Tobit 12:20 - Now give God thanks, because I ascend to him that sent me. Write in a book all the things which have been done.”
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What does "Tobit 12:20" mean?
Tobit 12:20 is a significant verse within the Book of Tobit, and its meaning is packed with theological and practical implications. Let's break it down:
Context: This verse comes at the end of the angel Raphael's revelation of his true identity to Tobit and his son Tobias. Throughout the story, Raphael, disguised as a human named Azarias, has guided and protected Tobias on a perilous journey, helped him find a virtuous wife (Sarah), and taught him how to heal Tobit's blindness.
"Now give God thanks, because I ascend to him that sent me."
"Give God thanks": This is a crucial command. Raphael's entire mission has been about God's mercy, providence, and healing power. His first act is always praising and thanking God. Recognizing God's goodness is fundamental.
"I ascend to him that sent me": Raphael reveals that he is an angel, a messenger of God. He is returning to his heavenly home, back to the presence of God who commissioned him for this specific task. This emphasizes that he was acting on God's behalf, with divine authority and purpose.
"Write in a book all the things which have been done.”
"Write in a book": This instruction has a few important layers:
Record of God's Actions: It's a call to document the extraordinary events they've witnessed, not just for personal memory, but as a testament to God's intervention in their lives.
Instruction for Others: The written record serves as a source of encouragement, faith, and guidance for future generations. It shows how God responds to prayer, protects the righteous, and works through difficult circumstances.
Importance of Remembrance: Writing it down ensures that they will not forget all the important things that God has done for them.
"All the things which have been done": This covers the entire narrative of the book:
Tobit's righteousness amidst suffering and his prayers for deliverance.
Tobias' courageous journey, his encounter with Sarah, and the healing of Tobit's blindness.
Raphael's guidance and protection.
The overall demonstration of God's justice, mercy, and faithfulness.
In Summary:
Tobit 12:20 is a powerful call to recognize and give thanks for God's active involvement in the world. It emphasizes the importance of:
Gratitude: Acknowledging God's goodness in all circumstances.
Remembering God's Works: Preserving the memory of God's actions as a source of faith and inspiration.
Testimony: Sharing our stories of God's intervention with others, so that they too can have hope and believe.
God's Providence: Recognizing that God works behind the scenes, often through unexpected means (like Raphael's disguise), to accomplish his purposes.
The verse essentially instructs Tobit to make a permanent record of God's incredible blessings, so that they can serve as a source of hope and encouragement for generations to come. It underscores the message that God hears prayers, rewards faithfulness, and provides deliverance in times of need.
Tobit 12:20 - Now give God thanks, because I ascend to him that sent me. Write in a book all the things which have been done.”
What does "Tobit 12:20" mean?
Tobit 12:20 is a significant verse within the Book of Tobit, and its meaning is packed with theological and practical implications. Let's break it down:
Context: This verse comes at the end of the angel Raphael's revelation of his true identity to Tobit and his son Tobias. Throughout the story, Raphael, disguised as a human named Azarias, has guided and protected Tobias on a perilous journey, helped him find a virtuous wife (Sarah), and taught him how to heal Tobit's blindness.
"Now give God thanks, because I ascend to him that sent me."
"Give God thanks": This is a crucial command. Raphael's entire mission has been about God's mercy, providence, and healing power. His first act is always praising and thanking God. Recognizing God's goodness is fundamental.
"I ascend to him that sent me": Raphael reveals that he is an angel, a messenger of God. He is returning to his heavenly home, back to the presence of God who commissioned him for this specific task. This emphasizes that he was acting on God's behalf, with divine authority and purpose.
"Write in a book all the things which have been done.”
"Write in a book": This instruction has a few important layers:
Record of God's Actions: It's a call to document the extraordinary events they've witnessed, not just for personal memory, but as a testament to God's intervention in their lives.
Instruction for Others: The written record serves as a source of encouragement, faith, and guidance for future generations. It shows how God responds to prayer, protects the righteous, and works through difficult circumstances.
Importance of Remembrance: Writing it down ensures that they will not forget all the important things that God has done for them.
"All the things which have been done": This covers the entire narrative of the book:
Tobit's righteousness amidst suffering and his prayers for deliverance.
Tobias' courageous journey, his encounter with Sarah, and the healing of Tobit's blindness.
Raphael's guidance and protection.
The overall demonstration of God's justice, mercy, and faithfulness.
In Summary:
Tobit 12:20 is a powerful call to recognize and give thanks for God's active involvement in the world. It emphasizes the importance of:
Gratitude: Acknowledging God's goodness in all circumstances.
Remembering God's Works: Preserving the memory of God's actions as a source of faith and inspiration.
Testimony: Sharing our stories of God's intervention with others, so that they too can have hope and believe.
God's Providence: Recognizing that God works behind the scenes, often through unexpected means (like Raphael's disguise), to accomplish his purposes.
The verse essentially instructs Tobit to make a permanent record of God's incredible blessings, so that they can serve as a source of hope and encouragement for generations to come. It underscores the message that God hears prayers, rewards faithfulness, and provides deliverance in times of need.