Tobit: Meaning & Summary

The Book of Tobit tells the story of two Israelite families living far from home during the Assyrian exile. Tobit is a good and generous man who helps bury the dead, but one night bird droppings fall on his eyes and he goes blind. Far away, a woman named Sarah is tormented by a demon who has killed seven of her husbands before any marriage could take place. Both Tobit and Sarah pray to God for help on the same day.

God sends the angel Raphael, disguised as a man, to help them both. Tobit's son Tobias sets out on a journey to collect money his father stored in another city. Raphael travels with him as a guide. Along the way, Raphael instructs Tobias to catch a fish and save its heart, liver, and gall. When they arrive at Sarah's house, Tobias marries her. He burns the fish's organs to drive away the demon, and their first night together is safe.

Tobias returns home with his new wife and the money. He uses the fish's gall to restore his father's sight. Raphael then reveals his true identity as one of God's holy angels. The book ends with joy, praise, and a hymn from Tobit. It teaches that God is faithful, prayer is powerful, and acts of charity are never forgotten.