Assyria under the kingship of ........ Though he lived far from Jerusalem in the city of .........., he continued to obey God’s laws and to follow his commandments. Tobit was a charitable and generous sould who gave money to the poor, fed the hungry, and buried dead, all of which were frowned upon under the circumstances. Because of his evident faithfulness under the harsh leadership of ...... , many people disliked him, and he personally faced many hardships.

One day, after burying a dead man, Tobit slept outside his house, near a wall and while he was sleeping, bird droppings fell into his eyes and made him blind. Added to his present woes the onset of blindness he and his family suffered greatly. Tobit became discouraged and prayed to God, asking for relief from his misery. At the same time, far away in another city, a young woman named Sarah was simultaneously praying for help.

Sarah had experienced terrible sadness since she has been married seven times, but each husband died on the wedding night before the marriage could be completed. A demon named Asmodeus had been killing the husbands out of jealousy. Sarah was mocked by others and became deeply depressed. Like Tobit, she prayed to God for mercy.

God heard both prayers and sent the arch-angel Raphael to help them, though neither was aware of his status and mission. Raphael disguised himself as a human traveler named Azariah.

Before Tobit became blind, he had left some money with a relative living in Media and since he no longer had the capacity to travel, he dispatched his son, Tobias, to collect it. Tobias agrees, and Raphael joins him as his guide and companion.

During their journey, an important event took place. While Tobias is washing his feet in the Tigris River, a large fish attacked him. Raphael suggested to Tobias that he catch the fish and save its heart, liver, and gall, later explaining that the heart and liver can drive away demons, and that the gall can cure blindness.

As they continued their journey, Raphael teld Tobias of Sarah and encouraged him to marry her because she is a relative and a good woman. Tobias is, with good reason, afraid due to what happened to her previous husbands. Raphael assured him not to fear. When Tobias arrived in ......., he duly marries Sarah and on their wedding night, Tobias burns the fish’s heart and liver as Raphael instructed. The smell drives away the demon Asmodeus, and Raphael captured the demon so it could no longer harm anyone.

Tobias and Sarah prayed together, asking God to bless their marriage. Their prayer is one of the most famous parts of the story. It highlights their great trust in God and the importance of a love based on faith rather than selfish desire. God protects them, and for the first time Sarah’s marriage succeeds.

After staying with Sarah’s family for a time, Tobias collected the money and began the journey home with Sarah and Raphael. On their arrival back in ......., Tobias used the fish gall on Tobit’s eyes. His blindness is healed, and Tobit is overjoyed to see again. The whole family praises God for His mercy and goodness.

At the end of the story, Raphael reveals his true identity as one of the angels who stand before God. He explains that God sent him because of Tobit’s acts of charity and because of the prayers of Tobit and Sarah. Raphael tells them to continue thanking and praising God. Then he disappears.

Before his death, Tobit gives advice to Tobias. He tells his son to remain faithful to God, give generously to the poor, to act honestly, and avoid sin. Tobit also speaks prophetically about the future destruction and restoration of Jerusalem.

The Book of Tobit teaches several important lessons. First, it shows that God listens to prayers, even during suffering. Second, it emphasizes charity and care for others, especially the poor and the dead. Third, it highlights the importance of family, marriage, and faithfulness. Finally, it reminds readers that God often works through unseen ways, including angels and ordinary events, to guide and protect His people.

Overall, Tobit is a hopeful and encouraging story. Even though the characters experience pain, loss, and fear, they remain faithful to God. In the end, their trust is rewarded with healing, peace, and joy.