SESSION FIFTEEN: Getting Deeper 6:10-8:18

It’s hard to believe that the resolution to this story begins in this session and ends in the next but that’s exactly what happens. Raphael has Tobit stop on his way to getting his Father’s money in the city of Tobiah’s relative, Raguel, the city of Ecbatana. This is somewhat surprising since the destination of the journey has always been Rages to retrieve the money but the omniscient reader knows why they are going to Ecbatana already so we aren’t tremendously surprised. Tobiah hears the story of Sarah and listens intently. It’s hard to know if this is because he is the younger of the two and, so, he listens to a story that has already heard or if Tobiah didn’t know that this is the town of the Sarah with seven dead husbands. But you can imagine the shock Tobiah must have felt at basically being handed a death sentence. Of course, had fear not taken hold of him, he may have remembered the fact that he’s carrying fish guts in his backpack in order to deal with just such a situation.

Raphael reminds him of this and has the great phrase in 6:18 “Do not be afraid”, a phrase used often when Angels appear. One New Testament example especially applicable is from Luke 1:30 where the Angel appeared to Mary with the same sentiment. This is especially pertinent since one of Tobiah’s fears is that “I am my father’s only child. If I should die, I would bring my father and mother down to their grave in sorrow over me. And they have no other son to bury time.” (6:18) The word here translated as “only child” (monogenetes) is the same one used in the New Tesament to describe Jesus’ state within the Holy Family. For St. Jerome (and others) this points to an understanding that Jesus was Mary’s only child ever, not just her first born.

When Tobiah and Raphael arrive at Ecbatana, they are greeted by Raguel who immediately brings him to his wife, Edna. Her name comes from the same root as Eden. It is very unusual that Edna asks all the questions, a fact that seems to challenge the notion that women always played a diminished role in this society. She is the one that asks “Where are you brothers from?” in verse 3 (which is erroneously translated here in most Catholic Bibles as “Who are you, brothers?”). She asks the question Raguel seems almost afraid to ask about their relationship to Tobit and she seems like the one most concerned about getting to know the strangers.

Raguel springs into action after he finds out that this is, indeed, their relative’s son but is heart broken to hear of Tobit’s blindness. He welcomes them with food and drink, a sign of Middle Eastern hospitality. Yet, avoiding any small talk, Tobiah asks Raguel for his daughter’s hand in marriage. Unlike Edna, Sarah is completely silent in these negotiations. You can just imagine what she must have been thinking. This same negotiation had happened seven times before and she has maintained her virginal state. Raguel promises him marriage since he is the closest living relative who can marry her. Tobiah is skeptical, however, and wants assurance that he won’t find someone else with his wife. So, Raguel has Edna bring him paper to draw up a contract to “seal the deal.” There doesn’t appear to be an engagement announcement and, contrary to the Latin translation called the Vulgate, there is no reason to believe that there was a three day waiting period before the marriage was consummated. Night comes, and the couple go to bed to do that very act.

There is something interesting in the book of Tobit involving the words night and day. In the first five chapters, the word “day” is used fourteen times. In the middle two chapters (from 6:2-8:18) the word “night” seems to be the focus with ten times. The final 6 chapters return to day with eighteen times used. Thus, in the darkest part, when our hero is proving himself, the night dominates. But before and after this is the dawning of the day. This makes for a deep connection to the book of Genesis 1, a connection that seems to permeate the book. This section could easily be compared to Isaac’s search for a wife in Genesis 24.

At this point, the centrality of prayer becomes very clear. One commentator said, “At every crucial moment, the main characters turn to prayer. It is the turning to God in prayer that finally delivers Sarah from the demon Asmodeus.”[1] There is scholarly debate, however, for its role in the exorcism. Some say that the text indicates that the liver and heart do the exorcising and the prayer merely “baptizes” what could otherwise seem a pagan activity. Others say that prayer is an integral part of the ritual in sealing Sarah from the effects of Asmodeus. I tend to be of the latter opinion. Just because Raphael didn’t mention it at the river didn’t mean that it wasn’t important. It just means that it didn’t have to do with catching the fish.

