There was a really good, kind, generous man who loved the Lord and sought to walk always in the ways of righteousness. His name was Tobit. Tobit gave of his food, clothing, and time to the poor and unfortunate. He even buried the dead who would litter the streets. You see, the king wasn’t a good man and didn’t like Tobit’s people and actually wanted the dead to line the streets. It was not an easy time to be alive.
Tobit loved his wife, and together they had a son, Tobias.
In another land, a beautiful young lady lived with her parents. She was grieved to have had her life destroyed by an evil spirit who, on her wedding night, 7 times killed the young man she had just married. 7 husbands buried in the backyard.
It was during the time of Pentecost, a 7-week celebration, when Tobit was ready to sit and eat his wonderful feast meal, and his son came to him reporting another dead body. Tobit ate his meal with the family and then left to bury the body. He arrived late from the task and slept out on his patio. He was exhausted and slept hard. Sparrows pooped on his eyes and left him blind; no doctor could help.
In time, Tobit grew in heart and mind old and thought to provide for his wife and son when he would eventually die. He had been blind over 7 years and wasn’t able to do those things which he really loved, being of service. He decided to send his son to meet with his relative and collect the family fortune. The mom wasn’t so excited; this was their only child, but Tobit said, find a traveling companion and then you will go.
So the prayers of both were heard before the Majesty of the great God.
And so Tobias found Rafael the angel, but he appeared as a man to him. He asked Rafael, will you come with me to Rages? I can give you wages for your help. And so the angel in disguise said yes, that he was familiar with the journey and would be his companion.
Rafael used the name Azarias as his human name. They made the journey. Along the way, a fish is captured. Rafael (Azarias) directs to cut out the heart, liver, and gall, put them aside. They enjoyed eating the fish and were soon to their destination. Rafael explains to Tobias that he will marry a girl at his destination and they will be happy. There is a cure for this evil spirit issue.
There is a wonderful reunion. Though meeting for the first time, the uncle recognizes the face of Tobias, looking so much like his father. Hugs and tears were shared at this meeting.
A marriage does take place, and with the smoke from the heart and liver of the fish, in the bridal chamber the evil spirit flees, and Rafael imprisons him. The father-in-law digs the grave ready to bury husband number 8, sends the maid in to check on the situation, only to be cheerfully surprised all is well. A 2-week celebration ensues. Tobias knows his parents will worry and is trying politely to get back to them as quickly as possible.
When they arrive, he has his bride wait at the city gate so he can first greet his parents. With the mashed-up gall from the fish, at Rafael’s direction, Tobias rubs this into his father’s eyes. At first they are stinging and burning, and then the light comes, and Tobit, blind now 8 years, can once again see!
There is great joy, and Tobias brings now his bride to meet the family. Tobias wishes to compensate Azarias with half of the inheritance, asking permission from his father, and of course, yes, he has done a great service. The angel reveals himself now as a holy angel and refuses compensation, just a request to write it all down in a book, the book in the Old Testament called Tobit!
I am Rafael, one of the seven holy angels: which present the prayers of the saints, and which go in and out before the glory of the Holy One. Tobit 12:15
Rafael is also written about in the Book of Enoch.