Chapter Nine

Raphael’s Journey to Rages

1–4. Tobias’ request to the angel Raphael (called Azariah) to go to Rages in Media to collect the debt of Gabael. 5–6. Raphael fulfills the request and brings Gabael himself to Tobias and Sarah’s wedding celebration.

Tobit 9:1. And Tobias called Raphael and said to him: Tobit 9:2. Brother Azariah, take with you a servant and two camels and go to Rages in Media to Gabael; bring me the money and bring him himself to my wedding; 9:2. Camels were required for Azariah (Raphael) both because of the money Gabael would send — ten talents of silver (1:14; 4:20) weighed no less than 25 puds — and for the travel of Azariah himself, Gabael, and the servants of Raguel.

Tobit 9:3. For Raguel bound me with an oath not to depart; Tobit 9:4. And my father counts the days and if I delay much, he will be greatly grieved. Tobit 9:5. And Raphael departed and stopped at Gabael’s and gave him the receipt; and he brought out the bags sealed and delivered them to him. 9:5. The money was kept sealed in bags; the bags themselves were placed on the camels.

Tobit 9:6. And early in the morning they rose together and came to the wedding. And Tobias blessed his wife. 9:6. The accepted Greek text: καί ευλύγησεν Ταβείας γυναίκα αυτού, Slavonic: “And blessed Tobias his wife” (as in the Russian Synodal) gives an awkward thought inconsistent with the context. According to the Sinaiticus Codex and other texts, it is not Tobias, but Gabael (upon his arrival at Raguel’s house for the wedding celebration) who blessed God and invoked God’s blessing upon Tobias and his wife. The Vulgate (verses 9–11) contains the text of the blessing given to the newlyweds by Gabael.