The conclusion to this part is pure slapstick humor. Fearing a repeat of what has already happened seven times, Raguel orders his servants to dig a grave. Even though Raphael most likely would have been allowed to go home to tell Tobit about his son’s death, it seems as though Raguel simply wants to keep it from the neighbors. He doesn’t want them spreading news of number eight. But, when Tobit is still alive, he quickly fills in the grave so that his Son-in-Law doesn’t think that he was doubted by dear old Dad. I can only imagine what the maid thought as she entered the bedroom, smelled the fish, somehow ascertained that Tobiah was still awake (a mirror under his nostrils?) and had to report all of this to Raguel and Edna.

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[1] Nowell, Irene Collegeville Bible Commentary: Jonah, Tobit, Judith, Liturgical Press, Collegeville Minnesota c1986 p. 37

SESSION FOURTEEN: Questions for Reflection 6:10-8:18

1. Why do you think Asmodeus won’t let Sarah’s husband consummate the marriage?
2. Scholars differ regarding their opinion of what was essential for the exorcism. Do you think the exorcism performed by Tobiah was in one part (burning the fish’s heart and liver) or three (burning the fish’s heart and liver, prayer, and consummating the marriage (which could end in child rearing)?
3. Is Edna just another among a list of weak, behind the scenes women in this story or is she a strong and important figure? How would you compare Anna and Edna?
4. How would you describe the process of marriage in this story? What steps followed what?
5. Do you look like any of your relatives such that people immediately recognize your relation when you enter a room? Have you ever been confused for someone else?
6. Compare Tobit’s journey to Isaac’s journey in Genesis 24. Do you think the author of Tobit was influenced by this passage?

SESSION THIRTEEN: 6:10-8:18 Raphael the Matchmaker

6:10 When they (Raphael and Tobit) had entered Media and were getting close to Ecbatana, 11 Raphael said to the boy, "Brother Tobiah!" He answered, "Yes, what is it?" Raphael continued: "Tonight we must stay with Raguel, who is a relative of yours. He has a daughter named Sarah, 12 but no other child. Since you are Sarah's closest relative, you before all other men have the right to marry her. Also, her father's estate is rightfully yours to inherit. Now the girl is sensible, courageous, and very beautiful; and her father loves her dearly." 13 He continued: "Since you have the right to marry her, listen to me, brother. Tonight I will ask the girl's father to let us have her as your bride. When we return from Rages, we will hold the wedding feast for her. I know that Raguel cannot keep her from you or let her become engaged to another man; that would be a capital crime according to the decree in the Book of Moses, and he knows that it is your right, before all other men, to marry his daughter. So heed my words, brother; tonight we must speak for the girl, so that we may have her engaged to you. And when we return from Rages, we will take her and bring her back with us to your house." 

14 Tobiah objected, however: "Brother Azariah, I have heard that this woman has already been married seven times, and that her husbands died in their bridal chambers. On the very night they approached her, they dropped dead. And I have heard it said that it was a demon who killed them. 15 So now I too am afraid of this demon. Because he loves her, he does not harm her; but he does slay any man who wishes to come close to her. I am my father's only child. If I should die, I would bring my father and mother down to their grave in sorrow over me. And they have no other son to bury them!" 

16 Raphael said to him: "Do you not remember your father's orders? He commanded you to marry a woman from your own family. So now listen to me, brother; do not give another thought to this demon, but marry Sarah. I know that tonight you shall have her for your wife! 17 When you go into the bridal chamber, take the fish's liver and heart, and place them on the embers for the incense. 18 As soon as the demon smells the odor they give off, he will flee and never again show himself near her. Then when you are about to have intercourse with her, both of you first rise up to pray. Beg the Lord of heaven to show you mercy and grant you deliverance. But do not be afraid, for she was set apart for you before the world existed. You will save her, and she will go with you. And I suppose that you will have children by her, who will take the place of brothers for you. So do not worry." 

When Tobiah heard Raphael say that she was his kinswoman, of his own family's lineage, he fell deeply in love with her, and his heart became set on her. 7:1 When they entered Ecbatana, Tobiah said, "Brother Azariah, lead me straight to our kinsman Raguel." 

