TobitChapter 7
Tobit Chapter 7: Meaning
Tobias meets Raguel and his family, and Raguel agrees to let Tobias marry his daughter Sarah.
Summary
Tobias and Raphael arrived at the home of Raguel in Ecbatana. Raguel's daughter Sarah came out to meet them. Right away, Raguel noticed how much Tobias looked like his cousin Tobit. When they told him they were from Nineveh, Raguel asked if they knew Tobit. Tobias said, "He is my father." Raguel was overjoyed and hugged him, but also sad when he learned Tobit had gone blind.
A big meal was prepared for everyone. Tobias asked Raphael to bring up the matter of marriage right away. Raphael spoke to Raguel about it. Raguel was honest with Tobias, he told him that Sarah had already been married to seven men, and each one had died on their wedding night. He warned Tobias, but Tobias would not eat or drink until Raguel agreed.
Raguel gave Sarah to Tobias as his wife, following the law of Moses. He called Sarah in, took her hand, and placed it in Tobias's hand. He also called his wife Edna, and they wrote out a marriage contract. Then the celebration began.
Raguel took Sarah to the bridal room. Edna wept and comforted her daughter, encouraging her to be strong and saying that God would turn her grief into joy.
Historical Context
In ancient Jewish culture, marriage was arranged by families, not chosen freely by the couple alone. Legal contracts were drawn up, and the closest male relative had both the right and the responsibility to marry an unmarried woman in the family. This protected women and kept family property together.
Raguel's honesty about Sarah's past was both bold and kind. It showed that he trusted Tobias with the truth. The formal handover of the bride and the written contract were standard parts of the Jewish marriage ceremony.
Chapter Outline
1
Tobias arrives and meets Raguel's familyVerse 1-7
2
Raphael raises the subject of marriageVerse 8-11
3
Raguel agrees and gives Sarah to TobiasVerse 12-15
4
Sarah is brought to the bridal roomVerse 16-20
Key Verses
What This Means Today
Kindness and good character are often recognized right away, just as Raguel saw Tobit in Tobias.
Being honest with people, even about hard things, builds real trust.
When someone is grieving, words of comfort and encouragement matter a great deal.
God can give joy to people who have experienced deep sadness.
Standing firm on what is right, like Tobias refusing to eat until the matter was settled, shows strong character.
Continue Exploring
Read Tobit 7 in the Bible reader, explore the full book, or dive into individual verse meanings.