Tobit's End Time Prophecy

The story of Tobit fills in the gaps between the invasion of Israel by the Assyrians, whose capital is Nineveh, and the times when the Assyrians themselves is defeated by the Babylonians - whose king Nebuchadnez′zar is mentioned here.

Tobit lived to 158 years old and he warned his descendents to leave Nineveh because he believed Jonah's prophecy from God about the destruction of Nineveh is true. Tobias, son of Tobit, lived to 127 years old and heard of the destruction of Nineveh. So Tobias had obeyed his father and left Nineveh with is family, and settled in his father-in-laws place.

There was mention of alms giving and how effective of alms giving is, though this would be challenged by the Protestants. There was a story between the father and adopted son Nadab and Ahikar, where one led another into darkness, but in the end one was saved while the other fell.

Tobit also prophesied about the diaspora and the return of the Israelites. He also mentioned the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the Temple in glory and the future era when all gentiles in the world would abandon their idols and come to worship at Jerusalem. These prophecies perhaps span across different time periods, including the rebuilding of the Temple, and later on the reign of our Lord Jesus on earth where every nation will gather in worship.





14 Tobit’s Final Counsel
 Here Tobit ended his words of praise. 2 He was fifty-eight years old when he lost his sight, and after eight years he regained it. He gave alms, and he continued to fear the Lord God and to praise him. 3 When he had grown very old he called his son and grandsons, and said to him, “My son, take your sons; behold, I have grown old and am about to depart this life. 4 Go to Media, my son, for I fully believe what Jonah the prophet said about Nin′eveh, that it will be overthrown. But in Media there will be peace for a time. Our brethren will be scattered over the earth from the good land, and Jerusalem will be desolate. The house of God in it will be burned down and will be in ruins for a time. 5 But God will again have mercy on them, and bring them back into their land; and they will rebuild the house of God,[a] though it will not be like the former one until the times of the age are completed. After this they will return from the places of their captivity, and will rebuild Jerusalem in splendor. And the house of God will be rebuilt there with a glorious building for all generations for ever, just as the prophets said of it. 6 Then all the Gentiles will turn to fear the Lord God in truth, and will bury their idols. 7 All the Gentiles will praise the Lord, and his people will give thanks to God, and the Lord will exalt his people. And all who love the Lord God in truth and righteousness will rejoice, showing mercy to our brethren.

8 “So now, my son, leave Nin′eveh, because what the prophet Jonah said will surely happen. 9 But keep the law and the commandments, and be merciful and just, so that it may be well with you. 10 Bury me properly, and your mother with me. And do not live in Nin′eveh any longer. See, my son, what Nadab[b] did to Ahi′kar who had reared him, how he brought him from light into darkness, and with what he repaid him. But Ahi′kar was saved, and the other received repayment as he himself went down into the darkness. Ahi′kar[c] gave alms and escaped the deathtrap which Nadab[d] had set for him; but Nadab[e] fell into the trap and perished. 11 So now, my children, consider what almsgiving accomplishes and how righteousness delivers.” As he said this he died in his bed. He was a hundred and fifty-eight years old; and Tobi′as[f] gave him a magnificent funeral. 12 And when Anna died he buried her with his father.

Death of Tobit and Anna
Then Tobi′as returned with his wife and his sons to Ecbat′ana, to Rag′uel his father-in-law. 13 He grew old with honor, and he gave his father-in-law and mother-in-law magnificent funerals. He inherited their property and that of his father Tobit. 14 He died in Ecbat′ana of Media at the age of a hundred and twenty-seven years. 15 But before he died he heard of the destruction of Nin′eveh, which Nebuchadnez′zar and Ahasu-e′rus had captured. Before his death he rejoiced over Nin′eveh.

Tobias returns home; Tobit's eyesight restored

Tobias finally arrived home, and we are reminded that they live in Nineveh, most probably as the captives from the kingdom of Israel resettled in Nineveh after the Assyrians defeated them. It also shows the Israelites obedience to God in submitting to God's will and trying to make a peaceful living, even as they were relocated to a different country.

The passage is a joyous account of the reunion of Tobias and his parents, and in addition, introducing his new wife. There was great celebration of the marriage, reflecting the family's thankfulness for God's greatness, mercy and blessings. There is also the account that Tobit's sight was miraculously restored. They seemingly used a 'method' of using the fish gall to sprinkle on their eyes, and Jesus also used a 'method' of spitting in the mud, mixing it and applying to the man's eyes. Despite these physical 'methods', there was no doubt to everyone involved there, that the healing came directly from God, and not the rituals.