So he brought him to the house of Raguel, whom they found seated by his courtyard gate. They greeted him first. He said to them, "Greetings to you too, brothers! Good health to you, and welcome!" When he brought them into his home, 2 he said to his wife Edna, "This young man looks just like my kinsman Tobit!" 

3 So Edna asked them, "Who are you, brothers?" 

They answered, "We are of the exiles from Naphtali at Nineveh." 

4 She said, "Do you know our kinsman Tobit?" 

They answered, "Indeed we do!" 

She asked, "Is he well?" 

5 They answered, "Yes, he is alive and well." 

Then Tobiah exclaimed, "He is my father!" 

6 Raguel sprang up and kissed him, shedding tears of joy. 7 But when he heard that Tobit had lost his eyesight, he was grieved and wept aloud. He said to Tobiah: "My child, God bless you! You are the son of a noble and good father. But what a terrible misfortune that such a righteous and charitable man should be afflicted with blindness!" He continued to weep in the arms of his kinsman Tobiah. 8 His wife Edna also wept for Tobit; and even their daughter Sarah began to weep. 

9 Afterward, Raguel slaughtered a ram from the flock and gave them a cordial reception. When they had bathed and reclined to eat, Tobiah said to Raphael, "Brother Azariah, ask Raguel to let me marry my kinswoman Sarah." 

10 Raguel overheard the words; so he said to the boy: "Eat and drink and be merry tonight, for no man is more entitled to marry my daughter Sarah than you, brother. Besides, not even I have the right to give her to anyone but you, because you are my closest relative. But I will explain the situation to you very frankly. 11 I have given her in marriage to seven men, all of whom were kinsmen of ours, and all died on the very night they approached her. But now, son, eat and drink. I am sure the Lord will look after you both." 

Tobiah answered, "I will eat or drink nothing until you set aside what belongs to me." 

Raguel said to him: "I will do it. She is yours according to the decree of the Book of Moses. Your marriage to her has been decided in heaven! Take your kinswoman; from now on you are her love, and she is your beloved. She is yours today and ever after. And tonight, son, may the Lord of heaven prosper you both. May he grant you mercy and peace." 

12 Then Raguel called his daughter Sarah, and she came to him. He took her by the hand and gave her to Tobiah with the words: "Take her according to the law. According to the decree written in the Book of Moses she is your wife. Take her and bring her back safely to your father. And may the God of heaven grant both of you peace and prosperity." 13 He then called her mother and told her to bring a scroll, so that he might draw up a marriage contract stating that he gave Sarah to Tobiah as his wife according to the decree of the Mosaic law. Her mother brought the scroll, and he drew up the contract, to which they affixed their seals. 14 Afterward they began to eat and drink. 

15 Later Raguel called his wife Edna and said, "My love, prepare the other bedroom and bring the girl there." 

16 She went and made the bed in the room, as she was told, and brought the girl there. After she had cried over her, she wiped away the tears and said: 17 "Be brave, my daughter. May the Lord of heaven grant you joy in place of your grief. Courage, my daughter." Then she left. 

8:1 When they had finished eating and drinking, the girl's parents wanted to retire. They brought the young man out of the dining room and led him into the bedroom. 

2 At this point Tobiah, mindful of Raphael's instructions, took the fish's liver and heart from the bag which he had with him, and placed them on the embers for the incense. 3 The demon, repelled by the odor of the fish, fled into Upper Egypt; Raphael pursued him there and bound him hand and foot. Then Raphael returned immediately. 

4 When the girl's parents left the bedroom and closed the door behind them, Tobiah arose from bed and said to his wife, "My love, get up. Let us pray and beg our Lord to have mercy on us and to grant us deliverance." 5 She got up, and they started to pray and beg that deliverance might be theirs. He began with these words: 

"Blessed are you, O God of our fathers; praised be your name forever and ever. Let the heavens and all your creation praise you forever. 6 You made Adam and you gave him his wife Eve to be his help and support; and from these two the human race descended. You said, 'It is not good for the man to be alone; let us make him a partner like himself.’ 7 Now, Lord, you know that I take this wife of mine not because of lust, but for a noble purpose. Call down your mercy on me and on her, and allow us to live together to a happy old age." 

