Removed Book

Tobit

Dating

Setting: Story of a righteous Israelite exile in Assyria and his son's divinely guided journey
Reference point: Hebrew family life in exile, featuring angel Raphael and themes of faithfulness

Signifcance

Demonstrates Torah-observant life in diaspora
Exemplifies faithful marriage practices

Discovery

Found at Qumran (4Q196-200)
Multiple Dead Sea Scroll fragments
Septuagint manuscripts
Discovered in various recensions

Transmission

Via Christian manuscript tradition
Multiple textual forms preserved
Eastern and Western church versions

Language / Translation

Original language: Aramaic/Hebrew
Greek translations exist
Ancient versions: Latin, Syriac, Ethiopic

Genre

Religious narrative

Content

The text follows the story of Tobit, a righteous man living in Assyrian exile who becomes blind, and his son Tobias. Through divine providence, Tobias journeys with the angel Raphael (disguised as a companion) to retrieve money and ultimately heal his father's blindness. The narrative emphasizes strict Torah observance in exile, proper marriage customs according to YHWH's law, and the importance of burial rites. It demonstrates how faithfulness to YHWH's commands brings divine protection and healing, even in foreign lands. The story particularly highlights the rewards of charitable works, prayer, and maintaining Torah-based family values despite living in a pagan environment.