Tobit 11 - Homeward Journey
After this Tobi′as went on his way, praising God because he had made his journey a success. And he blessed Rag′uel and his wife Edna.

So he continued on his way until they came near to Nin′eveh. 2 Then Raph′ael said to Tobi′as, “Are you not aware, brother, of how you left your father? 3 Let us run ahead of your wife and prepare the house. 4 And take the gall of the fish with you.” So they went their way, and the dog went along behind them.

5 Now Anna sat looking intently down the road for her son. 6 And she caught sight of him coming, and said to his father, “Behold, your son is coming, and so is the man who went with him!”

Tobit’s Sight Restored
7 Raph′ael said, “I know, Tobi′as, that your father will open his eyes. 8 You therefore must anoint his eyes with the gall; and when they smart he will rub them, and will cause the white films to fall away, and he will see you.”

9 Then Anna ran to meet them, and embraced her son, and said to him, “I have seen you, my child; now I am ready to die.” And they both wept. 10 Tobit started toward the door, and stumbled. But his son ran to him 11 and took hold of his father, and he sprinkled the gall upon his father’s eyes, saying, “Be of good cheer, father.” 12 And when his eyes began to smart he rubbed them, 13 and the white films scaled off from the corners of his eyes. 14 Then he saw his son and embraced him, and he wept and said, “Blessed art thou, O God, and blessed is thy name for ever, and blessed are all thy holy angels. 15 For thou hast afflicted me, but thou hast had mercy upon me; here I see my son Tobi′as!” And his son went in rejoicing, and he reported to his father the great things that had happened to him in Media.

16 Then Tobit went out to meet his daughter-in-law at the gate of Nin′eveh, rejoicing and praising God. Those who saw him as he went were amazed because he could see. 17 And Tobit gave thanks before them that God had been merciful to him. When Tobit came near to Sarah his daughter-in-law, he blessed her, saying, “Welcome, daughter! Blessed is God who has brought you to us, and blessed are your father and your mother.” So there was rejoicing among all his brethren in Nin′eveh. 18 Ahi′kar and his nephew Nadab[a] came, 19 and Tobi′as’ marriage was celebrated for seven days with great festivity.

Tobit and wife worries about Tobias

Tobias was still staying at his in-laws place according to tradition where he must stay for 14 days. In the meantime, his original goal to recover the trust money from Gabael had been completed. Back home, Tobit and his wife was very worried - to the point that Tobit's wife spoke out claiming Tobias has perished. Tobit was a little more hopeful, believing something must have delayed his son Tobias. Finally the 14 days were over and Tobias insisted that he goes home, knowing his parents must be worried. His in-laws Raguel and Edna send them away with blessings and half their possessions given to Tobias as promised.




10 Anxiety of the Parents
Now his father Tobit was counting each day, and when the days for the journey had expired and they did not arrive, 2 he said, “Is it possible that he has been detained?[a] Or is it possible that Gab′ael has died and there is no one to give him the money?” 3 And he was greatly distressed. 4 And his wife said to him, “The lad has perished; his long delay proves it.” Then she began to mourn for him, and said, 5 “Am I not distressed, my child, that I let you go, you who are the light of my eyes?” 6 But Tobit said to her, “Be still and stop worrying; he is well.” 7 And she answered him, “Be still and stop deceiving me; my child has perished.” And she went out every day to the road by which they had left; she ate nothing in the daytime, and throughout the nights she never stopped mourning for her son Tobi′as, until the fourteen days of the wedding feast had expired which Rag′uel had sworn that he should spend there.

Tobias and Sarah Start for Home
At that time Tobi′as said to Rag′uel, “Send me back, for my father and mother have given up hope of ever seeing me again.” 8 But his father-in-law said to him, “Stay with me, and I will send messengers to your father, and they will inform him how things are with you.” 9 Tobi′as replied, “No, send me back to my father.” 10 So Rag′uel arose and gave him his wife Sarah and half of his property in slaves, cattle, and money. 11 And when he had blessed them he sent them away, saying, “The God of heaven will prosper you, my children, before I die.” 12 He said also to his daughter, “Honor your father-in-law and your mother-in-law; they are now your parents. Let me hear a good report of you.” And he kissed her. And Edna said to Tobi′as, “The Lord of heaven bring you back safely, dear brother, and grant me to see your children by my daughter Sarah, that I may rejoice before the Lord. See, I am entrusting my daughter to you; do nothing to grieve her.”

