Tobit 8:19 - He kept the wedding feast for them fourteen days.

Generated Verse: Tobit 8:19

What does "Tobit 8:19" mean?


The verse "He kept the wedding feast for them fourteen days" from Tobit 8:19 refers to the duration of the wedding celebration held after Tobias and Sarah were married. Let's break it down:

"He": This refers to Raguel, Sarah's father.
"kept the wedding feast": This means Raguel hosted and provided for a celebration of Tobias and Sarah's marriage. Wedding feasts in ancient Jewish culture were important and often lasted for several days.
"for them fourteen days": This specifies that the wedding feast, hosted by Raguel, lasted for a full two weeks. This was a significantly long and lavish celebration, indicating Raguel's joy at Sarah's marriage and his wealth/status.

Significance:

Importance of Marriage: A two-week-long wedding feast emphasizes the importance of marriage and family in the society depicted in the Book of Tobit.
Wealth and Generosity: Hosting a celebration of this duration demonstrates Raguel's wealth and his generosity towards his new son-in-law and daughter.
Relief and Joy: After Sarah's previous marital troubles (the deaths of her seven previous husbands), this extended celebration might also symbolize Raguel's relief and happiness that she has finally found a good and blessed husband. The long feast is a tangible expression of the end of their hardship and the beginning of a hopeful future.
Biblical Tradition: Though not always as long, extended wedding celebrations were a custom in Biblical times, as demonstrated by other parts of the Old Testament (for instance, Samson's wedding in Judges 14).

In short, the verse describes a long and elaborate wedding celebration that reflects the cultural norms, family values, and the relief and joy felt by Raguel and his family upon Sarah's successful marriage to Tobias.

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