8 They said together, "Amen, amen," 9 and went to bed for the night. 

But Raguel got up and summoned his servants. With him they went out to dig a grave, 10 for he said, "I must do this, because if Tobiah should die, we would be subjected to ridicule and insult." 11 When they had finished digging the grave, Raguel went back into the house and called his wife, 12 saying, "Send one of the maids in to see whether Tobiah is alive or dead, so that if necessary we may bury him without anyone's knowing about it." 13 She sent the maid, who lit a lamp, opened the bedroom door, went in, and found them sound asleep together. 

14 The maid went out and told the girl's parents that Tobiah was alive, and that there was nothing wrong. 

15 Then Raguel praised the God of heaven in these words, "Blessed are you, O God, with every holy and pure blessing! Let all your chosen ones praise you; let them bless you forever! 16 Blessed are you, who have made me glad; what I feared did not happen. Rather you have dealt with us according to your great mercy. 17 Blessed are you, for you were merciful toward two only children. Grant them, Master, mercy and deliverance, and bring their lives to fulfillment with happiness and mercy." 18 Then he told his servants to fill in the grave before dawn.

SESSION TWELVE: Getting Deeper 4:20-6:9

The story becomes a journey in the tradition of Lord of the Rings and The Exodus in this Session. While session three was about preparing for Tobiah to know how to lead a moral life, session four seems to be about Tobit telling his son about money that we first heard about in the first session (1:14), money that Tobit would deposit with his kinsman in Rages of Media. Tobiah, being a young man without worldly experience, tells his father that he won’t be able to find Rages so Tobit tells him to enlist the help of a guide.
This leads to yet another unusual turn-of-events in the story as Tobiah runs immediately into the angel Raphael. There is a tradition in the Old Testament of angels being indistinguishable from human beings (for example Genesis 18:1-8) but scattered throughout the story, there are interesting details that, had Tobit been paying attention, he may have noticed there was something different about this stranger.
The interaction with Raphael seems rough at first when both Tobiah and Tobit don’t know his name. To show the youth of Tobiah, he must get approval of his angelic guide from his ailing Father. For his part, the Angel seems to want to assert authority by demanding in 6:8 “…do not be long.” His dialogue with Tobit is just as difficult as he seems extremely reluctant to tell the blind man his name. You will notice that, even though Tobit always calls Raphael “Brother” and Tobiah always calls him either “Brother” or “Azariah” the narrator always calls him “Raphael”. It’s almost as though the Narrator wants to constantly remind the reader that he is in on the secret even if the characters are not.
After the cordial, if somewhat difficult, greeting Tobit wants to know the name of this stranger and is comforted to hear an angel lie to tell him that his name is Azariah and that he is of the same tribe and family as his own. As I pointed out the in the previous section, this isn’t just because Tobit is racist and distrustful of foreigners. Tobit is in exile and feels he can only trust “his people”, especially with such an important assignment. The name Raphael chooses, Azariah, means “God has helped” and is the same name as 21 other figures in the Old Testament. It seems, however, that the narrator mostly wanted us to connect this angel with one of the three men in the fiery furnace, Azariah in the book of Daniel 3:13-30. This is especially true since Azariah’s Father is identified as having a name as another one of the men in the story, Hananiah, a name meaning “God has been gracious”. Hananiah’s brother, Nethaniah, has a name meaning “God has given” and their father is named Shemaiah, which means “God has heard.”
Aside from the meaning of the names, it does make one pause as to why an angel would lie about his name. In history, great debates were waged as to whether this was an evil act. One commentator said that he is stepping into the role of an actual person, an actual man named Azariah. Like Sam from the television show Quantum leap, Raphael is stepping into this man’s shoes and it’s possible the real Azariah was an evil man and that Raphael was acting just as evil. Yet, if you know the story of Daniel, you know that an angel is present in the fire with the three young men. Perhaps, in his answer, he was referring to his involvement in the fiery furnace while Tobit automatically assumes he means today. Nonetheless, it’s not clear why he changes his name but it definitely adds to the intrigue of the story.