Tobias received Sarah in marriage

The travelers Raphael (the angel) and Tobias arrived at Raguel, the cousin of Tobit. They have obviously not met before and from the introduction, Raguel realized how they were related. We see a summary for Tobit again, who is from the tribe of Naphtali, from the northern kingdom of Israel. Tobit lived in the time when they Assyrians conquered Israel and re-distributed its population, hence Tobit was displaced to Nineveh, the capital of Assyria.

Following the feast, Tobias raised the proposal of his marriage to Sarah, daughter of Raguel. Raguel instantly recognized the right of Tobias to take Sarah as his wife. They discussed the fact that Sarah was married seven times, and the husbands all died on the wedding night. Nevertheless, both parties accepted that, proceeded to seal the marriage and Sarah was given to Tobias that night. Again Raguel, referred to his wife Edna as 'sister', indicating they were at least cousins.





Tobit 7 - Arrival at Home of Raguel
7 When they reached Ecbat′ana and arrived at the house of Rag′uel, Sarah met them and greeted them. They returned her greeting, and she brought them into the house. 2 Then Rag′uel said to his wife Edna, “How much the young man resembles my cousin Tobit!” 3 And Rag′uel asked them, “Where are you from, brethren?” They answered him, “We belong to the sons of Naph′tali, who are captives in Nin′eveh.” 4 So he said to them, “Do you know our brother Tobit?” And they said, “Yes, we do.” And he asked them, “Is he in good health?” 5 They replied, “He is alive and in good health.” And Tobi′as said, “He is my father.” 6 Then Rag′uel sprang up and kissed him and wept. 7 And he blessed him and exclaimed, “Son of that good and noble man!” When he heard that Tobit had lost his sight, he was stricken with grief and wept. 8 And his wife Edna and his daughter Sarah wept. They received them very warmly; and they killed a ram from the flock and set large servings of food before them.

Marriage of Tobias and Sarah
Then Tobi′as said to Raph′ael, “Brother Azari′as, speak of those things which you talked about on the journey, and let the matter be settled.” 9 So he communicated the proposal to Rag′uel. And Rag′uel said to Tobi′as, “Eat, drink, and be merry; 10 for it is your right to take my child. But let me explain the true situation to you. 11 I have given my daughter to seven husbands, and when each came to her he died in the night. But for the present be merry.” And Tobi′as said, “I will eat nothing here until you make a binding agreement with me.” 12 So Rag′uel said, “Take her right now, in accordance with the law. You are her relative, and she is yours. The merciful God will guide you both for the best.” 13 Then he called his daughter Sarah, and taking her by the hand he gave her to Tobi′as to be his wife, saying, “Here she is; take her according to the law of Moses, and take her with you to your father.” And he blessed them.[a] 14 Next he called his wife Edna, and took a scroll and wrote out the contract; and they set their seals to it. 15 Then they began to eat.

16 And Rag′uel called his wife Edna and said to her, “Sister, make up the other room, and take her into it.” 17 So she did as he said, and took her there; and the girl[b] began to weep. But the mother[c] comforted her daughter in her tears, and said to her, 18 “Be brave, my child; the Lord of heaven and earth grant you joy[d] in place of this sorrow of yours. Be brave, my daughter.”

The angel Raph'ael accompanies Tobias

In the previous chapter we learned that Tobit is a God fearing man and wanted to instill the same on his son Tobias. In this chapter, preparation is made to send Tobias to reclaim his trust money from a man in Media. A few interesting things can be seen here. The trust is being held by a man living in Media. God send his angel Raph'ael to take this journey with Tobias. Tobit is concerned and wanted to ensure the travelling companion, comes from a good family. The currency of the land where Tobit lived is the drachma. Tobit gives the blessing "heaven will prosper your way" - so prosper is used more interchangeably with the word "blessing" in today's terms, rather than "prosperity". Tobit refers to his wife as sister.




