The Apocrypha contains a rich collection of narratives that bridge the gap between the Old and New Testaments. These stories offer wisdom, faith, and divine intervention. Among these, the Book of Tobit stands out for its deeply personal and charming tale of a family’s trials and God’s intimate providence. At the very heart of this story is one of the most detailed portrayals of an angel in all of sacred literature: the archangel Raphael in the Book of Tobit. Disguised as a human, Raphael acts as a guide, protector, healer, and exorcist. He reveals a God who hears the prayers of the faithful and sends direct, personal help in their time of need.

Two Prayers of Desperation

To understand Raphael’s mission, we must first appreciate the desperate circumstances that called for his intervention. The story introduces two devout but suffering Israelite families living in exile.

In Nineveh, a righteous man named Tobit, who has devoted his life to obeying God’s laws, suffers a tragic reversal of fortune. After performing a righteous act—burying an abandoned corpse—bird droppings accidentally blind him. His piety becomes a source of mockery, and in his despair, he prays for death.

Simultaneously, in the distant land of Media, a young woman named Sarah faces her own unique torment. She has been married seven times. However, on each wedding night, a jealous demon named Asmodeus killed her husband before the marriage could be consummated. Overcome with shame and grief, and falsely accused by her maids of killing her own husbands, Sarah also prays for death.

The text poignantly states that God heard the prayers of both Tobit and Sarah. In response to these two separate cries of anguish, God dispatches the archangel Raphael to bring healing to them both.

The Angel in Human Guise

The divine intervention begins in a subtle way. Tobit, remembering a large sum of money he had deposited years earlier in Media, decides to send his son, Tobias, on a long journey to retrieve it. When Tobias looks for a guide, he immediately finds a handsome young man. Unbeknownst to him, this is Raphael in disguise.

The angel introduces himself as Azariah, the son of a respected relative. This human identity is crucial to the story. Raphael does not appear with a flash of light; he comes as a kinsman and trustworthy travel companion. This disguise allows him to interact with the family on a personal level. He offers guidance and protection without revealing his celestial nature. His presence demonstrates a key theological point: God’s help often comes in ordinary, unexpected forms. For more on the role of angels in these texts, see Angels in Tobit.

A Journey of Healing and Discovery

As Tobias and Raphael set out, the angel’s role as a divine guide quickly becomes apparent. The journey is not merely about retrieving money. Instead, it is a divinely orchestrated mission of healing and restoration.

The Miraculous Fish

The first major event occurs when they camp by the Tigris River. A large fish leaps from the water and attacks Tobias. Raphael instructs him to catch the fish and save its heart, liver, and gall. He explains that the smoke from the heart and liver can drive away demons, while the gall can cure blindness. This moment is pivotal. Raphael in the Book of Tobit is not just a guide but a purveyor of heavenly knowledge. He provides Tobias with the divine remedies needed to solve the problems plaguing his family and future wife.

The Matchmaker

As they approach their destination, Raphael reveals another part of his plan. He tells Tobias that it is his right and duty to marry Sarah, his kinswoman. Tobias is terrified, having heard the stories of her seven deceased husbands. But Raphael reassures him. The angel explains that the demon Asmodeus has power only over those who enter marriage with lust, excluding God. He gives Tobias precise instructions on how to use the fish’s organs to perform an exorcism. He also promises him that he is destined to be her husband.

The Healer at Work: Defeating Demons and Blindness

Raphael’s role as God’s instrument of healing comes to its climax in two powerful scenes. His name, Raphael, means “God heals,” and his actions in the story are a literal fulfillment of this title.

• The Exorcism of Asmodeus: On his wedding night, Tobias follows Raphael’s instructions perfectly. He places the fish’s heart and liver on the incense embers. The foul odor drives the demon Asmodeus away. Then, Raphael pursues the demon to Egypt and binds him there. The curse on Sarah is broken, and her marriage to Tobias is blessed. This scene is a powerful depiction of an angel’s authority over demonic forces. For a scholarly look at angelology, the Catholic Encyclopedia offers extensive articles.
• The Curing of Tobit: After retrieving the money and celebrating the wedding, Tobias and Sarah return to Nineveh with Raphael. As they approach home, Raphael instructs Tobias to run ahead. He is to use the fish’s gall to heal his father’s blindness. Tobias anoints his father’s eyes, and the white films peel away, restoring Tobit’s sight. The family’s joy is complete.

The Great Reveal: “I Am Raphael”

With both families healed and their fortunes restored, Tobit and Tobias decide to offer their guide a handsome payment. It is only then that the angel reveals his true identity in one of the most awe-inspiring speeches in the Apocrypha.

He declares, “I am Raphael, one of the seven holy angels who present the prayers of the saints.” The angel explains that God sent him specifically in response to their prayers. His purpose as a divine messenger was to test their faith and, ultimately, to heal them. Raphael instructs them to praise and thank God for all He has done. Then he ascends to heaven, his mission complete. This revelation underscores the entire book’s message: the prayers of the righteous do not go unheard. For those Exploring the Apocrypha, this book provides one of the clearest narratives of direct divine response.

The Enduring Significance of Raphael

The character of Raphael in the Book of Tobit is significant for several reasons. He provides one of the most personal and detailed portraits of an angel’s interaction with humanity. Unlike mighty, warrior angels, Raphael acts as a friend, guide, and mentor. His story emphasizes God’s personal care for individuals and families. It is a powerful reminder that God’s plan for healing is at work even in exile and suffering. Often, this happens through means we do not immediately recognize. The narrative of The Book of Tobit: Lessons in Faith and Providence continues to inspire readers with its message of hope.

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