This verse from Tobit 10:11 concludes Tobit's joyful reunion with his son Tobias and his new daughter-in-law Sarah. Let's break down its meaning:
"and he blessed them": This refers to Tobit bestowing a blessing upon Tobias and Sarah. Blessings in the Bible were powerful acts of wishing good fortune and divine favor upon someone. It's a fatherly act of love and hope for their future.
"and sent them away": This implies that Tobias and Sarah are preparing to leave Tobit's home, likely to establish their own household and life together. This could be a departure either back to Sarah's family home in Ecbatana or to a new place.
"saying, 'The God of heaven will prosper you, my children, before I die.'": This is the core of the verse. It's Tobit's blessing spoken aloud, containing several key elements:
"The God of heaven": This is a common phrase in Jewish texts, referring to God's supreme authority and power. It emphasizes that their prosperity will come from a divine source, not from earthly means alone.
"will prosper you": This is the essence of the blessing. Tobit is expressing his deep hope and confidence that God will grant them success, abundance, and overall well-being in their lives. Prosperity in this context likely encompasses material wealth, good health, family, and spiritual fulfillment.
"my children": This is a term of endearment. It demonstrates Tobit's love and paternal affection for both Tobias and Sarah. He now considers Sarah as one of his own children.
"before I die": This adds a poignant note. Tobit, who has been blind for some time, is aware of his mortality. He wants to witness his son and daughter-in-law's success and happiness before his death. It emphasizes the importance of family and legacy, and his desire to see them established before he passes away. He has now received his sight again, so his death is not necessarily imminent.
In essence, the verse is a heartfelt blessing from a father to his son and new daughter-in-law. Tobit expresses his love, entrusts their future to God, and hopes to see them flourish before his own life ends. It highlights the importance of family, faith, and the hope for future prosperity passed down through generations.
This verse from Tobit 10:11 concludes Tobit's joyful reunion with his son Tobias and his new daughter-in-law Sarah. Let's break down its meaning:
"and he blessed them": This refers to Tobit bestowing a blessing upon Tobias and Sarah. Blessings in the Bible were powerful acts of wishing good fortune and divine favor upon someone. It's a fatherly act of love and hope for their future.
"and sent them away": This implies that Tobias and Sarah are preparing to leave Tobit's home, likely to establish their own household and life together. This could be a departure either back to Sarah's family home in Ecbatana or to a new place.
"saying, 'The God of heaven will prosper you, my children, before I die.'": This is the core of the verse. It's Tobit's blessing spoken aloud, containing several key elements:
"The God of heaven": This is a common phrase in Jewish texts, referring to God's supreme authority and power. It emphasizes that their prosperity will come from a divine source, not from earthly means alone.
"will prosper you": This is the essence of the blessing. Tobit is expressing his deep hope and confidence that God will grant them success, abundance, and overall well-being in their lives. Prosperity in this context likely encompasses material wealth, good health, family, and spiritual fulfillment.
"my children": This is a term of endearment. It demonstrates Tobit's love and paternal affection for both Tobias and Sarah. He now considers Sarah as one of his own children.
"before I die": This adds a poignant note. Tobit, who has been blind for some time, is aware of his mortality. He wants to witness his son and daughter-in-law's success and happiness before his death. It emphasizes the importance of family and legacy, and his desire to see them established before he passes away. He has now received his sight again, so his death is not necessarily imminent.
In essence, the verse is a heartfelt blessing from a father to his son and new daughter-in-law. Tobit expresses his love, entrusts their future to God, and hopes to see them flourish before his own life ends. It highlights the importance of family, faith, and the hope for future prosperity passed down through generations.
