Tobit 5:6 describes a pivotal moment in the Book of Tobit. Let's break down the meaning:
"The angel said to him..." - This refers to the angel Raphael, who has appeared disguised as a human to Tobit's son, Tobias. Tobias is looking for a traveling companion to accompany him on a journey to Media to recover a debt owed to his father.
"...“I will go with you. I know the way well." - Raphael is offering his services as a guide. This assures Tobias, who is unfamiliar with the route, that he will not get lost. It also implies Raphael has experience traveling to Media.
"I have lodged with our brother Gabael.”" - This is a crucial detail. Gabael is the man to whom Tobit entrusted the money that Tobias is supposed to collect. By stating he has stayed with Gabael, Raphael is establishing trust with Tobias. It confirms he knows Gabael and, indirectly, the purpose of Tobias's journey. It also suggests a relationship. The use of "our brother" is significant. It reinforces a sense of camaraderie and shared faith or kinship, further reassuring Tobias of Raphael's trustworthiness. It also hints at Raphael's divine nature, as he is connected to a devout man like Gabael.
In essence, the verse means:
Raphael assures Tobias that he will be his guide to Media because he is familiar with the route. More importantly, he adds that he has stayed with Gabael, the man from whom Tobias needs to collect the debt. This statement builds trust and confirms Raphael's knowledge of the situation, solidifying his position as a reliable companion for Tobias's journey.
Significance:
This verse is significant because it sets the stage for the rest of the Book of Tobit. It establishes Raphael as a trustworthy and knowledgeable figure who will guide and protect Tobias throughout his journey. It also hints at Raphael's divine nature, as only someone with special insight would have such a connection to Gabael and know so much about the situation. Without this assurance, Tobias might not have embarked on the journey, and the events that follow (including the healing of Tobit's blindness and Sarah's deliverance from a demon) would not have occurred.
Tobit 5:6 describes a pivotal moment in the Book of Tobit. Let's break down the meaning:
"The angel said to him..." - This refers to the angel Raphael, who has appeared disguised as a human to Tobit's son, Tobias. Tobias is looking for a traveling companion to accompany him on a journey to Media to recover a debt owed to his father.
"...“I will go with you. I know the way well." - Raphael is offering his services as a guide. This assures Tobias, who is unfamiliar with the route, that he will not get lost. It also implies Raphael has experience traveling to Media.
"I have lodged with our brother Gabael.”" - This is a crucial detail. Gabael is the man to whom Tobit entrusted the money that Tobias is supposed to collect. By stating he has stayed with Gabael, Raphael is establishing trust with Tobias. It confirms he knows Gabael and, indirectly, the purpose of Tobias's journey. It also suggests a relationship. The use of "our brother" is significant. It reinforces a sense of camaraderie and shared faith or kinship, further reassuring Tobias of Raphael's trustworthiness. It also hints at Raphael's divine nature, as he is connected to a devout man like Gabael.
In essence, the verse means:
Raphael assures Tobias that he will be his guide to Media because he is familiar with the route. More importantly, he adds that he has stayed with Gabael, the man from whom Tobias needs to collect the debt. This statement builds trust and confirms Raphael's knowledge of the situation, solidifying his position as a reliable companion for Tobias's journey.
Significance:
This verse is significant because it sets the stage for the rest of the Book of Tobit. It establishes Raphael as a trustworthy and knowledgeable figure who will guide and protect Tobias throughout his journey. It also hints at Raphael's divine nature, as only someone with special insight would have such a connection to Gabael and know so much about the situation. Without this assurance, Tobias might not have embarked on the journey, and the events that follow (including the healing of Tobit's blindness and Sarah's deliverance from a demon) would not have occurred.