This verse from Tobit 8:20 means that Raguel, Sarah's father, made Tobias swear an oath that he would not leave until the full 14 days of their wedding feast were over.
Let's break it down:
"Before the days of the wedding feast were finished...": The wedding feast was already underway, but still had some days remaining.
"Raguel sware to him...": Raguel (Sarah's father) made Tobias (Sarah's husband) take an oath. To "swear" something is to make a solemn promise, often to God.
"...that he should not depart...": Tobias was obligated to stay.
"...till the fourteen days of the wedding feast were fulfilled;": The condition of the oath was that Tobias had to remain until the entire 14-day wedding celebration concluded.
In essence, Raguel wanted Tobias to stay for the duration of the traditional wedding celebration. This could be interpreted in a few ways:
Hospitality and Tradition: Raguel wanted to properly honor his daughter and new son-in-law by extending proper hospitality and adhering to tradition. Wedding feasts were significant social events and often lasted for extended periods.
Concern for Sarah: Raguel had been very worried about the well-being of Sarah and did not want Tobias to depart before he was certain all was well. (Sarah had previously lost several husbands on their wedding night to the demon Asmodeus.) This oath could be interpreted as Raguel's way of ensuring Sarah's safety and happiness.
Affection for Tobias: Raguel grew fond of Tobias very quickly and was likely enjoying his company, and wanted him to remain longer.
The oath highlights the importance of hospitality, family bonds, and adherence to tradition in the story of Tobit. It also underscores the relief and joy Raguel feels that Sarah is finally safe and happily married.
This verse from Tobit 8:20 means that Raguel, Sarah's father, made Tobias swear an oath that he would not leave until the full 14 days of their wedding feast were over.
Let's break it down:
"Before the days of the wedding feast were finished...": The wedding feast was already underway, but still had some days remaining.
"Raguel sware to him...": Raguel (Sarah's father) made Tobias (Sarah's husband) take an oath. To "swear" something is to make a solemn promise, often to God.
"...that he should not depart...": Tobias was obligated to stay.
"...till the fourteen days of the wedding feast were fulfilled;": The condition of the oath was that Tobias had to remain until the entire 14-day wedding celebration concluded.
In essence, Raguel wanted Tobias to stay for the duration of the traditional wedding celebration. This could be interpreted in a few ways:
Hospitality and Tradition: Raguel wanted to properly honor his daughter and new son-in-law by extending proper hospitality and adhering to tradition. Wedding feasts were significant social events and often lasted for extended periods.
Concern for Sarah: Raguel had been very worried about the well-being of Sarah and did not want Tobias to depart before he was certain all was well. (Sarah had previously lost several husbands on their wedding night to the demon Asmodeus.) This oath could be interpreted as Raguel's way of ensuring Sarah's safety and happiness.
Affection for Tobias: Raguel grew fond of Tobias very quickly and was likely enjoying his company, and wanted him to remain longer.
The oath highlights the importance of hospitality, family bonds, and adherence to tradition in the story of Tobit. It also underscores the relief and joy Raguel feels that Sarah is finally safe and happily married.
