The verse "But when they drew near to Rages," from Tobit 6:9 marks a significant geographical point in Tobit's son, Tobias's, journey. Let's break down the meaning:
"But when they drew near...": This indicates progress in Tobias's journey. He and the angel Raphael (disguised as a human named Azarias) are traveling together.
"Rages": Rages (also spelled Rhages) was an important city in Media (modern-day Iran). It was known as a significant trading center and a prosperous place. The verse suggests they are nearing the city.
Contextual Significance:
1. Purpose of the Journey: Tobias is traveling to Rages to retrieve a large sum of money that Tobit, his father, had entrusted to a relative named Gabael who lives there.
2. Approaching the Goal: Reaching Rages means Tobias is getting closer to fulfilling his father's mission and recovering the money.
3. Geographical Marker: The mention of Rages helps track the progress of the narrative and gives the reader a sense of place. The journey from Nineveh (where Tobit and Tobias lived) to Rages was a long and potentially dangerous one.
In essence, "But when they drew near to Rages" is a simple statement indicating that Tobias and Raphael were approaching their destination, the city of Rages, where they needed to collect the money owed to Tobit. It is a milestone in their journey.
The verse "But when they drew near to Rages," from Tobit 6:9 marks a significant geographical point in Tobit's son, Tobias's, journey. Let's break down the meaning:
"But when they drew near...": This indicates progress in Tobias's journey. He and the angel Raphael (disguised as a human named Azarias) are traveling together.
"Rages": Rages (also spelled Rhages) was an important city in Media (modern-day Iran). It was known as a significant trading center and a prosperous place. The verse suggests they are nearing the city.
Contextual Significance:
1. Purpose of the Journey: Tobias is traveling to Rages to retrieve a large sum of money that Tobit, his father, had entrusted to a relative named Gabael who lives there.
2. Approaching the Goal: Reaching Rages means Tobias is getting closer to fulfilling his father's mission and recovering the money.
3. Geographical Marker: The mention of Rages helps track the progress of the narrative and gives the reader a sense of place. The journey from Nineveh (where Tobit and Tobias lived) to Rages was a long and potentially dangerous one.
In essence, "But when they drew near to Rages" is a simple statement indicating that Tobias and Raphael were approaching their destination, the city of Rages, where they needed to collect the money owed to Tobit. It is a milestone in their journey.
