Tobit 7:3 - And Raguel asked them, “Where are you two from, kindred?” They said to him, “We are of the sons of Naphtali, who are captives in Nineveh.”
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What does "Tobit 7:3" mean?
This verse from Tobit 7:3 provides important information about the identities of Tobias and Azariah (the angel Raphael in disguise) when they arrive at Raguel's home. Let's break it down:
"And Raguel asked them, 'Where are you two from, kindred?'": Raguel, who is Sarah's father and Tobias' future father-in-law, is naturally curious about these strangers who have arrived at his home. He asks about their origin and if they are related or of the same kin (tribe, family). It's a standard greeting and way to establish trust and understand their place in society.
"They said to him, 'We are of the sons of Naphtali, who are captives in Nineveh.'": Tobias (through Azariah, who is acting as his guide and relative) identifies their tribal affiliation. They claim to be from the tribe of Naphtali, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Crucially, they add that they are captives in Nineveh. This means they are part of the Jewish diaspora, living in exile in the Assyrian capital.
Therefore, the verse reveals that:
Tobias and Azariah belong to the tribe of Naphtali. This establishes their Israelite identity.
They are living in exile in Nineveh. This explains why they are far from their ancestral homeland and why they might be seeking connections with other Israelites in the diaspora.
They are presenting themselves as related. The use of "we" implies they are kin, which helps explain their travel together and encourages Raguel to treat them with hospitality. (Of course, Azariah is an angel, but he is playing the role of a relative to Tobias.)
This information helps contextualize the rest of the story. It highlights the plight of the Jewish people in exile and sets the stage for the events that follow, including Tobias' marriage to Sarah and the recovery of his father's eyesight. The fact that they are from the exiled tribe of Naphtali means that they are likely seeking some degree of solace or comfort in being around other like-minded people.
Tobit 7:3 - And Raguel asked them, “Where are you two from, kindred?” They said to him, “We are of the sons of Naphtali, who are captives in Nineveh.”
What does "Tobit 7:3" mean?
This verse from Tobit 7:3 provides important information about the identities of Tobias and Azariah (the angel Raphael in disguise) when they arrive at Raguel's home. Let's break it down:
"And Raguel asked them, 'Where are you two from, kindred?'": Raguel, who is Sarah's father and Tobias' future father-in-law, is naturally curious about these strangers who have arrived at his home. He asks about their origin and if they are related or of the same kin (tribe, family). It's a standard greeting and way to establish trust and understand their place in society.
"They said to him, 'We are of the sons of Naphtali, who are captives in Nineveh.'": Tobias (through Azariah, who is acting as his guide and relative) identifies their tribal affiliation. They claim to be from the tribe of Naphtali, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Crucially, they add that they are captives in Nineveh. This means they are part of the Jewish diaspora, living in exile in the Assyrian capital.
Therefore, the verse reveals that:
Tobias and Azariah belong to the tribe of Naphtali. This establishes their Israelite identity.
They are living in exile in Nineveh. This explains why they are far from their ancestral homeland and why they might be seeking connections with other Israelites in the diaspora.
They are presenting themselves as related. The use of "we" implies they are kin, which helps explain their travel together and encourages Raguel to treat them with hospitality. (Of course, Azariah is an angel, but he is playing the role of a relative to Tobias.)
This information helps contextualize the rest of the story. It highlights the plight of the Jewish people in exile and sets the stage for the events that follow, including Tobias' marriage to Sarah and the recovery of his father's eyesight. The fact that they are from the exiled tribe of Naphtali means that they are likely seeking some degree of solace or comfort in being around other like-minded people.