Tobit 5 - The Angel Raph′ael
5 Then Tobi′as answered him, “Father, I will do everything that you have commanded me; 2 but how can I obtain the money when I do not know the man?” 3 Then Tobit gave him the receipt, and said to him, “Find a man to go with you and I will pay him wages as long as I live; and go and get the money.” 4 So he went to look for a man; and he found Raph′ael, who was an angel, 5 but Tobi′as[a] did not know it. Tobi′as[b] said to him, “Can you go with me to Rages in Media? Are you acquainted with that region?” 6 The angel replied, “I will go with you; I am familiar with the way, and I have stayed with our brother Gab′ael.” 7 Then Tobi′as said to him, “Wait for me, and I shall tell my father.” 8 And he said to him, “Go, and do not delay.” So he went in and said to his father, “I have found some one to go with me.” He said, “Call him to me, so that I may learn to what tribe he belongs, and whether he is a reliable man to go with you.”

9 So Tobi′as[c] invited him in; he entered and they greeted each other. 10 Then Tobit said to him, “My brother, to what tribe and family do you belong? Tell me.” 11 But he answered, “Are you looking for a tribe and a family or for a man whom you will pay to go with your son?” And Tobit said to him, “I should like to know, my brother, your people and your name.” 12 He replied, “I am Azari′as the son of the great Anani′as, one of your relatives.” 13 Then Tobit said to him, “You are welcome, my brother. Do not be angry with me because I tried to learn your tribe and family. You are a relative of mine, of a good and noble lineage. For I used to know Anani′as and Jathan, the sons of the great Shema′iah, when we went together to Jerusalem to worship and offered the first-born of our flocks and the tithes of our produce. They did not go astray in the error of our brethren. My brother, you come of good stock. 14 But tell me, what wages am I to pay you—a drachma a day, and expenses for yourself as for my son? 15 And besides, I will add to your wages if you both return safe and sound.” So they agreed to these terms.

16 Then he said to Tobi′as, “Get ready for the journey, and good success to you both.” So his son made the preparations for the journey. And his father said to him, “Go with this man; God who dwells in heaven will prosper your way, and may his angel attend you.” So they both went out and departed, and the young man’s dog was with them.

17 But Anna,[d] his mother, began to weep, and said to Tobit, “Why have you sent our child away? Is he not the staff of our hands as he goes in and out before us? 18 Do not add money to money, but consider it as rubbish as compared to our child. 19 For the life that is given to us by the Lord is enough for us.” 20 And Tobit said to her, “Do not worry, my sister; he will return safe and sound, and your eyes will see him. 21 For a good angel will go with him; his journey will be successful, and he will come back safe and sound.” 22 So she stopped weeping.

Tobit instructing son, Tobais, in God's Laws

Tobit calls to his son Tobias and tells him of his wishes when he passes on. Tobit has set aside some money for Tobias in a trust. He tells Tobias to bury him and his mother in the same place.

This is followed by encouragement of how Tobias should live. Firstly he reminds his son to obey God's commandments, live accordingly and also be charitable to those who are less fortunate. Secondly he tells his son to avoid immorality by not marrying a foreign woman. Tobit references his ancestors Noah, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and reminds his son how blessed they were because they married other own people. Thirdly, there is a lot of general advice. All of the encouragement from Tobit are in line with what God expected the Israelites to do.

A few verses that stood out are:
v13 For in pride there is ruin and great confusion;
v19 Bless the Lord God on every occasion; ask him that your ways may be made straight and that all your paths and plans may prosper. 
v19 the Lord himself gives all good things, and according to his will he humbles whomever he wishes.



Tobit 4 
Tobit Gives Instructions to His Son
On that day Tobit remembered the money which he had left in trust with Gab′ael at Rages in Media, and he said to himself: 2 “I have asked for death. Why do I not call my son Tobi′as so that I may explain to him about the money[a] before I die?” 3 So he called him and said, “My son, when I die, bury me, and do not neglect your mother. Honor her all the days of your life; do what is pleasing to her, and do not grieve her. 4 Remember, my son, that she faced many dangers for you while you were yet unborn. When she dies, bury her beside me in the same grave.

