Tobit 1:10 - When I was carried away captive to Nineveh, all my kindred and my relatives ate of the bread of the Gentiles;
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What does "Tobit 1:10" mean?
This verse from Tobit 1:10 is part of Tobit's lament and reflection on his life and faith. Let's break down what it means:
"When I was carried away captive to Nineveh..." This refers to the Assyrian conquest of the Northern Kingdom of Israel in the late 8th century BCE. Many Israelites, including Tobit, were forcibly deported to various cities in the Assyrian empire, including Nineveh.
"...all my kindred and my relatives ate of the bread of the Gentiles;" This is the key phrase. "Bread" is often used metaphorically to represent sustenance, livelihood, and participation in the customs and practices of a community. "Gentiles" here refers to the non-Jewish population, specifically the Assyrians.
Literal Interpretation: It could mean that Tobit's relatives were forced to eat food prepared by non-Jews, which might have violated their religious dietary laws (Kashrut). This was a sign of their subjugation and loss of cultural and religious autonomy.
Figurative Interpretation: More broadly, it likely signifies that his relatives compromised their Jewish identity and traditions in order to survive and assimilate into Assyrian society. This could involve:
Adopting Assyrian customs.
Participating in Assyrian religious practices (even if outwardly).
Entering into service or employment under Assyrians, accepting their patronage, and thus becoming dependent on them.
Intermarrying with Assyrians.
In essence, the verse implies that Tobit's family members, out of necessity or convenience, abandoned or compromised their Jewish identity and practices in order to thrive in the foreign land of Assyria. Tobit himself, as the rest of the Book of Tobit shows, is portrayed as someone who resisted this assimilation and remained faithful to his religious beliefs and practices, even at risk to himself. He maintained his cultural identity, observed the Jewish law to the best of his ability, and continued to help his fellow exiles. This verse highlights the contrast between Tobit's commitment and the compromises made by some of his relatives.
Tobit 1:10 - When I was carried away captive to Nineveh, all my kindred and my relatives ate of the bread of the Gentiles;
What does "Tobit 1:10" mean?
This verse from Tobit 1:10 is part of Tobit's lament and reflection on his life and faith. Let's break down what it means:
"When I was carried away captive to Nineveh..." This refers to the Assyrian conquest of the Northern Kingdom of Israel in the late 8th century BCE. Many Israelites, including Tobit, were forcibly deported to various cities in the Assyrian empire, including Nineveh.
"...all my kindred and my relatives ate of the bread of the Gentiles;" This is the key phrase. "Bread" is often used metaphorically to represent sustenance, livelihood, and participation in the customs and practices of a community. "Gentiles" here refers to the non-Jewish population, specifically the Assyrians.
Literal Interpretation: It could mean that Tobit's relatives were forced to eat food prepared by non-Jews, which might have violated their religious dietary laws (Kashrut). This was a sign of their subjugation and loss of cultural and religious autonomy.
Figurative Interpretation: More broadly, it likely signifies that his relatives compromised their Jewish identity and traditions in order to survive and assimilate into Assyrian society. This could involve:
Adopting Assyrian customs.
Participating in Assyrian religious practices (even if outwardly).
Entering into service or employment under Assyrians, accepting their patronage, and thus becoming dependent on them.
Intermarrying with Assyrians.
In essence, the verse implies that Tobit's family members, out of necessity or convenience, abandoned or compromised their Jewish identity and practices in order to thrive in the foreign land of Assyria. Tobit himself, as the rest of the Book of Tobit shows, is portrayed as someone who resisted this assimilation and remained faithful to his religious beliefs and practices, even at risk to himself. He maintained his cultural identity, observed the Jewish law to the best of his ability, and continued to help his fellow exiles. This verse highlights the contrast between Tobit's commitment and the compromises made by some of his relatives.