This verse is from the Book of Tobit, specifically Tobit 8:7, and it's part of a prayer that Tobias says with his wife, Sarah, on their wedding night. To understand it, we need some context:
Background: Sarah had been married seven times before, but each husband was killed by a demon named Asmodeus before the marriage could be consummated. Tobias knew this, but he was instructed by the angel Raphael on how to overcome the demon.
"And now, O Lord, I take not this my sister for lust, but in truth." This is the core of the verse. It's Tobias making a solemn vow. He's saying he's not marrying Sarah simply for sexual desire (lust). He's marrying her for a deeper, more genuine reason. "In truth" implies he's marrying her with sincere love, commitment, and respect. He sees her as more than just an object of desire. It emphasizes the covenantal aspect of marriage.
"Command that I may find mercy and grow old with her." Here, Tobias is asking for God's blessing and intervention. He's aware of the danger Sarah faces and is pleading for God's mercy to protect them. He's also expressing his hope for a long and happy life together, specifically praying that they will grow old together, which was a significant blessing in ancient times when life expectancy was lower. He's not just hoping for a passionate fling; he's hoping for a lifelong, blessed union.
In summary, the verse means:
Tobias is declaring that his intentions in marrying Sarah are pure and not driven by mere lust.
He's seeking God's favor and protection so that they may overcome the obstacles they face.
He's praying for a long and blessed life together, growing old together in their marriage.
The verse highlights the importance of marrying with pure intentions, seeking God's blessing, and desiring a lasting, committed relationship rather than just fleeting pleasure. It's a prayer for a marriage based on love, truth, and a shared future.
This verse is from the Book of Tobit, specifically Tobit 8:7, and it's part of a prayer that Tobias says with his wife, Sarah, on their wedding night. To understand it, we need some context:
Background: Sarah had been married seven times before, but each husband was killed by a demon named Asmodeus before the marriage could be consummated. Tobias knew this, but he was instructed by the angel Raphael on how to overcome the demon.
"And now, O Lord, I take not this my sister for lust, but in truth." This is the core of the verse. It's Tobias making a solemn vow. He's saying he's not marrying Sarah simply for sexual desire (lust). He's marrying her for a deeper, more genuine reason. "In truth" implies he's marrying her with sincere love, commitment, and respect. He sees her as more than just an object of desire. It emphasizes the covenantal aspect of marriage.
"Command that I may find mercy and grow old with her." Here, Tobias is asking for God's blessing and intervention. He's aware of the danger Sarah faces and is pleading for God's mercy to protect them. He's also expressing his hope for a long and happy life together, specifically praying that they will grow old together, which was a significant blessing in ancient times when life expectancy was lower. He's not just hoping for a passionate fling; he's hoping for a lifelong, blessed union.
In summary, the verse means:
Tobias is declaring that his intentions in marrying Sarah are pure and not driven by mere lust.
He's seeking God's favor and protection so that they may overcome the obstacles they face.
He's praying for a long and blessed life together, growing old together in their marriage.
The verse highlights the importance of marrying with pure intentions, seeking God's blessing, and desiring a lasting, committed relationship rather than just fleeting pleasure. It's a prayer for a marriage based on love, truth, and a shared future.
