Tobit 12:22 - They confessed the great and wonderful works of God, and how the angel of the Lord had appeared to them.

Generated Verse: Tobit 12:22

What does "Tobit 12:22" mean?


Tobit 12:22, "They confessed the great and wonderful works of God, and how the angel of the Lord had appeared to them," is a summary statement about Tobit and his son Tobias's reaction after the angel Raphael reveals his true identity. To understand its meaning, let's break it down:

"They confessed the great and wonderful works of God..." This refers to Tobit and Tobias acknowledging and praising God for the miraculous events that had unfolded in their lives. These events include:

Tobit's blindness being healed.
Tobias's safe journey to Media and back.
Tobias finding a virtuous wife, Sarah, and freeing her from the demon Asmodeus.
The recovery of Tobit's money.
The overall divine providence that guided them through hardship.

The word "confessed" here isn't necessarily about admitting wrongdoing, but rather openly and publicly declaring their belief in God's power and intervention. They're expressing their gratitude and awe. The phrase "great and wonderful works" emphasizes the magnitude and extraordinary nature of these events.

"...and how the angel of the Lord had appeared to them." This is a key part of the verse. "The angel of the Lord" refers to Raphael, who had been traveling with Tobias in disguise as a human companion named Azarias. The revelation that Azarias was actually the angel Raphael is a pivotal moment.

The significance of the angel's appearance lies in several factors:

Divine Intervention: The angel's presence confirms that God was actively involved in their lives, answering their prayers and guiding them towards healing and prosperity. It highlights the belief that God sends messengers to help those who are faithful.
Confirmation of Faith: Seeing an angel would be a powerful confirmation of their faith in God. It validates their belief that God hears and responds to prayers.
Recognition of God's Power: The angel's ability to overcome demonic forces and guide them safely demonstrates God's ultimate power and protection.

In summary, Tobit 12:22 conveys the profound gratitude and faith of Tobit and Tobias after they realized the extent of God's intervention in their lives. They acknowledged God's amazing deeds and the extraordinary privilege of having an angel of the Lord appear to them. The verse emphasizes the power of prayer, the reality of divine intervention, and the importance of recognizing and praising God's blessings.

The verse serves as a concluding statement, highlighting the key themes of the Book of Tobit, which are:

God's providence and faithfulness to those who trust in Him.
The importance of prayer and good deeds.
The power of faith to overcome adversity.
The reality of angels and their role in God's plan.

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