This verse from Tobit 7:4 is a simple greeting and inquiry about Tobit's well-being. Let's break it down:
"He said to them, “Do you know Tobit our brother?” This is Raphael, in disguise as a human named Azariah, speaking to Tobit's relatives who live in Media. He's testing the waters, establishing a connection and determining if they know the family he claims to be related to. Calling Tobit "our brother" subtly implies a sense of kinship or shared community.
They said, “We know him.” The relatives confirm they know Tobit. This verifies Azariah's story and opens the door for further conversation.
Then he said to them, “Is he in good health?” Azariah asks about Tobit's health. This is a polite and natural question, given that Tobit is known to them. This is significant because Tobit had become blind, a fact Azariah would likely know if he truly were a relative. It is a way of subtly confirming the information he has.
In summary, the verse shows Raphael/Azariah:*
Establishing a connection with Tobit's relatives.
Verifying that they know Tobit.
Inquiring about Tobit's health, potentially to gauge his condition and set the stage for revealing his true identity and mission to help Tobit.
The question about Tobit's health is important because it hints at the reason for Azariah's journey and creates a sense of anticipation about what he might reveal or offer. It also serves as a gentle reminder to the reader of Tobit's current state of blindness.
This verse from Tobit 7:4 is a simple greeting and inquiry about Tobit's well-being. Let's break it down:
"He said to them, “Do you know Tobit our brother?” This is Raphael, in disguise as a human named Azariah, speaking to Tobit's relatives who live in Media. He's testing the waters, establishing a connection and determining if they know the family he claims to be related to. Calling Tobit "our brother" subtly implies a sense of kinship or shared community.
They said, “We know him.” The relatives confirm they know Tobit. This verifies Azariah's story and opens the door for further conversation.
Then he said to them, “Is he in good health?” Azariah asks about Tobit's health. This is a polite and natural question, given that Tobit is known to them. This is significant because Tobit had become blind, a fact Azariah would likely know if he truly were a relative. It is a way of subtly confirming the information he has.
In summary, the verse shows Raphael/Azariah:*
Establishing a connection with Tobit's relatives.
Verifying that they know Tobit.
Inquiring about Tobit's health, potentially to gauge his condition and set the stage for revealing his true identity and mission to help Tobit.
The question about Tobit's health is important because it hints at the reason for Azariah's journey and creates a sense of anticipation about what he might reveal or offer. It also serves as a gentle reminder to the reader of Tobit's current state of blindness.
