The Book of Tobit

The Book of Tobit is a short story from the Old Testament. It is part of the Catholic Bible, but not found in all Christian Bibles. This book tells the story of a man named Tobit, who lives in exile far from his homeland. He tries to follow God’s ways even when life is hard.

Tobit is a good man, but he suffers many troubles. He becomes blind and feels discouraged. At the same time, a young woman named Sarah is also suffering. She has lost seven husbands, each taken before the wedding night. She cries out to God in her sadness.

God hears the prayers of both Tobit and Sarah. He sends the angel Raphael to help them. Raphael travels with Tobit’s son, Tobias, on a long journey. Along the way, Tobias learns to trust God, and many problems begin to turn around.

This story shows the power of prayer, family, and faith. It is full of healing, guidance, and hope. Though the book is short, it reminds us that God listens when we cry out. Even when things go wrong, God is still at work behind the scenes.

The Book of Tobit takes place during a time when many Jewish people lived far from their homeland. This was after the northern kingdom of Israel was taken over by the Assyrians. Tobit and his family were among those forced to live in exile. They were far from Jerusalem and the Temple, but they still tried to follow God’s laws.

No one knows for sure who wrote the book. The author does not tell us his name. But the story was likely written by a Jewish person who wanted to give hope to others living in exile. It was probably written around 200 years before Jesus was born.

The book was first written in a Jewish language, either Hebrew or Aramaic. Later, it was translated into Greek. Some old copies of Tobit were found among the Dead Sea Scrolls. These copies show that the story was known and shared by many people long ago.

Even though we don’t know the writer, the story feels very personal. It talks about real pain, family struggles, and trust in God. The background helps us understand why this story would have meant so much to Jewish people living in hard times.

The Book of Tobit reads like a short story or a folk tale. It has a clear beginning, middle, and end. There is a problem, a journey, and a happy ending. It is not written like a history book or a list of laws. It is a story meant to be shared and remembered.

Tobit includes many parts that feel like a family story passed down over time. There is danger, adventure, prayer, and even a little humor. The angel Raphael travels in disguise. A big fish tries to eat Tobias. A demon is driven away. These parts help the story come to life.

The style of the book mixes everyday life with signs from heaven. People go on errands, cook meals, and argue. But they also meet angels and pray for help. The mix of normal life and special help makes the story easy to connect with.

Tobit is full of simple lessons told through action. It teaches about kindness, marriage, prayer, and trust. The words are not fancy. The story is told in a clear way, so even young readers can follow it. It feels like a tale told by a parent or grandparent at the end of a long day.

The Book of Tobit teaches many lessons that connect with Catholic life and beliefs. These lessons come through the actions of Tobit, Tobias, Sarah, and the angel Raphael.

• Faith in hard times – Tobit and Sarah both suffer, but they still pray and trust in God. Their story shows that God listens, even when it seems like nothing is changing.
• The power of prayer – Prayer is central to the book. Tobit and Sarah pray with honest words. Their prayers are heard, and help is sent.
• Marriage and family – Tobias and Sarah are brought together by God. Their marriage is not just about love. It is about faith and trust. They pray on their wedding night, asking God to bless their life together.
• Helping others – Tobit gives to the poor and buries the dead. These are works of mercy. The Catholic Church still teaches us to care for those in need, just like Tobit did.
• Angels and God’s guidance – Raphael is sent to help. He leads Tobias, keeps him safe, and teaches him what to do. The Church believes in angels, and this story reminds us that they are real helpers.

Tobit is a story full of hope. It reminds us to keep praying, love our families, and trust that God is always near, even when we cannot see how things will turn out.