As a side note, it’s interesting in this story that all the men are given names theophoric names, or names that have direct references to God, all the women are given names dealing with fertility. All the men’s names end in “iah” or some derivative which is a reference to the divine name given to Moses on Mt. Sinai. Sarah, on the other han, is connected to Abraham’s long-barren wife Sarah, Anna (or Hannah) is bears the same name as the once barren mother of Samuel, and Edna (still to be introduced in this story) means “sexual pleasure.” I think part of the reason for this is that, in Jewish tradition, birthright is connected to the mother. A Jewish mother is necessary to have a Jewish child because you know who the mother is. You may not know who the Father is. So, a women’s fecundity was an important aspect in the identity of a Jewish woman.
Speaking of Jewish women, Anna is suddenly worried about her son and begins to weep. Even though it appears, in 6:1 that Tobit has stopped her tears by the time Tobiah leaves, the text is more ambiguous than the translation leaves room for. It could just mean that she kept crying out loud but continued without audible sound. Her fears are that their only son’s life was being put in jeopardy for money. This allows for Tobit to make the most ironic statement of the book, “A good angel with go with him…” It seems that Anna represents the entirety of Israel in exile who, despite being frustrated by their lot in exile, nonetheless fear trying to make their life better. Tobit, therefore, stands for the courageous few who are willing to sacrifice their sons to make a change in opposition to the majority. Ultimately, we know that Tobit’s courage (and others like him) will eventually allow them to go home.
Tobiah sets out for what Raphael calls a “two-day journey” but is actually over 200 miles away. It would have taken at least 10 days to travel from Ecbatana to Rages. One very interesting detail is the fact that the dog went with them. Commentators have loved trying to come up with a deep meaning for this, especially since dogs were also, in general, seen as unclean animals to be kept out of house (for example in Deut. 23:18) because they are scavengers. Yet, Job 30:1 does seem to portray them as protectors. Some contend that the dog played a larger role in a folk tale that Tobit is based upon but that his role was diminished by the presence of the angel. But do not fear, the dog will come back again.
It’s good that Tobiah didn’t believe in signs, however, since at the end of the first day he almost looses his foot to a large fish. At least it seems to have been his foot. One commentator that I read said that a man’s genitals may have been demurely referred to as “feet”. If that would have been the understanding of the hearers of the story, it would be a point of juxtaposition as the thing that may have prevented yet another one of Sarah’s (future) husbands from having intercourse with her ended up being the very thing that will allow it. Most commentators see a connection to the story of Jonah but in reverse. Jonah was unwilling to go to Nineveh but a fish prevented him from defying the will of God and not going. In this story, a fish tries to prevent Tobit from leaving Nineveh but ends up being the reason he can come back victorious. In classical Christian usage, this fish has been identified with Christ whose death also brought about healing. The fact that this is a large fish is clearly in the fact that Tobit can cook it and eat it and still have some left over to put into his bag to eat later. The story does not explain why Raphael/Azariah doesn’t eat with the boy, nor why Tobiah doesn’t seem to invite him to. This would have been seen as extremely rude for the hospitality of the situation. This detail will come up again in the story later so keep it in mind. In what I call the pinnacle of the story, Raphael tells Tobiah to keep the heart, liver, and gall. When questioned, Raphael basically tells the rest of the story of this book. The heart and liver remove evil spirits and the gall can be used to remove cataracts. Now, can Tobiah actually do it or is he too young?

SESSION ELEVEN: Study Questions 4:20-6:9

(You may need to use a book called a concordance for questions 2, 3, and 5. A Concordance indicates where words are used in the books of the bible.)
1. In 5:3, Tobit, looks for a trustworthy man to help him journey to Rages. Who would you trust to guide you on a long journey?
2. Tobit is intent on finding out Raphael’s family and tribe. Where do these designations come from in the Old Testament? Might this be connected to the story of Tobit?
3.nRaphael seems very deceptive about his name. He calls himself Azariah. Do you know any Old Testament Azariah’s that may help us understand this story better? (Here’s a hint: Azariah’s father is involved in the same story.)
4. Have you ever had to say good bye to someone when you feared for their health?
5. The fish plays an important role in this story. What other Old Testament fish stories might be connected to this story? How might a Christian use this same story to interpret the present of fish in the gospel.

