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Verse 17
Theosis · English Bible
Tobit

Tobit 5

Old TestamentTheosis · English Bible

1Tobias then answered and said, Father, I will do all things which thou hast commanded me: 2but how can I receive the money, seeing I know him not? 3Then he gave him the handwriting, and said unto him, Seek thee a man which may go with thee, and I will give him wages whiles I yet live: and go and receive the money. 4Therefore when he went to seek a man, he found Raphael that was an angel. 5But he knew not; and he said unto him, Canst thou go with me to Rages? and knowest thou those places well? 6To whom the angel said, I will go with thee, and I know the way well: for I have lodged with our brother Gabael. 7Then Tobias said unto him, Tarry for me, till I tell my father. 8Then he said unto him, Go, and tarry not. So he went in and said to his father, Behold, I have found one which will go with me. Then he said, Call him unto me, that I may know of what tribe he is, and whether he be a trusty man to go with thee. 9So he called him, and he came in, and they saluted one another. 10Then Tobit said unto him, Brother, shew me of what tribe and family thou art. 11To whom he said, Dost thou seek for a tribe or family, or an hired man to go with thy son? Then Tobit said unto him, I would know, brother, thy kindred and name. 12Then he said, I am Azarias, the son of Ananias the great, and of thy brethren. 13Then Tobit said, Thou art welcome, brother; be not now angry with me, because I have enquired to know thy tribe and thy family; for thou art my brother, of an honest and good stock: for I know Ananias and Jonathas, sons of that great Samaias, as we went together to Jerusalem to worship, and offered the firstborn, and the tenths of the fruits; and they were not seduced with the error of our brethren: my brother, thou art of a good stock. 14But tell me, what wages shall I give thee? wilt thou a drachm a day, and things necessary, as to mine own son? 15Yea, moreover, if ye return safe, I will add something to thy wages. 16So they were well pleased. Then said he to Tobias, Prepare thyself for the journey, and God send you a good journey. And when his son had prepared all things for the journey, his father said, Go thou with this man, and God, which dwelleth in heaven, prosper your journey, and the angel of God keep you company. So they went forth both, and the young man's dog with them. 17But Anna his mother wept, and said to Tobit, Why hast thou sent away our son? is he not the staff of our hand, in going in and out before us? 18Be not greedy to add money to money: but let it be as refuse in respect of our child. 19For that which the Lord hath given us to live with doth suffice us. 20Then said Tobit to her, Take no care, my sister; he shall return in safety, and thine eyes shall see him. 21For the good angel will keep him company, and his journey shall be prosperous, and he shall return safe. 22Then she made an end of weeping.

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Tobit 5:17

Dimitri of Rostov

Dimitri of Rostov17th century

Young Tobiah, dispatched by his father, was journeying to the Midian city of Ragi, accompanied by an angel disguised as a traveler. The father blessed his son as he set out, saying, "Go in peace, may the Lord accompany you and His angel direct your steps." The angel assured him, stating confidently, "I will guide you faithfully, and I will ensure your safe return to your father" (according to the Vulgate). This shows us that holy angels, our guardians, are persistently with us, invisibly supporting us and safeguarding us in all our paths as commanded by God, the Creator of humanity. This manifestation of His immense and ineffable love and mercy towards us, His unworthy servants, is evident both through the countless blessings He bestows upon us and through His command to His angels to protect us in all our ways. We understand that our Lord cares deeply for us, having entrusted us to His holy angels, "that by their watchfulness and guidance we may attain" salvation (see the prayer on the Hours). Worthy overseers are assigned to matters of significance. We are regarded as worthy in the sight of our Creator since He has designated such exalted guardians—immortal and spiritual beings who dwell in the heavenly realm and stand before His Throne. Just as small children are often given guardians to carry them, we too are seen as little in the eyes of our Master, "diminished before the angels" (Ps. 8:6). Nevertheless, we are His cherished children: "He has given us the privilege to be children of God" (John 1:12); "I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters," declares the Lord Almighty (2 Cor. 6:18). In a similar way, He has appointed shepherds and protectors—holy angels—to support us: "They shall bear you up in their hands, lest you dash your foot against a stone" (Psalm 90:12). Angels ensure our safety on our journeys, provided we "walk for good," as Tobiah advised his son. We must avoid evil, refrain from theft or provoking God’s wrath, and pursue our paths with noble intentions.