Introduction to the Book of Tobit

The Book of Tobit, originally written in Hebrew or Aramaic, is a story which tells of miraculous help to God’s faithful people and teaches Jewish piety and morality. The book offers a vivid picture of Jewish religion and culture in the period prior to the New Testament.

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Outline of Contents

1. Tobit in Nineveh and Sarah in Media suffer and pray 1.1—3.15
2. Their prayers are answered 3.16—11.18
• In answer to their prayers God sends the angel Raphael 3.16—17
• Tobit gives advice to his son, Tobias 4.1—21
• Raphael travels with Tobias to Media 5.1—7.12
• Tobias marries Sarah 7.13—9.6
• Raphael returns with Tobias and Sarah, and cures Tobit’s blindness 10.1—11.18
3. The angel Raphael reveals who he is 12.1—22
4. Tobit praises God and gives advice to Tobias 13.1—14.15

Sources:

1. The Book of Tobit. (1972). In Catholic (Ed.), May they be one Bible: Good news translation (2013 ed., p. 574). Bible Society.
2. The Deacon. (2020, October 15). Tobias [Painting]. Retrieved from https://www.the-deacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Tobias.jpg