Chapter Summary
Core Passages from Tobit 8
Tobit 8:7And now, O Lord, I am not taking this sister of mine because of lust, but with sincerity.
Tobias declares that his marriage is based on sincerity and a desire to follow God's will, not on physical attraction. This sets a spiritual standard for their life together.Tobit 8:15Then Raguel slaughtered a ram from the flock and they gave them a cordial reception.
Raguel's prayer of praise shows a heart full of relief and recognition that God is the one who preserves life and brings joy.Tobit 8:17And Raphael was sent to heal the two of them: Tobit, to remove the white films from his eyes, so that he might see God's light with his eyes; and Sarah, the daughter of Raguel, to give her in marriage to Tobias the son of Tobit, and to bind Asmodeus the evil demon, because Tobias was entitled to possess her.
This verse summarizes the divine mission of Raphael to bring healing to Tobit and freedom to Sarah, showing God's active involvement in human suffering.
Historical & Cultural Context
A Wedding Night Defined by Devotion
Following the marriage feast described in the previous chapter, Tobias and Sarah are finally alone in their bridal chamber. The atmosphere is heavy with the memory of Sarah's seven previous husbands who died in this very room. Tobias, remembering the instructions of the angel Raphael, immediately calls Sarah to join him in prayer before they do anything else. This act of faith shifts the focus from the threat of the demon Asmodeus to the mercy of God.
From a Grave to a Great Feast
While the couple prays, Sarah's father, Raguel, is so certain Tobias will die that he goes out in the middle of the night to dig a grave. When he sends a maid to check on them and finds them both alive and well, his fear turns into an explosion of worship. He orders the grave filled back in and prepares an even greater feast, celebrating the fact that God has shown mercy to his daughter and her new husband.
The Deliverance of Tobias and Sarah
In Tobit 8:1-21, the scene moves from the quiet, prayerful intimacy of the bedroom to the joyful, public celebration of the household. We see the contrast between human anxiety and divine faithfulness as Tobias and Sarah seek God's protection.
The Call to Prayer (Tobit 8:1-3)
1 When they had finished eating, they escorted Tobias in to her.
2 So he called him and said, "My friend, today we must not fail to give thanks for what the Lord has done to you, and to declare all these wonderful deeds of God.
3 And that night they both slept in the marriage chamber and Tobias arose from bed and said to Sarah, “Sister, get up, and let us pray and implore our Lord that he grant us mercy and safety.”
Commentary:
Tobias leads Sarah in prayer for protection and mercy on their wedding night.
A Covenant of Sincerity (Tobit 8:4-9)
4 And he took hold of her hand, and gave her to be wife to Tobias, saying, Behold, take her after the law of Moses, and lead her away to thy father. And he blessed them;
5 Then Raguel arose, and gave him Sara his wife, and half his goods, servants, and cattle, and money.
6 And now, O Lord, I am not taking this sister of mine because of lust, but with sincerity.
7 And now, O Lord, I am not taking this sister of mine because of lust, but with sincerity.
8 And now, O Lord, I am not taking this sister of mine because of lust, but with sincerity.
9 Then Raguel slaughtered a ram from the flock and they gave them a cordial reception.
Commentary:
Tobias prays for a long life together based on sincere love rather than lust.
Raguel's Praise and Relief (Tobit 8:10-16)
10 When the parents had gone out and shut the door of the room, Tobias got out of bed and said to Sarah, "Sister, get up, and let us pray and implore our Lord that he grant us mercy and safety."
11 And they began to say, "Blessed are you, O God of our fathers, and blessed is your holy and glorious name forever and ever."
12 So he called her and she came, and he sat down by her.
13 Then Raguel praised God and said, "O God, you are worthy of all honor and praise; let all your creatures serve you.
14 And he wept, and said, Blessed art thou, O God of our fathers, and blessed is thy holy and glorious name for ever; let the heavens bless thee, and all thy creatures.
15 Then Raguel slaughtered a ram from the flock and they gave them a cordial reception.
16 And they began to say, "Blessed are you, O God of our fathers, and blessed is your holy and glorious name forever. Amen."
