Tobias Routs the Demon

1When they had finished eating and drinking they wanted to retire; so they took the young man and brought him into the bedroom. 2Then Tobias remembered the words of Raphael, and he took the fish's liver and heart out of the bag where he had them and put them on the embers of the incense. 3The odour of the fish so repelled the demon that he fled to the remotest parts8.3 Or fled through the air to the parts of Egypt. But Raphael followed him, and at once bound him there hand and foot.

4When the parents8.4 Gk they had gone out and shut the door of the room, Tobias got out of bed and said to Sarah,8.4 Gk her ‘Sister, get up, and let us pray and implore our Lord that he grant us mercy and safety.’ 5So she got up, and they began to pray and implore that they might be kept safe. Tobias8.5 Gk He began by saying,

‘Blessed are you, O God of our ancestors,

and blessed is your name in all generations for ever.

Let the heavens and the whole creation bless you for ever.

6You made Adam, and for him you made his wife Eve

as a helper and support.

From the two of them the human race has sprung.

You said, “It is not good that the man should be alone;

let us make a helper for him like himself.”

7I now am taking this kinswoman of mine,

not because of lust,

but with sincerity.

Grant that she and I may find mercy

and that we may grow old together.’

8And they both said, ‘Amen, Amen.’ 9Then they went to sleep for the night.

But Raguel arose and called his servants to him, and they went and dug a grave, 10for he said, ‘It is possible that he will die and we will become an object of ridicule and derision.’ 11When they had finished digging the grave, Raguel went into his house and called his wife, 12saying, ‘Send one of the maids and have her go in to see if he is alive. But if he is dead, let us bury him without anyone knowing it.’ 13So they sent the maid, lit a lamp, and opened the door; and she went in and found them sound asleep together. 14Then the maid came out and informed them that he was alive and that nothing was wrong. 15So they blessed the God of heaven, and Raguel8.15 Gk they said,

‘Blessed are you, O God, with every pure blessing;

let all your chosen ones bless you.8.15 Other ancient authorities lack this line

Let them bless you for ever.

16Blessed are you because you have made me glad.

It has not turned out as I expected,

but you have dealt with us according to your great mercy.

17Blessed are you because you had compassion

on two only children.

Be merciful to them, O Master, and keep them safe;

bring their lives to fulfilment

in happiness and mercy.’

18Then he ordered his servants to fill in the grave before daybreak.

Wedding Feast

19After this he asked his wife to bake many loaves of bread; and he went out to the herd and brought two steers and four rams and ordered them to be slaughtered. So they began to make preparations. 20Then he called for Tobias and swore on oath to him in these words:8.20 Other ancient authorities read Tobias and said to him ‘You shall not leave here for fourteen days, but shall stay here eating and drinking with me; and you shall cheer up my daughter, who has been depressed. 21Take at once half of what I own and return in safety to your father; the other half will be yours when my wife and I die. Take courage, my child. I am your father and Edna is your mother, and we belong to you as well as to your wife8.21 Gk sister now and for ever. Take courage, my child.’