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Verse 2
Theosis · English Bible
Tobit

Tobit 8

Old TestamentTheosis · English Bible

1And when they had supped, they brought Tobias in unto her. 2And as he went, he remembered the words of Raphael, and took the ashes of the perfumes, and put the heart and the liver of the fish thereupon, and made a smoke therewith. 3The which smell when the evil spirit had smelled, he fled into the utmost parts of Egypt, and the angel bound him. 4And after that they were both shut in together, Tobias rose out of the bed, and said, Sister, arise, and let us pray that God would have pity on us. 5Then began Tobias to say, 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. 6Thou madest Adam, and gavest him Eve his wife for an helper and stay: of them came mankind: thou hast said, It is not good that man should be alone; let us make unto him an aid like unto himself. 7And now, O Lord, I take not this my sister for lust, but uprightly: therefore mercifully ordain that we may become aged together. 8And she said with him, Amen. 9So they slept both that night. And Raguel arose, and went and made a grave, 10saying, I fear lest he also be dead. 11But when Raguel was come into his house, 12he said unto his wife Edna, Send one of the maids, and let her see whether he be alive: if he be not, that we may bury him, and no man know it. 13So the maid opened the door, and went in, and found them both asleep, 14and came forth, and told them that he was alive. 15Then Raguel praised God, and said, O God, thou art worthy to be praised with all pure and holy praise: therefore let thy saints praise thee with all thy creatures: and let all thine angels and thine elect praise thee for ever. 16Thou art to be praised, for thou hast made me joyful; and that is not come to me which I suspected; but thou hast dealt with us according to thy great mercy. 17Thou art to be praised, because thou hast had mercy of two that were the only begotten children of their fathers: grant them mercy, O Lord, and finish their life in health with joy and mercy. 18Then Raguel bade his servants to fill the grave. 19And he kept the wedding feast fourteen days. 20For before the days of the marriage were finished, Raguel had said unto him by an oath, that he should not depart till the fourteen days of the marriage were expired; 21and then he should take the half of his goods, and go in safety to his father; and should have the rest when I and my wife be dead.

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Tobit 8:2

Dimitri of Rostov

Dimitri of Rostov17th century

The third aspect of the serpent represents gluttony, drunkenness, and luxury, attempting to consume entire cities and regions. An illustration from the Paterik supports this claim. A hermit from Egypt, with some needlework he intended to sell in Alexandria, approached the city with a prayer to God for a visit free from temptation and for a safe return. During his journey, God granted him a vision: he beheld a fearsome serpent, so massive that its form encircled the entire city of Alexandria like a wall, with its head turned within the city. The serpent opened its terrifying jaws, engulfing all inhabitants, both young and old, secular and spiritual. The hermit paused in terror, petrified by this sight, fearing he might fall prey to the creature. Suddenly, he heard a voice from above: "The serpent you see symbolizes the serpent of indulgence. If you wish to evade it, do not enter the city. Indeed, it represents the jaws of luxurious gluttony, which, as the apostle states (see 2 Pet. 2:13), devours those who habitually engage in excess and drunkenness, ultimately nurturing desires within a sensuous heart." Opposing this insatiable serpent is the third angel, Saint Raphael, the minister of divine healing, who stands ready with a remedy, as both bodily and mental ailments arise from gluttony and drunkenness. Therefore, the Lord cautions: "But watch yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down by gluttony and drunkenness and the cares of the world" (Luke 21:34). In such situations, a skilled healer equipped with effective treatment is essential. This healer is Saint Raphael, whose remedy truly annihilates the serpent and offers genuine healing to people. When this healer is placed upon the burning coals of your heart, the devil retreats without looking back, as depicted in the book of Tobias: "That smoke shall drive away every kind of demon either from the husband or from the wife." However, Saint Raphael not only banishes the adversary but also pursues him, binding him as a captive: "Raphael caught the demon, and chained him in the wilderness above Egypt" (v. 3). Through this action, he instructs all: “Set your heart upon the burning coals of divine love, allowing the passions of your body to be consumed by self-control, and then ‘mortify your earthly members’” (Col. 3:5). By embodying a fragrant offering in pure life before God, you will not only resist the devil but also bind him, ensuring he no longer brings harm upon you.