Rediscovering Tobit: A "Hidden" Gem of Faith and Adventure
The Book of Tobit blends romance, miracles, and divine guidance, proving there’s nothing “bad” about this biblical classic
Welcome to our exploration of the Bible’s lesser-known treasures! In our podcast, “Bad” Books of the Bible, we’ve substantially explored several of the the so-called Deuterocanonical texts of the Old Testament, often called Apocrypha, to uncover their spiritual and narrative riches. Today, we’re spotlighting the Book of Tobit—a captivating story of faith, adventure, and divine providence that deserves a fresh look.
Whether you’re Orthodox, from another Christian tradition, or simply curious, Tobit offers profound wisdom for all. We’ve already created a guided tour through this book in order to invite you to discover why this so-called “bad” book is anything but!
What Is a Deuterocanonical Book?
When we think about the Bible, we might think it’s a single volume, but it’s really a collection of books—and for some denominations, certain books with a longstanding pedigree in the Christian tradition were removed. In other words, some Christians consider these books apocryphal and are not included in their Bible at all—but for others, like the Orthodox Church, these books are considered a vital part of the canon. In our podcast, we call these the “Bad” Books of the Bible, but we’re here to show you that these books are far from bad—they’re filled with wisdom, history, and inspiration that can deepen your faith.
What Is the Book of Tobit?
The Book of Tobit, likely written in the 2nd or 3rd century BC, is a compelling narrative set during the Assyrian exile of the Israelites. It follows Tobit, a devout Jew in Nineveh, whose acts of charity lead to blindness and poverty. His son Tobias embarks on a journey, guided by the archangel Raphael (disguised as a human), to retrieve money and find a wife. Along the way, Tobias marries Sarah, a woman tormented by a demon who killed her seven prior husbands, and with Raphael’s help, he defeats the demon and restores his father’s sight. This tale of faith, family, and God’s guidance blends history, folklore, and spiritual instruction—it’s the world’s original romance story.
For Orthodox Christians, Tobit is part of the Old Testament canon, found in the Septuagint—the Greek translation used by early Christians—and is considered part of the inspired Scriptures. For non-Orthodox readers, Tobit may appear in the Apocrypha or be absent from your Bible, but its universal themes, and its unique place in Jewish history, make it an interesting read for all Christians and Jews.
Why Tobit Matters in Orthodoxy
In the Orthodox Church, Tobit is a treasury of spiritual wisdom, offering insights that have resonated with readers across both miles and millennia:
Divine Providence: Raphael’s guidance of Tobias demonstrates God’s care, even in dark times, and the Orthodox belief in angels as God’s messengers. We celebrate Archangel Raphael in feasts like the Synaxis of the Archangels (November 8).
Prayer and Charity: Tobit and Sarah’s answered prayers (Tobit 3:1–6, 11–15) and Tobit’s teaching that “almsgiving delivers from death” (Tobit 4:10) reinforce Orthodox teaching and practices, and are frequently cited by clergy during seasons like Great Lent.
Sacred Marriage: Tobias and Sarah’s prayerful union reflects the Orthodox view of marriage as a holy mystery, blessed by God.
Faith in Exile: Tobit’s devotion in a foreign land mirrors the challenge of living faithfully in today’s world—a key message for believers in a post-religious landscape.
Even if you’re not Orthodox, Tobit’s themes of hope, loyalty, and divine guidance speak to universal human experiences, making it a story that transcends traditions.
Why You Should Read Tobit
Tobit’s blend of adventure, romance, and spirituality makes it a biblical page-turner. Its lessons on prayer, charity, and trust in God’s plan are as relevant today as ever, whether you’re deepening your faith or exploring it anew.
Have you read Tobit? What do you think of its mix of adventure and faith? Share your thoughts in the comments and connect with others intrigued by these overlooked texts.
Interested in diving into Tobit?
And the Wise Man Said: Show Me the Money - Blog | AFR | YouTube
Undercover Angel: Raphael to the Rescue - Blog | AFR | YouTube
A Dog, a Fish, and Some Very Slippery Terms - Blog | AFR | YouTube
The Unlucky Bride and the Matchmaking Angel - Blog | AFR | YouTube
Another Dead Husband? Not Today, Satan! - Blog | AFR | YouTube
You Get the Cash, I’ll Stay and Party - Blog | AFR | YouTube
Tobit: I Once Was Blind, But Now I See! - Blog | AFR | YouTube
The King of Heaven and His People on Earth - Blog | AFR | YouTube
Dr. Amy-Jill Levine Talks Tobit and Canon Envy - Blog | AFR | YouTube
Fr. Patrick Henry Reardon: Tobit as World Literature - Blog | AFR | YouTube
Finally, check out our all-original music from the book of Tobit: