The Book of Tobit



Cassette cover of audio play of Book of Tobit.

A few years ago (actually, quite a few), my sister Susan sent me a cassette tape, entitled, "The Medicine of God." It soon became a favorite of mine and I listened to it many times. It lifted my spirits during a tough time and gave me hope. Sadly, this 45 minute audio play is no longer in print and is not available as a CD or download.

The description on the cover reads: "The Old Testament's Book of Tobias is brought to life with St. Raphael the Archangel being God's envoy to those who trust in Him. Very edifying, it promotes the virtues that Tobias himself practiced: detachment, resignation to God's Will, patience, obedience and complete trust in Divine Providence."

Today, I am starting the Book of Tobit as my next Bible study. I using an old copy of the RC Bible study magazine, God's Word Today (no longer in print), as a guide. My New American Bible (NAB) is my primary translation but I also have the Douy-Challoner Text edition in my Catholic Action Edition of the Holy Bible (which is quite different from the NAB). I am using Irene Nowell's commentary in the Collegeville Bible Commentary series (OT #25) and she also wrote the commentary in the New Jerome Biblical Commentary. I hope to finish sometime in June so I can begin to preread the Book of Job.

The Book of Tobit is a great story. It is full of romance, adventure, journey, trust, and hope.  I like that God intervenes via the angel Raphael.  I also like that the classification of the book does not affect the message of the story.  Until recently (i.e., the past 50-60 years), the RCC considered Tobit to be historical.  However, recent scholarship has altered that view and now leans more towards the wisdom literature (e.g., the Book of Job). The message of the book does not rest on historical fact but on how the writing affects the reader.

I would recommend The Book of Tobit as mandatory reading for couple preparing for the sacrament of marriage. Anyone that would like a "pick me up" would also benefit from reading Tobit. If you decide to read The Book of Tobit, I would love to hear how it affected you.