The Book of Tobit is a short book, but it has clear parts. Each part moves the story forward and helps us see what God is doing in the lives of Tobit and his family. Here is a simple breakdown of the book with verse numbers:

• Tobit’s troubles (Tobit 1:1–3:6)
  We meet Tobit. He is a good man living in exile. He becomes blind and feels hopeless. At the same time, Sarah is also suffering in another place.
• God sends help (Tobit 3:7–6:18)
  Tobit and Sarah both pray. God hears their prayers and sends the angel Raphael. Tobias, Tobit’s son, goes on a journey with Raphael and faces many lessons.
• Marriage and healing (Tobit 7:1–11:18)
  Tobias meets Sarah and marries her. With Raphael’s help, they drive away the demon that has hurt her. Then they return home, and Raphael teaches Tobias how to cure his father’s blindness.
• The truth is revealed (Tobit 12:1–22)
  Raphael tells them who he is. He explains that he was sent by God to help them. Everyone praises God.
• Tobit’s last words (Tobit 13:1–14:15)
  Tobit gives thanks and offers a prayer. He also shares advice before his death. The book ends with peace and hope for the future.

This simple story has many ups and downs. But each part shows how God works through people, prayer, and even angels.

Here are the main people you will meet in the Book of Tobit. Each one plays an important role in how the story unfolds.

• Tobit – A faithful Jewish man living in exile. He helps the poor and prays often. He becomes blind and asks God for help.
• Anna – Tobit’s wife. She works hard to support the family after Tobit becomes blind. She sometimes worries and argues with Tobit.
• Tobias – Tobit’s son. He goes on a journey with the angel Raphael. He marries Sarah and learns to trust in God.
• Sarah – A young woman who suffers deeply. Each time she is about to marry, a demon kills her husband. She prays for God to take away her sadness.
• Raphael – The angel sent by God. He travels with Tobias in disguise. He brings healing, safety, and truth. Read more about Raphael the archangel.
• Raguel and Edna – Sarah’s parents. They welcome Tobias into their home and are filled with joy when he marries Sarah.

Even though Tobit is an old story, it speaks to many things we still face today. Life is not always easy. We all have struggles. We lose hope sometimes. The Book of Tobit reminds us that God is still with us, even when we feel lost.

Tobit shows us how to stay faithful during hard times. He does not stop praying. He keeps doing what is right. In a world where many people turn away from God, Tobit’s example is needed. It reminds us to keep trusting, even when things don’t go our way.

The book also teaches about family and marriage. It shows how important it is to pray together, care for one another, and ask God for help. In a time when many families are struggling, Tobit and his family remind us to stay close and put God at the center.

We may not see angels like Raphael, but we believe they are with us. God still sends help. Sometimes it comes through a friend, a stranger, or a quiet answer to prayer. The Book of Tobit gives us hope. It helps us see that God is always working, even in small and hidden ways.

The Book of Tobit is included in the Roman Catholic lectionary. That means we hear it at Mass during the readings. It is not read every year, but it shows up during weekday Masses now and then.

The Church includes parts of Tobit that focus on prayer, marriage, and trusting God. These readings remind us to keep faith during hard times. We hear about Tobit’s blindness, Tobias’s journey, and the marriage of Tobias and Sarah. These stories are full of trust and hope.

Tobit is also read during weddings and special family celebrations. The prayer of Tobias and Sarah is sometimes used as a reading. It shows a husband and wife turning to God together. Many couples find that part of Tobit meaningful.

When we hear Tobit at Mass, it helps connect our own lives to the faith of those who came before us. The story fits well with the Church’s teachings on prayer, family, and mercy. It is one of those quiet but strong voices in Scripture that reminds us to walk with God.

Selections from Tobit are read at weekday Masses. Click on a link for more information and resources for a specific reading.

