Tobit 12:16 describes the reaction of Tobit and Tobias (his son) after the angel Raphael reveals his true identity. Let's break down the verse:
"And they were both troubled...": They were deeply disturbed, shocked, and filled with awe. The revelation that the helpful companion who had guided them on their journey was actually a powerful angel of God was overwhelming. Their understanding of the events that had transpired was completely altered.
"...and fell upon their faces...": This is a common expression of reverence, humility, and submission in the presence of a divine being. Prostrating themselves was a way to acknowledge the immense power and holiness of Raphael. It also represents a sense of their own unworthiness in comparison to the angel.
"...for they were afraid.": Fear is a natural human response when confronted with the supernatural or divine. The fear wasn't necessarily of Raphael himself, but a recognition of the power and majesty he represented. This fear arises from the understanding of the immense gulf between mortal humans and heavenly beings. They may have feared what this encounter signified for their future, or that they had been unknowingly in the presence of such a holy being.
In summary, the verse illustrates the profound effect of encountering the divine. Tobit and Tobias are struck with a mixture of awe, fear, and humility, leading them to prostrate themselves in reverence before the revealed angel Raphael. It underscores the immense power and holiness of angels and the appropriate human response of reverence and submission when encountering them.
Tobit 12:16 describes the reaction of Tobit and Tobias (his son) after the angel Raphael reveals his true identity. Let's break down the verse:
"And they were both troubled...": They were deeply disturbed, shocked, and filled with awe. The revelation that the helpful companion who had guided them on their journey was actually a powerful angel of God was overwhelming. Their understanding of the events that had transpired was completely altered.
"...and fell upon their faces...": This is a common expression of reverence, humility, and submission in the presence of a divine being. Prostrating themselves was a way to acknowledge the immense power and holiness of Raphael. It also represents a sense of their own unworthiness in comparison to the angel.
"...for they were afraid.": Fear is a natural human response when confronted with the supernatural or divine. The fear wasn't necessarily of Raphael himself, but a recognition of the power and majesty he represented. This fear arises from the understanding of the immense gulf between mortal humans and heavenly beings. They may have feared what this encounter signified for their future, or that they had been unknowingly in the presence of such a holy being.
In summary, the verse illustrates the profound effect of encountering the divine. Tobit and Tobias are struck with a mixture of awe, fear, and humility, leading them to prostrate themselves in reverence before the revealed angel Raphael. It underscores the immense power and holiness of angels and the appropriate human response of reverence and submission when encountering them.