5 “Remember the Lord our God all your days, my son, and refuse to sin or to transgress his commandments. Live uprightly all the days of your life, and do not walk in the ways of wrongdoing. 6 For if you do what is true, your ways will prosper through your deeds. 7 Give alms from your possessions to all who live uprightly, and do not let your eye begrudge the gift when you make it. Do not turn your face away from any poor man, and the face of God will not be turned away from you. 8 If you have many possessions, make your gift from them in proportion; if few, do not be afraid to give according to the little you have. 9 So you will be laying up a good treasure for yourself against the day of necessity. 10 For charity[b] delivers from death and keeps you from entering the darkness; 11 and for all who practice it charity is an excellent offering in the presence of the Most High.

12 “Beware, my son, of all immorality.[c] First of all take a wife from among the descendants of your fathers and do not marry a foreign woman, who is not of your father’s tribe; for we are the sons of the prophets. Remember, my son, that Noah, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, our fathers of old, all took wives from among their brethren. They were blessed in their children, and their posterity will inherit the land. 13 So now, my son, love your brethren, and in your heart do not disdain your brethren and the sons and daughters of your people by refusing to take a wife for yourself from among them. For in pride there is ruin and great confusion; and in shiftlessness there is loss and great want, because shiftlessness is the mother of famine. 14 Do not hold over till the next day the wages of any man who works for you, but pay him at once; and if you serve God you will receive payment.

“Watch yourself, my son, in everything you do, and be disciplined in all your conduct. 15 And what you hate, do not do to any one. Do not drink wine to excess or let drunkenness go with you on your way. 16 Give of your bread to the hungry, and of your clothing to the naked. Give all your surplus to charity, and do not let your eye begrudge the gift when you made it. 17 Place your bread[d] on the grave of the righteous, but give none to sinners. 18 Seek advice from every wise man, and do not despise any useful counsel. 19 Bless the Lord God on every occasion; ask him that your ways may be made straight and that all your paths and plans may prosper. For none of the nations has understanding; but the Lord himself gives all good things, and according to his will he humbles whomever he wishes.

Money Left in Trust with Gabael
“So, my son, remember my commands, and do not let them be blotted out of your mind. 20 And now let me explain to you about the ten talents of silver which I left in trust with Gab′ael the son of Gabri′as at Rages in Media. 21 Do not be afraid, my son, because we have become poor. You have great wealth if you fear God and refrain from every sin and do what is pleasing in his sight.”

God listens to Tobit and Sarah's prayer

Tobit 3 
In the previous chapter, Tobit became blind and his wife was earning a living for the family. Here we see Tobit in a desperate situation and calling God to end his life on earth so that his despair and suffering would end. It is a serious prayer showing a man who really believed in the Almighty God, yet lost believe in any blessings that would come in this life.

As Tobit was praying, another woman was also in desperate prayer. Being accused of causing the demise of her seven husbands and perhaps seeing the hopelessness of her life, she too prayed a similar prayer as Tobit. Again her prayers of giving praise and honour to God first showed that she was a  believing woman, but too desperate and broken about her life situation.

In the final paragraph, we see these two individuals, Tobit and Sarah, were brought together by God's divine plan. The angel Raphael was send to heal Tobit's blindness, and arranged for Sarah to marry the son of Tobit. God not only hears prayers, but he had planned before the prayers were made. The Holy Spirit motivates people to pray, for what God has already ordained, so that when the plan is completed, God is glorified more.

Another point this passage reveals is that there are some bad things which are caused by opposing supernatural forces at work against mankind that leads to various suffering.







Tobit’s Prayer
3 Then in my grief I wept, and I prayed in anguish, saying, 2 “Righteous art thou, O Lord; all thy deeds and all thy ways are mercy and truth, and thou dost render true and righteous judgment for ever. 3 Remember me and look favorably upon me; do not punish me for my sins and for my unwitting offenses and those which my fathers committed before thee. 4 For they disobeyed thy commandments, and thou gavest us over to plunder, captivity, and death; thou madest us a byword of reproach in all the nations among which we have been dispersed. 5 And now thy many judgments are true in exacting penalty from me for my sins and those of my fathers, because we did not keep thy commandments. For we did not walk in truth before thee. 6 And now deal with me according to thy pleasure; command my spirit to be taken up, that I may depart and become dust. For it is better for me to die than to live, because I have heard false reproaches, and great is the sorrow within me. Command that I now be released from my distress to go to the eternal abode; do not turn thy face away from me.”

