Entertaining Angels

I was reading in Hebrews this morning and stumbled across a familiar passage:

Do not neglect hospitality, because through it some have entertained angels without knowing it.

As I was scanning through the notes in my Bible, I was reminded of an Apocryphal story that illustrates this verse. Given how little we Evangelicals ever talk about history - whether the Ante-Nicean Fathers, the Reformation, the "Dark Ages", Second Temple Period, or anything else - I thought I'd share this tale with you in my own words...

It seems that many years ago, after the Assyrians had conquered the Israelites and scattered them throughout the Middle East, that a certain man strove to live a life pleasing to God. This man's name was Tobit, and he sought to be a good Jew despite the fact that the Jews no longer had a land, a king or a Temple. He went to great lengths to honour the pathmarkers of Jewish faith - burial of the dead, almsgiving, mercy, etc... But as is so often the case, his well-intended efforts only got him in trouble with the enemies of the LORD.

You see, Tobit was an official in the king's court. As would often happen in the courts of pagan kings, enemies of the state were routinely killed. But our hero could not stand to let even such as these go without proper burial - it would, after all, dishonor the LORD. So he made it his habit to bury those that were otherwise carelessly discarded. Until he got caught!

Upon being found out, Tobit had to flee the land for his own safety. All he had - save his wife and child - was taken from him. But in the process of time a new king came to the throne and Tobit was allowed back to life as he knew it (though poor). But once again, his righteousness got him in trouble - this time a sparrow pooped in his eye as Tobit lie resting from his good deed [note: I'm not making this up, that's how the story really goes!]. Well, as often happens when a bird poops in your eye, Tobit eventually went totally blind. Sad story, eh?

Tobit clung to his God throughout these trials, though. Eventually, it became clear to him that his son must be entrusted to become a man. So he told him about some money that he had stored away in neighboring Media and instructed his son to find a Jewish travelling mate and go after the money. He also advised his son to seek for himself a wife from among the Jews, and to honour God daily, as Tobit himself had done.

After find a Jewish guide who could get him to Media, Tobit's son (Tobias) set off on his journey. Along the way, his guide (Azariah) told him of a woman named Sarah. It turns out that per the Jewish marriage laws, it should be Tobias that married her! His curiosity piqued, Tobias listened as Azariah explained about the maiden. And what an explanation is was!

It turns out that Sarah had previously married seven different times, and that on each occasion the new husband died in the bed chamber! Some blamed Sarah, but most blamed a demon named Asmodeus. As you can imagine, this put a bit of a damper on the newly kindled fires of Tobias' love. Nevertheless, as his father had instructed him, he decided to do what was right.

Along the journey, Tobias was attacked by a fish [again, I'm not making this up]. Azariah advised him to catch the fish and gut it, keeping out certain parts for their medicinal value. Okay. Medicinal value of fish guts. Got it.

Upon arriving in town, Tobias and Sarah are introduced and the marriage is arranged for that very day. The wedding proceeds, and Azariah gives Tobias some advice concerning the problem of Asmodeus - burn some of the fish guts in the incense and he'll run scared, never to return! This, of course, works like a charm and Tobias and Sarah survive their first night of marriage.

Tobias now sends Azariah on to collect the money his father sent him after while Tobias and Sarah continue celebrating their marriage feast. Eventually, Tobias heads back to Tobit with his new bride and half of his father-in-law's estate. Oh, did I forget to mention that Sarah was their only child? Tobias now has the privilege of carrying on the family name and property. He'll get the other half after his father-in-law dies. So he's returning to Tobit a rich man for sure!

Once arriving in town, Tobias' parents rejoice at what the LORD has done for their son. Tobit, having received some further medical training from Azariah, smears the remaining fish guts on Tobit's eyes (of course - why didn't he think of that before?) and - poof! - Tobit can see again!

When the dust all settles, Tobit reminds his son that he needs to pay Azariah for guiding him to Media. They had previously agreed to pay him half of the money that was stored away, but now thought it appropriate to give him a bonus. After briefly discussing it, they decide to give Azariah half of everything they came home with! For those of you who failed Math in High School, that's 1/4 of the estate of Tobias' father-in-law PLUS half of the money they collected in Media! Azariah, a complete stranger who just happened to be Jewish and a guide, is now a rich man himself.

As you may have guessed by now, Azariah was actually an angel (Raphael, in case you're taking notes). This story is recorded in the Apocryphal book of Tobit, especially chapter 12.

Don't get me wrong - I'm not saying this stuff actually happened. Nor am I saying that the Apocrypha should be given any sort of authority along with Scripture. But the wisdom found in the Apocrypha is certainly on par with many of today's Christian authors, and we don't hesitate to talk about them or how they illustrate Scripture. The story of Tobit was well-known in the time of Christ. I have little doubt that a great many Christians in the first century read or heard "entertaining angels" in Hebrews and immediately thought of Tobit.

Does the LORD work this way? I don't know. I only know that the admonition of Hebrews is still valid today:

Do not neglect hospitality...

Hatushili