This verse from Tobit 1:18 describes Tobit's acts of piety and bravery during a time of persecution and hardship in Assyria. Let's break down the meaning:
"If Sennacherib the king killed any, when he came fleeing from Judea..." This sets the context. King Sennacherib of Assyria had attacked Judea but was ultimately unsuccessful and was forced to retreat. In his retreat, he continued to kill people (likely Jewish people within the Assyrian empire).
"...I buried them privately..." This highlights Tobit's act of courage and religious devotion. According to Jewish law and tradition, proper burial was a sacred duty. However, burying those killed by the king was likely a dangerous act, as it could be seen as defiance of the king's authority. Tobit risks his own safety to perform this righteous deed.
"...for in his wrath he killed many..." This emphasizes the scale of the violence perpetrated by Sennacherib. Many people were killed.
"...and the bodies were sought for by the king, and were not found." This indicates that Sennacherib's regime wanted to control the narrative surrounding the deaths, perhaps to prevent mourning or to prevent any potential rebellion. Tobit's actions, by secretly burying the bodies, thwarted the king's efforts. It is implied that Tobit was careful and skillful enough to hide the bodies effectively, thus protecting them from further desecration and allowing the deceased to receive a proper burial.
In essence, the verse demonstrates Tobit's unwavering commitment to his religious duties and moral principles, even in the face of grave personal danger and the tyrannical rule of Sennacherib. It portrays him as a righteous and courageous man who defied an oppressive regime to honor the dead and uphold his faith. This establishes Tobit as a character of strong moral fiber, setting the stage for the trials and tribulations he will face later in the Book of Tobit.
This verse from Tobit 1:18 describes Tobit's acts of piety and bravery during a time of persecution and hardship in Assyria. Let's break down the meaning:
"If Sennacherib the king killed any, when he came fleeing from Judea..." This sets the context. King Sennacherib of Assyria had attacked Judea but was ultimately unsuccessful and was forced to retreat. In his retreat, he continued to kill people (likely Jewish people within the Assyrian empire).
"...I buried them privately..." This highlights Tobit's act of courage and religious devotion. According to Jewish law and tradition, proper burial was a sacred duty. However, burying those killed by the king was likely a dangerous act, as it could be seen as defiance of the king's authority. Tobit risks his own safety to perform this righteous deed.
"...for in his wrath he killed many..." This emphasizes the scale of the violence perpetrated by Sennacherib. Many people were killed.
"...and the bodies were sought for by the king, and were not found." This indicates that Sennacherib's regime wanted to control the narrative surrounding the deaths, perhaps to prevent mourning or to prevent any potential rebellion. Tobit's actions, by secretly burying the bodies, thwarted the king's efforts. It is implied that Tobit was careful and skillful enough to hide the bodies effectively, thus protecting them from further desecration and allowing the deceased to receive a proper burial.
In essence, the verse demonstrates Tobit's unwavering commitment to his religious duties and moral principles, even in the face of grave personal danger and the tyrannical rule of Sennacherib. It portrays him as a righteous and courageous man who defied an oppressive regime to honor the dead and uphold his faith. This establishes Tobit as a character of strong moral fiber, setting the stage for the trials and tribulations he will face later in the Book of Tobit.