Sarah Falsely Accused
7 On the same day, at Ecbat′ana in Media, it also happened that Sarah, the daughter of Rag′uel, was reproached by her father’s maids, 8 because she had been given to seven husbands, and the evil demon Asmode′us had slain each of them before he had been with her as his wife. So the maids[a] said to her, “Do you not know that you strangle your husbands? You already have had seven and have had no benefit from[b] any of them. 9 Why do you beat us? If they are dead, go with them! May we never see a son or daughter of yours!”

Sarah’s Prayer for Death
10 When she heard these things she was deeply grieved, even to the thought of hanging herself. But she said, “I am the only child of my father; if I do this, it will be a disgrace to him, and I shall bring his old age down in sorrow to the grave.”[c] 11 So she prayed by her window and said, “Blessed art thou, O Lord my God, and blessed is thy holy and honored name for ever. May all thy works praise thee for ever. 12 And now, O Lord, I have turned my eyes and my face toward thee. 13 Command that I be released from the earth and that I hear reproach no more. 14 Thou knowest, O Lord, that I am innocent of any sin with man, 15 and that I did not stain my name or the name of my father in the land of my captivity. I am my father’s only child, and he has no child to be his heir, no near kinsman or kinsman’s[d] son for whom I should keep myself as wife. Already seven husbands of mine are dead. Why should I live? But if it be not pleasing to thee to take my life, command that respect be shown to me and pity be taken upon me, and that I hear reproach no more.”

An Answer to Prayer
16 The prayer of both was heard in the presence of the glory of the great God. 17 And Raphael[e] was sent to heal the two of them: to scale away the white films from Tobit’s eyes; to give Sarah the daughter of Rag′uel in marriage to Tobi′as the son of Tobit, and to bind Asmode′us the evil demon, because Tobi′as was entitled to possess her. At that very moment Tobit returned and entered his house and Sarah the daughter of Rag′uel came down from her upper room.

Then I remembered the prophecy of Amos

Tobit had reunited with his family during the significant feast of Pentecost. However, on that night, he had to bury someone. Keeping with the tradition of being uncleaned after handling bodies, he slept outside but was blinded by bird droppings. His  wife had to work to earn for the family. There was an incident in which Tobit did not believe his wife who brought home a gift from her employers.




Tobit 2 
2 When I arrived home and my wife Anna and my son Tobi′as were restored to me, at the feast of Pentecost, which is the sacred festival of the seven weeks, a good dinner was prepared for me and I sat down to eat. 2 Upon seeing the abundance of food I said to my son, “Go and bring whatever poor man of our brethren you may find who is mindful of the Lord, and I will wait for you.” 3 But he came back and said, “Father, one of our people has been strangled and thrown into the market place.” 4 So before I tasted anything I sprang up and removed the body[a] to a place of shelter until sunset. 5 And when I returned I washed myself and ate my food in sorrow. 6 Then I remembered the prophecy of Amos, how he said,

“Your feasts shall be turned into mourning,
    and all your festivities into lamentation.”
And I wept.

Tobit Becomes Blind
7 When the sun had set I went and dug a grave and buried the body.[b] 8 And my neighbors laughed at me and said, “He is no longer afraid that he will be put to death for doing this; he once ran away, and here he is burying the dead again!” 9 On the same night I returned from burying him, and because I was defiled I slept by the wall of the courtyard, and my face was uncovered. 10 I did not know that there were sparrows on the wall and their fresh droppings fell into my open eyes and white films formed on my eyes. I went to physicians, but they did not help me. Ahi′kar, however, took care of me until he[c] went to Elyma′is.[d]

Tobit’s Wife Earns Their Livelihood
11 Then my wife Anna earned money at women’s work. 12 She used to send the product to the owners. Once when they paid her wages, they also gave her a kid; 13 and when she returned to me it began to bleat. So I said to her, “Where did you get the kid? It is not stolen, is it? Return it to the owners; for it is not right to eat what is stolen.” 14 And she said, “It was given to me as a gift in addition to my wages.” But I did not believe her, and told her to return it to the owners; and I blushed for her. Then she replied to me, “Where are your charities and your righteous deeds? You seem to know everything!”

