Who is Tobit in bible

Tobit is a book of the Apocrypha, a collection of Jewish and Christian writings that are not included in the official canon of the Hebrew Bible or the Christian Old Testament. The book of Tobit tells the story of a devout Jewish man named Tobit who lived in the city of Nineveh during the Babylonian exile. The book is believed to have been written in the second century BCE.

The story of Tobit begins with Tobit's dedication to following the laws of God. He was a righteous man who gave generously to the poor and was respected by his fellow Jews. However, his good deeds did not protect him from suffering. Tobit became blind, and his wife Anna was forced to work to support their family. Tobit also suffered from depression and lamented his misfortunes.

Meanwhile, in Media, a young woman named Sarah was being tormented by a demon who killed seven of her husbands on their wedding night before they could consummate the marriage. Sarah was believed to be cursed, and no man would marry her.

Tobit, concerned for the welfare of his family, sent his son Tobias to Media to collect a debt owed to him. Tobit also instructed Tobias to find a trustworthy companion to accompany him on his journey. Tobias met a man named Raphael, who was actually an angel in disguise. Raphael agreed to accompany Tobias and help him with his mission.

On the journey to Media, Raphael instructed Tobias to catch a fish from the Tigris River. Tobias did as he was told, and Raphael instructed him to remove the fish's heart, liver, and gall bladder. Raphael then instructed Tobias to keep the heart and liver for medicinal purposes and to burn the gall bladder to drive away the demon that was tormenting Sarah.

When Tobias arrived in Media, he met Sarah and fell in love with her. He remembered his father's instructions to marry a woman from their own tribe, so he asked Sarah to marry him. Sarah's father was skeptical of Tobias, but Raphael instructed Tobias to reveal his true identity and to show Sarah's father the money he had brought from Tobit. Tobias and Sarah were then married, and the demon was driven away by burning the fish's gall bladder.

Tobias and Sarah returned to Nineveh, where Tobit was overjoyed to see his son and his new daughter-in-law. Raphael revealed his true identity to Tobit and instructed Tobias to use the fish's liver and gall bladder to heal Tobit's blindness.

The book of Tobit is a story of faith, devotion, and redemption. Despite his suffering, Tobit remained steadfast in his commitment to God and his commandments. Tobias, too, remained faithful and obedient to his father and to Raphael's instructions, even when they seemed strange or illogical. And Sarah, despite being ostracized and cursed, was able to find love and happiness with Tobias.

The book of Tobit also highlights the importance of community and compassion. Tobit was known for his generosity and concern for the poor, and his community respected him for it. Even when he was blind and unable to work, his fellow Jews continued to care for him and his family. And when Tobias and Sarah were in need of help, Raphael was there to guide and support them.

The book of Tobit has been influential in Jewish and Christian literature and art. It has been referenced in the works of authors such as William Shakespeare, John Milton, and Thomas Hardy, and it has been the subject of paintings by artists such as Rembrandt and Gustave Doré. The story of Tobit has also been adapted into operas and plays.

In conclusion, the book of Tobit is a poignant and inspiring story of faith, love, and redemption. It reminds us of the importance of following God's command