The verse "And Raguel sprang up, and kissed him, wept," from Tobit 7:6 describes Raguel's emotional reaction upon seeing Tobias and learning about his family. Let's break it down:
"And Raguel sprang up": This indicates a sudden, energetic movement. Raguel is likely surprised or deeply moved by something.
"and kissed him": Kissing in ancient cultures was often a sign of greeting, affection, respect, or welcome. In this context, it suggests Raguel is accepting and welcoming Tobias.
"wept": Weeping signifies strong emotion, which could be joy, relief, sympathy, or a combination of these.
Putting it together, the verse suggests that Raguel is overcome with emotion upon meeting Tobias. Why is Raguel so emotional?
Divine Providence: The story of Tobit revolves around God's plan. Raguel may sense that Tobias's arrival is part of God's plan, and he is emotional about this.
Compassion for Tobit's family: Raguel would have known Tobit's history of doing good deeds and then suffering blindness. He may be weeping out of sympathy for the family's hardship.
Relief and Hope: Raguel has a daughter, Sarah, who is afflicted and has experienced tragedy (she has been widowed seven times). He may hope that Tobias's arrival is an answer to his prayers and will bring healing to Sarah.
Sense of Responsibility: Raguel may also feel a sense of responsibility towards Tobias, knowing that he is Tobit's son and that he has a duty to care for him.
Foreshadowing: In light of what happens later in the story, Raguel may be seeing a vision, feeling an intimation that Tobias and Sarah are destined to be together, a union that will resolve much sadness.
In summary, the verse "And Raguel sprang up, and kissed him, wept" indicates a deeply emotional reaction from Raguel, stemming from a combination of joy, relief, sympathy, divine providence, and the hope that Tobias's arrival will bring positive change. It sets the stage for the significant events that follow in the story of Tobit, particularly concerning Sarah's plight and the potential for a blessed union.
The verse "And Raguel sprang up, and kissed him, wept," from Tobit 7:6 describes Raguel's emotional reaction upon seeing Tobias and learning about his family. Let's break it down:
"And Raguel sprang up": This indicates a sudden, energetic movement. Raguel is likely surprised or deeply moved by something.
"and kissed him": Kissing in ancient cultures was often a sign of greeting, affection, respect, or welcome. In this context, it suggests Raguel is accepting and welcoming Tobias.
"wept": Weeping signifies strong emotion, which could be joy, relief, sympathy, or a combination of these.
Putting it together, the verse suggests that Raguel is overcome with emotion upon meeting Tobias. Why is Raguel so emotional?
Divine Providence: The story of Tobit revolves around God's plan. Raguel may sense that Tobias's arrival is part of God's plan, and he is emotional about this.
Compassion for Tobit's family: Raguel would have known Tobit's history of doing good deeds and then suffering blindness. He may be weeping out of sympathy for the family's hardship.
Relief and Hope: Raguel has a daughter, Sarah, who is afflicted and has experienced tragedy (she has been widowed seven times). He may hope that Tobias's arrival is an answer to his prayers and will bring healing to Sarah.
Sense of Responsibility: Raguel may also feel a sense of responsibility towards Tobias, knowing that he is Tobit's son and that he has a duty to care for him.
Foreshadowing: In light of what happens later in the story, Raguel may be seeing a vision, feeling an intimation that Tobias and Sarah are destined to be together, a union that will resolve much sadness.
In summary, the verse "And Raguel sprang up, and kissed him, wept" indicates a deeply emotional reaction from Raguel, stemming from a combination of joy, relief, sympathy, divine providence, and the hope that Tobias's arrival will bring positive change. It sets the stage for the significant events that follow in the story of Tobit, particularly concerning Sarah's plight and the potential for a blessed union.
