This verse from Tobit 5:8 reveals a few important aspects of the story and the characters:
"He said to him, 'Go, and don’t wait.'" This is Tobit giving young Tobias permission to go on the journey to Media to retrieve the money owed to him. The urgency in his instruction ("don't wait") suggests he's keen for Tobias to leave quickly, possibly indicating a desire to settle the debt or a belief that promptness is crucial.
"And he went in and said to his father, 'Behold, I have found someone who will go with me.'" This shows Tobias's initiative in finding a companion for the journey, as it was understood to be dangerous to travel alone in those times. It also demonstrates his excitement and eagerness to embark on the mission, immediately sharing the news with his father.
"But he said, 'Call him to me, that I may know of what tribe he is, and whether he be a trustworthy man to go with you.'" This reveals Tobit's cautious and responsible nature as a parent. He doesn't blindly trust Tobias's judgment. Instead, he wants to assess the companion's character and background himself, particularly his tribe/lineage, which was important for determining trustworthiness in that culture. This highlights the importance of family history, reliability, and shared values in ancient Jewish society. It also shows Tobit's concern for his son's safety and well-being during the journey. He wants to ensure that the companion is someone who can be relied upon and trusted to protect Tobias.
The concern about tribe/lineage: In that era, one's tribe or lineage often indicated their social standing, values, and reputation. Knowing the companion's tribe would give Tobit insight into their character and whether they were likely to be a trustworthy individual.
The desire to assess trustworthiness: The primary concern is to ensure Tobias's safety and that he's not traveling with someone who might be dishonest or pose a danger to him.
In summary, this verse sets the stage for the introduction of the archangel Raphael (disguised as a human named Azarias), emphasizing the importance of discernment, parental responsibility, and the potential for divine intervention in seemingly ordinary events. It underscores themes of trust, lineage, and the quest for security and well-being.
This verse from Tobit 5:8 reveals a few important aspects of the story and the characters:
"He said to him, 'Go, and don’t wait.'" This is Tobit giving young Tobias permission to go on the journey to Media to retrieve the money owed to him. The urgency in his instruction ("don't wait") suggests he's keen for Tobias to leave quickly, possibly indicating a desire to settle the debt or a belief that promptness is crucial.
"And he went in and said to his father, 'Behold, I have found someone who will go with me.'" This shows Tobias's initiative in finding a companion for the journey, as it was understood to be dangerous to travel alone in those times. It also demonstrates his excitement and eagerness to embark on the mission, immediately sharing the news with his father.
"But he said, 'Call him to me, that I may know of what tribe he is, and whether he be a trustworthy man to go with you.'" This reveals Tobit's cautious and responsible nature as a parent. He doesn't blindly trust Tobias's judgment. Instead, he wants to assess the companion's character and background himself, particularly his tribe/lineage, which was important for determining trustworthiness in that culture. This highlights the importance of family history, reliability, and shared values in ancient Jewish society. It also shows Tobit's concern for his son's safety and well-being during the journey. He wants to ensure that the companion is someone who can be relied upon and trusted to protect Tobias.
The concern about tribe/lineage: In that era, one's tribe or lineage often indicated their social standing, values, and reputation. Knowing the companion's tribe would give Tobit insight into their character and whether they were likely to be a trustworthy individual.
The desire to assess trustworthiness: The primary concern is to ensure Tobias's safety and that he's not traveling with someone who might be dishonest or pose a danger to him.
In summary, this verse sets the stage for the introduction of the archangel Raphael (disguised as a human named Azarias), emphasizing the importance of discernment, parental responsibility, and the potential for divine intervention in seemingly ordinary events. It underscores themes of trust, lineage, and the quest for security and well-being.