• Monday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time I – Tobit 1:3; 2:1a-8: Tobit’s Act of Charity
• Tuesday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time I – Tobit 2:9-14: Tobit’s Trial and Anna’s Work
• Wednesday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time I – Tobit 3:1-11a, 16-17a: Tobit and Sarah’s Prayers
• Thursday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time I –  Tobit 6:10-11; 7:1bcde, 9-17; 8:4-9a: Tobiah and Sarah’s Marriage
• Friday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time I –  Tobit 11:5-17: Tobit’s Joy and Healing
• Saturday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time I – Tobit 12:1, 5-15, 20: Raphael Reveals His Identity
• Wednesday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time I – Tobit 13:2, 3-4a, 4befghn, 7-8, 1b: Praise to the Everlasting God
• Saturday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time I – Tobit 13:2, 6efgh, 7, 8: Praise God Who Lives Forever

Doing What’s Right in a Hard Place

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz begins reading the Book of Tobit, chapters 1 and 2. He explains that Tobit might not be in every Bible, especially Protestant ones, because it’s considered Deuterocanonical.

Fr. Mike shares that Tobit is a faithful man from the northern kingdom of Israel. While others turn away from worshiping God, Tobit still travels to Jerusalem to offer sacrifice. Even in exile, he helps the poor, buries the dead, and follows God’s ways.

Fr. Mike compares Tobit to Job. Tobit does good, but he still suffers. He is taken into captivity, loses his property, and becomes blind. Yet he keeps doing what is right, no matter what happens around him.

Fr. Mike says Tobit teaches an important lesson: no matter what others are doing, we can still do what God asks. Even in hard places, we can choose to be faithful.

Tobit’s Prayer, Sarah’s Pain, and a Father’s Advice

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz shares how Tobit chapters 3 and 4 show deep sorrow and great faith. Tobit prays to die because of his blindness and suffering. At the same time, Sarah prays to die too because she is mocked for losing seven husbands. Fr. Mike points out how both prayers are full of pain but also trust in God.

Fr. Mike highlights that God hears both Tobit and Sarah. Right when they pray, the angel Raphael is sent to help them. He says this shows how God listens and moves even when we feel lost or broken. The Lord is close in these hard moments.

Tobit chapter 4 gives advice from a father to a son. Fr. Mike loves this part. He says Tobit’s words are full of wisdom. Tobit tells Tobias to care for his mother, live a good life, give to the poor, and follow God’s ways.

Fr. Mike says Tobit is a gift to us. He reminds us that Tobit is one of the seven books not found in Protestant Bibles. But it has so much value and beauty. He’s excited that listeners get to know it in this Bible in a Year Podcast.

A Journey of Hope Begins

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz shares how Tobit chapters 5 and 6 show the start of a journey. Tobias sets out to recover money for his father. He is joined by a man named Azarias, who is really the angel Raphael, though they don’t know it yet.

Fr. Mike reminds us that this story brings together two people who were both hurting—Tobit and Sarah. Both had prayed for death in earlier chapters. Now God is moving things forward and bringing hope back into their lives.

Raphael’s role is special. Fr. Mike points out that this angel is leading Tobias to Sarah. Raphael also gives instructions on how Tobias can stay safe from the demon that harmed Sarah’s past husbands.

Fr. Mike is excited to see how God is answering both prayers through this journey. He says their stories are starting to come together.

Marriage, Prayer, and God’s Mercy

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz reads Tobit chapters 7, 8, and 9. He focuses on the marriage of Tobias and Sarah and the deep trust in God shown through their actions. He also talks about how God sends the angel Raphael to guide and protect them.

Fr. Mike highlights the beauty of Tobias and Sarah praying together on their wedding night. He says this prayer shows love, not lust, and points out how many couples choose this reading for their wedding. He encourages married couples to pray out loud with each other often.

He also reflects on the deeper meaning of their prayer. He connects it to John Paul II’s teaching about the battle between good and evil often showing up in marriage and human love. Fr. Mike reminds listeners that God can untwist what is broken in our hearts.

At the end, he talks about Raguel’s joy and his words of thanks to God. Fr. Mike says that sometimes life doesn’t go as expected, but God still shows up. He invites listeners to trust that God is working even when things look uncertain.