All the tribes that joined in apostasy used to sacrifice to the calf

This is a story of a man named Tobit who seems to be a faithful follower of God. He recounts before his tribe Napthali was taken away into captivity by the Assyrians: he understands the true worship is in Jerusalem, but all the 10 tribes that have broken away were worshipping the idol calf - Ba'al. However, he would travel to Jerusalem to worship as was intended by God.

During the captivity, he recognized the favour of God, in giving him a good role by the Assyrian king Shalmane′ser. He used his role to help his fellow captives. He also recounted his tithings at Jerusalem and other charity work.

When the new king Sennach′erib took over, many of his countrymen were killed and left outside the city. Tobit would secretly bury them until someone reported about him. He went into hiding since the new king wanted to kill him then. However, the Sennach′erib king was soon assisinated by his sons. The next king appointed the nephew of Tobit to be the second in command in the kingdom. So the nephew interceded for Tobit, and he returned to Nineveh.


Tobit 1 Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (RSVCE)

1 The book of the acts[a] of Tobit the son of To′biel, son of Anan′iel, son of Ad′uel, son of Gab′ael, of the descendants of As′iel and the tribe of Naph′tali, 2 who in the days of Shalmane′ser,[b] king of the Assyrians, was taken into captivity from Thisbe, which is to the south of Kedesh Naph′tali in Galilee above Asher.

Tobit’s Youth and Virtuous Life
3 I, Tobit, walked in the ways of truth and righteousness all the days of my life, and I performed many acts of charity to my brethren and countrymen who went with me into the land of the Assyrians, to Nin′eveh. 4 Now when I was in my own country, in the land of Israel, while I was still a young man, the whole tribe of Naph′tali my forefather deserted the house of Jerusalem. This was the place which had been chosen from among all the tribes of Israel, where all the tribes should sacrifice and where the temple of the dwelling of the Most High was consecrated and established for all generations for ever.

5 All the tribes that joined in apostasy used to sacrifice to the calf[c] Ba′al, and so did the house of Naph′tali my forefather. 6 But I alone went often to Jerusalem for the feasts, as it is ordained for all Israel by an everlasting decree. Taking the first fruits and the tithes of my produce and the first shearings, I would give these to the priests, the sons of Aaron, at the altar. 7 Of all my produce I would give a tenth to the sons of Levi who ministered at Jerusalem; a second tenth I would sell, and I would go and spend the proceeds each year at Jerusalem; 8 the third tenth I would give to those to whom it was my duty, as Deb′orah my father’s mother had commanded me, for I was left an orphan by my father. 9 When I became a man I married Anna, a member of our family, and by her I became the father of Tobi′as.

Taken Captive to Nineveh
10 Now when I was carried away captive to Nin′eveh, all my brethren and my relatives ate the food of the Gentiles; 11 but I kept myself from eating it, 12 because I remembered God with all my heart. 13 Then the Most High gave me favor and good appearance in the sight of Shalmane′ser,[d] and I was his buyer of provisions. 14 So I used to go into Media, and once at Rages in Media I left ten talents of silver in trust with Gab′ael, the brother of Gabri′as. 15 But when Shalmane′ser[e] died, Sennach′erib his son reigned in his place; and under him the highways were unsafe, so that I could no longer go into Media.

Courage in Burying the Dead
16 In the days of Shalmane′ser[f] I performed many acts of charity to my brethren. 17 I would give my bread to the hungry and my clothing to the naked; and if I saw any one of my people dead and thrown out behind the wall of Nin′eveh, I would bury him. 18 And if Sennach′erib the king put to death any who came fleeing from Judea, I buried them secretly. For in his anger he put many to death. When the bodies were sought by the king, they were not found. 19 Then one of the men of Nin′eveh went and informed the king about me, that I was burying them; so I hid myself. When I learned that I was being searched for, to be put to death, I left home in fear. 20 Then all my property was confiscated and nothing was left to me except my wife Anna and my son Tobi′as.

21 But not fifty[g] days passed before two of Sennach′erib’s[h] sons killed him, and they fled to the mountains of Ar′arat. Then Esarhad′don,[i] his son, reigned in his place; and he appointed Ahi′kar, the son of my brother An′ael, over all the accounts of his kingdom and over the entire administration. 22 Ahi′kar interceded for me, and I returned to Nin′eveh. Now Ahi′kar was cupbearer, keeper of the signet, and in charge of administration of the accounts, for Esarhad′don[j] had appointed him second to himself.[k] He was my nephew