Commentary:
Raguel finds Tobias alive and leads the family in a prayer of thanksgiving.
The Mission of Healing (Tobit 8:17-21)
17 And Raphael was sent to heal the two of them: Tobit, to remove the white films from his eyes, so that he might see God's light with his eyes; and Sarah, the daughter of Raguel, to give her in marriage to Tobias the son of Tobit, and to bind Asmodeus the evil demon, because Tobias was entitled to possess her.
18 So they began to pray for them, that they might be protected, and Tobias said, "Blessed are you, O God of our fathers, and blessed is your holy and glorious name forever. Let the heavens and all your creation bless you forever.
19 And they began to say, "Blessed are you, O God of our fathers, and blessed is your holy and glorious name forever. Amen."
20 And likewise, their wives are to their husbands in all respects as the fruitful vine is to the vineyard.
21 And now, O Lord, I am not taking this sister of mine because of lust, but with sincerity.
Commentary:
The angel's work is completed as the couple is blessed and the family celebrates.
Spiritual Lessons from the Bridal Chamber
The Priority of Spiritual Intimacy
Tobias and Sarah demonstrate that spiritual connection should precede and protect physical intimacy. By praying together first, they align their hearts with God, which provides the security they need to face their fears.
Sincerity vs. Lust
The chapter draws a sharp line between 'lust' (using another person for one's own pleasure) and 'sincerity' (loving another person as a gift from God). Tobias's prayer shows that a marriage built on sincerity invites God's blessing, while one built on lust is vulnerable to spiritual decay.
God as the Restorer of Joy
Sarah had suffered through seven tragedies, but God did not leave her in her sorrow. This chapter reveals God as a healer who 'binds' the things that hurt us and restores the possibility of a happy, fruitful future.
Applying Tobit 8 to Your Relationships
As Tobias and Sarah prayed in Tobit 8:3, you can make it a habit to pray with your spouse or loved ones during times of transition or stress. This simple act acknowledges that you aren't relying on your own strength, but on God's mercy to keep your relationship safe and healthy.
Following Tobias's example in Tobit 8:7, acting with sincerity means checking your motives to ensure you are treating others with respect and love rather than using them for your own gain. It involves being honest with God about your desires and asking Him to purify your heart so your actions honor Him.
Take a cue from Raguel in Tobit 8:15 and move immediately into praise. Instead of moving on to the next thing, stop to declare God's 'wonderful deeds' to those around you, recognizing that every bit of safety and success you experience is a gift from His hand.
God's Mercy Breaks Every Chain
Tobit 8 shows us that no matter how dark or cursed a situation may seem, God's presence can bring total transformation. By choosing prayer over fear and sincerity over lust, Tobias and Sarah opened the door for God's healing power to enter their home. The message is clear: when we put God first, He binds the 'demons' of our past and paves the way for a future filled with hope. God is not a distant observer but an active protector who delights in the safety and joy of His children.
What This Means for Us Today
Faith is an invitation to trust God with our most vulnerable moments. Tobias and Sarah's story reminds us that we don't have to face our fears alone. We can bring them to the Lord in prayer and expect His mercy to meet us there.
- What 'grave' of fear are you digging today that God wants you to fill in with faith?
- How can you make prayer the first response rather than the last resort in your home?
- In what area of your life do you need to trade 'lust' or selfish desire for Godly sincerity?
Further Reading
Immediate Context
Connections Across Scripture
The foundational text for marriage that Tobias references in his prayer.
Encourages husbands to treat their wives with honor so that their prayers are not hindered, echoing Tobias's respectful approach.
Uses the same 'fruitful vine' imagery found in Tobit 8 to describe the blessings of a God-fearing family.
Discussion Questions
- Why do you think Tobias chose to pray before doing anything else on his wedding night, and what does that say about his character?
- Raguel dug a grave while Tobias was praying. How does this contrast between fear and faith show up in our own lives today?
- Tobias calls Sarah his 'sister.' How does viewing a spouse or a friend as a spiritual sibling change the way we treat them?