The Book of Tobit: Folklore, Faith, and the Hope for Restoration in the Hellenistic Period

One of the most striking aspects of Tobit is its emphasis on almsgiving. Throughout the text, acts of charity are portrayed not only as moral obligations but as crucial practices for securing divine favor. Tobit himself embodies this principle, stating, "I, Tobit, walked in the ways of truth and righteousness all the days of my life, and I performed many acts of charity to my kindred and compatriots who had gone with me in exile to Nineveh in the land of the Assyrians" (Tobit 1:3). This focus on charity acts as a form of spiritual safeguard, with Tobit asserting, "For almsgiving delivers from death and keeps you from going into the Darkness" (Tobit 4:10).

Such pronouncements reflect a worldview that combines righteousness with material generosity, suggesting that acts of kindness have both tangible and spiritual benefits. This emphasis on almsgiving aligns with broader Jewish wisdom literature, such as Proverbs and Sirach, but Tobit's intense focus on this virtue is distinctive.

The narrative of Tobit incorporates folkloric elements through the character of the angel Raphael and the presence of the evil spirit Asmodeus. Raphael, identified as "one of the seven angels who stand ready and enter before the glory of the Lord" (Tobit 12:15), embodies the role of a divine protector. He guides Tobias on his journey, instructing him in a method to drive away Asmodeus:

"Then the angel said to him, 'Cut open the fish and take out its gall, heart, and liver. Keep them with you, but throw away the intestines. For its gall, heart, and liver are useful as medicine.' … When you enter the bridal chamber, take some of the fish's liver and heart, and put them on the embers of the incense. An odor will be given off; the demon will smell it and flee, and will never be seen near her any more" (Tobit 6:4, 17-18).

This method, steeped in magical-religious connotations rather than conventional biblical ritual, highlights the book's unique blend of folklore and faith.

The Book of Tobit is structured as a complex narrative that uses multiple storylines. It begins with Tobit's righteous deeds and subsequent misfortunes, including his blindness. Parallel to this, we learn of Sarah's plight, with her seven husbands killed by the demon Asmodeus on their wedding nights. The narrative then follows Tobias's journey, guided by the disguised Raphael, which ultimately resolves both Tobit's and Sarah's troubles.

This structure allows for the development of multiple themes and characters. Tobit evolves from a righteous but suffering man to one whose faith is rewarded. Sarah's character moves from despair to joy, while Tobias grows from a dutiful son to a heroic figure. The blending of these stories reinforces the book's themes of divine providence and the rewards of faithfulness.

While set during the Assyrian exile, Tobit's composition during the Hellenistic period informs its themes and concerns. Tobit's predictions of restoration reflect the aspirations of the Jewish people under foreign rule:

"But God will again have mercy on them, and God will bring them back into the land of Israel; and they will rebuild the temple of God, but not like the first one until the period when the times of fulfillment shall come. After this they all will return from their exile and will rebuild Jerusalem in splendor" (Tobit 14:5).

This vision of restoration, while ostensibly about the return from Assyrian exile, likely resonated with Hellenistic-era Jews hoping for renewed independence and spiritual revival. The book thus serves as a source of hope and encouragement for its contemporary audience.

Compared to canonical biblical texts, Tobit's incorporation of folkloric elements and its detailed angelology set it apart. While angels appear in canonical books like Daniel, Tobit's portrayal of Raphael as an active, disguised participant in human affairs is unique. Similarly, the specific demon Asmodeus is not found in canonical Jewish texts, though demons do appear in the New Testament.

The reception of Tobit has varied across different traditions. While it is considered deuterocanonical by Catholic and Orthodox Christians, it is not part of the Hebrew Bible or Protestant Old Testament. However, its significance extends beyond these traditional Western boundaries, as evidenced by its crucial role in Ethiopian Christianity.

The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church has played a vital role in preserving the Book of Tobit. Until the 18th century, the only known complete manuscript of Tobit was in the Ge'ez language, the classical liturgical language of Ethiopia. This Ge'ez version is considered one of the oldest and most complete versions of the text, making it invaluable for scholars in understanding the original form and content of the book.

In the Ethiopian Orthodox canon, Tobit is considered part of the broader Old Testament, reflecting its importance in this tradition. The book has had a lasting influence on Ethiopian Christian culture, including its liturgy, art, and literature. Passages from Tobit are incorporated into Ethiopian Christian liturgy and prayers, and its themes of righteousness, divine providence, and the power of prayer resonate strongly with Ethiopian Christian theology.

The discovery and subsequent translation of the Ge'ez version into European languages in the 18th century significantly impacted biblical scholarship. It provided a crucial comparison point for other versions and fragments of Tobit found later, allowing scholars to better understand the textual history and transmission of the book.

The original language of Tobit is debated among scholars. While most of the existing ancient manuscripts are in Greek, fragments in Aramaic and Hebrew have been found among the Dead Sea Scrolls. The existence of the Ge'ez version further complicates this linguistic puzzle. This suggests that the book may have been originally composed in a Semitic language and later translated into Greek and Ge'ez, or that it circulated in multiple languages from an early date.

Despite its ancient origins, Tobit's themes continue to resonate with modern readers across various traditions. Its emphasis on familial duty, perseverance through suffering, and the importance of charity speak to perennial human concerns. The book's message that righteous actions have both earthly and spiritual consequences can provide a moral framework for contemporary ethical discussions.

The Book of Tobit stands as a testament to the rich diversity of Jewish literature during the Second Temple period. Its unique blend of folklore, wisdom teachings, and theological reflection offers valuable insights into the religious and cultural milieu of its time. The book's preservation and veneration in Ethiopian Christianity underscore its importance beyond Western Christian and Jewish traditions, highlighting its significance in the broader context of world Christianity and biblical studies.

By examining Tobit's narratives and its varied reception across different traditions, we gain a deeper appreciation for the ways in which folklore can inform faith, and how these stories continue to resonate even centuries after their composition. Whether viewed as scripture or as historical literature, Tobit remains a fascinating window into the hopes, fears, and beliefs of ancient peoples grappling with questions of faith, morality, and divine providence in a changing world. Its enduring relevance across diverse cultures and time periods testifies to the universal appeal of its core themes and the power of its narrative.