Healing, Humor, and a Message from an Angel

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz shares thoughts on Tobit chapters 10, 11, and 12. He highlights the emotional moment when Tobit and Anna wait for their son, unsure if he is safe. He enjoys the honest exchange between Tobit and his wife, where they disagree about what has happened to Tobias. Fr. Mike says this part shows real family emotions and good storytelling.

He talks about Tobias returning home and healing his father’s blindness. Tobit gives thanks to God and welcomes Sarah into the family. Fr. Mike points out the joy and celebration in these chapters and how God’s mercy is clear throughout the story.

Fr. Mike then focuses on Raphael’s final words. He explains how Raphael teaches that prayer is good but should be joined with fasting, almsgiving, and righteousness. These four practices shape the spiritual life and help us follow God.

Fr. Mike ends by reflecting on a line from Tobit 12:10: “Those who commit sin are the enemies of their own lives.” He says this is a strong reminder for us to choose what is good. He asks for prayers and encourages listeners to stay close to God through prayer and action.

Praising God in Exile

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz reflects on Tobit chapters 13 and 14. He focuses on Tobit’s prayer in chapter 13, which is often used in the Liturgy of the Hours. Fr. Mike explains that Tobit is still in exile when he offers this praise, showing us how to worship even in hard places.

Fr. Mike points out Tobit’s message to the people of Israel: acknowledge God among the nations. He says Tobit doesn’t complain about being scattered but instead sees it as a chance to witness to others. Even in exile, Tobit calls others to turn to God with their whole hearts.

In chapter 14, Fr. Mike talks about Tobit’s final words and his trust that God will keep His promises. Tobit reminds his family to follow God’s law, be just, and leave Nineveh, because destruction will come. Fr. Mike notes how Tobit passes on hope and faith to the next generation.

To close, Fr. Mike says Tobit shows that even if we can’t do everything, we can still do something. He reminds us that God hears our prayers wherever we are—at home, in pain, or in exile.

The Bible

Want to learn more about the Bible? The story of Tobit is just one small part of a much bigger picture. The Bible is full of stories about real people who trusted God, made mistakes, and kept going.

To explore more about the Bible and how to understand it, visit our page on Knowing the Bible. It’s a great place to start if you want to grow in faith and learn how the Bible connects to your life.

Is Tobit in every Bible?

No. Tobit is in the Catholic Bible, but not in most Protestant Bibles. Catholics include it because it was part of early Church teachings and used by early Christians.

Who is the angel in the story?

The angel is Raphael. He helps Tobias on his journey. He also helps heal Tobit and protect Sarah. Raphael says he was sent by God to help them.

Why is Tobit blind?

Tobit becomes blind after bird droppings fall into his eyes. His blindness becomes a test of faith. It also helps set up the rest of the story.

What can we learn from Tobit?

We learn to trust God during hard times. The story also teaches us to care for others, pray often, and stay close to family.

Is Tobit a real story?

The Church does not say if it is history or a holy story with lessons. What matters most is the message of faith, prayer, and God’s help.

The Book of Tobit tells the story of a man who tries to follow God even when everything goes wrong. Tobit lives far from his home because his people were taken into exile. He still prays, gives to the poor, and buries the dead. But then he becomes blind. He feels sad and prays for death.

At the same time, a young woman named Sarah is also suffering. She has lost seven husbands, and people blame her. She also prays for God to take her life. God hears both prayers and sends the angel Raphael to help.

Tobit’s son, Tobias, goes on a journey with Raphael. Along the way, he meets Sarah and marries her. He also learns how to heal his father’s blindness. In the end, both families are filled with joy and give thanks to God.

This book teaches us to pray, trust God, and care for others. It reminds us that even when life is hard, God is still working behind the scenes.

Have you ever felt like Tobit or Sarah—tired, sad, or unsure what to do next? Their story is for all of us. It shows that God hears our prayers, even when we don’t see the answers right away.

Take some time this week to read the Book of Tobit. It’s not long, but it says a lot. After you read, share your thoughts in the comments. What part stood out to you? What did you learn?