This verse from Tobit 5:11 is part of a crucial conversation where Tobit is hiring a travel companion for his son, Tobias. Let's break it down:
"He said to him, “Do you seek a tribe and a family, or a hired man which will go with your son?”" - The "he" here is likely referring to the angel Raphael, who is disguised as a human named Azarias. He's asking Tobit what his primary concern is in hiring this companion. Is Tobit looking for someone who will become part of his family (a "tribe and a family") and be treated with respect and potentially have long-term ties? Or is he simply looking for a hired worker to do a job, with a purely transactional relationship?
"And Tobit said to him, “I want to know, brother, your kindred and your name.”" - Tobit's response is significant. He doesn't directly answer Raphael's either/or question. Instead, he deflects and asks for information about Raphael's family and identity ("kindred and your name"). This indicates that Tobit is concerned about more than just finding a simple hired hand. He wants to know the background and character of the person he's entrusting his son's safety to. By asking about Raphael's family and name, Tobit is trying to assess his trustworthiness and integrity.
In essence, the verse highlights:
Tobit's concern for his son's well-being: He wants to ensure that the person accompanying Tobias is reliable and of good character.
The importance of kinship and identity in ancient society: Knowing someone's family and lineage was crucial for determining their reputation and trustworthiness.
Raphael's subtle test: Raphael's initial question could be interpreted as a way to gauge Tobit's values and intentions in seeking a companion.
Foreshadowing: The fact that Raphael is an angel in disguise adds an extra layer of meaning. He's essentially testing Tobit to see if Tobit is truly discerning and virtuous.
In conclusion, the verse shows Tobit's carefulness in selecting a companion for his son, emphasizing his desire to find someone trustworthy and reliable, and highlighting the importance of family and reputation in the context of the story. It also subtly foreshadows the true nature of the person Tobit is interviewing.
This verse from Tobit 5:11 is part of a crucial conversation where Tobit is hiring a travel companion for his son, Tobias. Let's break it down:
"He said to him, “Do you seek a tribe and a family, or a hired man which will go with your son?”" - The "he" here is likely referring to the angel Raphael, who is disguised as a human named Azarias. He's asking Tobit what his primary concern is in hiring this companion. Is Tobit looking for someone who will become part of his family (a "tribe and a family") and be treated with respect and potentially have long-term ties? Or is he simply looking for a hired worker to do a job, with a purely transactional relationship?
"And Tobit said to him, “I want to know, brother, your kindred and your name.”" - Tobit's response is significant. He doesn't directly answer Raphael's either/or question. Instead, he deflects and asks for information about Raphael's family and identity ("kindred and your name"). This indicates that Tobit is concerned about more than just finding a simple hired hand. He wants to know the background and character of the person he's entrusting his son's safety to. By asking about Raphael's family and name, Tobit is trying to assess his trustworthiness and integrity.
In essence, the verse highlights:
Tobit's concern for his son's well-being: He wants to ensure that the person accompanying Tobias is reliable and of good character.
The importance of kinship and identity in ancient society: Knowing someone's family and lineage was crucial for determining their reputation and trustworthiness.
Raphael's subtle test: Raphael's initial question could be interpreted as a way to gauge Tobit's values and intentions in seeking a companion.
Foreshadowing: The fact that Raphael is an angel in disguise adds an extra layer of meaning. He's essentially testing Tobit to see if Tobit is truly discerning and virtuous.
In conclusion, the verse shows Tobit's carefulness in selecting a companion for his son, emphasizing his desire to find someone trustworthy and reliable, and highlighting the importance of family and reputation in the context of the story. It also subtly foreshadows the true nature of the person Tobit is interviewing.