SESSION TEN: Tobiah and Raphael begin their journey 4:20-6:9

4:20 "And now, son, I wish to inform you that I have deposited a great sum of money with Gabri's son Gabael at Rages in Media. 21 Do not be discouraged, my child, because of our poverty. You will be a rich man if you fear God, avoid all sin, and do what is right before the Lord your God."
5:1 Then Tobiah replied to his father Tobit: "Everything that you have commanded me, father, I will do.2 But how shall I be able to obtain the money from him, since he does not know me nor do I know him? What can I show him to make him recognize me and trust me, so that he will give me the money? I do not even know which roads to take for the journey into Media!"
3 Tobit answered his son Tobiah: "We exchanged signatures on a document written in duplicate; I divided it into two parts, and each of us kept one; his copy I put with the money. Think of it, twenty years have already passed since I deposited that money! So now, my son, find yourself a trustworthy man who will make the journey with you. We will, of course, give him a salary when you return; but get back that money from Gabael."
4 Tobiah went to look for someone acquainted with the roads who would travel with him to Media. As soon as he went out, he found the angel Raphael standing before him, though he did not know that this was an angel of God.
 5 Tobiah said to him, "Who are you, young man?"
 He replied "I am an Israelite, one of your kinsmen. I have come here to work."
 Tobiah said, "Do you know the way to Media?"
 6 The other replied: "Yes, I have been there many times. I know the place well and I know all the routes. I have often traveled to Media; I used to stay with our kinsman Gabael, who lives at Rages in Media. It is a good two days' travel from Ecbatana to Rages, for Rages is situated at the mountains, Ecbatana out on the plateau."
7 Tobiah said to him, "Wait for me, young man, till I go back and tell my father; for I need you to make the journey with me. I will, of course, pay you."
8 Raphael replied, "Very well, I will wait for you; but do not be long."
9 Tobiah went back to tell his father Tobit what had happened. He said to him, "I have just found a man who is one of our own Israelite kinsmen!" Tobit said, "Call the man, so that I may find out what family and tribe he comes from, and whether he is trustworthy enough to travel with you, son." Tobiah went out to summon the man, saying, "Young man, my father would like to see you."
10 When Raphael entered the house, Tobit greeted him first. Raphael said, "Hearty greetings to you!" 
Tobit replied: "What joy is left for me any more? Here I am, a blind man who cannot see God's sunlight, but must remain in darkness, like the dead who no longer see the light! Though alive, I am among the dead. I can hear a man's voice, but I cannot see him."
Raphael said, "Take courage! God has healing in store for you; so take courage!"
Tobit then said: "My son Tobiah wants to go to Media. Can you go with him to show him the way?
I will of course pay you, brother." Raphael answered: "Yes, I can go with him, for I know all the routes. I have often traveled to Media and crossed all its plains and mountains; so I know every road well."
 11 Tobit asked, "Brother, tell me, please, what family and tribe are you from?"
 12 Raphael said: "Why? Do you need a tribe and a family? Or are you looking for a hired man to travel with your son?"
 Tobit replied, "I wish to know truthfully whose son you are, brother, and what your name is."
 13 Raphael answered, "I am Azariah, son of Hananiah the elder, one of your own kinsmen."
14 Tobit exclaimed: "Welcome! God save you, brother! Do not be provoked with me, brother, for wanting to learn the truth about your family. So it turns out that you are a kinsman, and from a noble and good line! I knew Hananiah and Nathaniah, the two sons of Shemaiah the elder; with me they used to make the pilgrimage to Jerusalem, where we would worship together. No, they did not stray from the right path; your kinsmen are good men. You are certainly of good lineage, and welcome!" 15 Then he added: "For each day you are away I will give you the normal wages, plus expenses for you and for my son. If you go with my son, 16 I will even add a bonus to your wages!"
Raphael replied: "I will go with him; have no fear. In good health we shall leave you, and in good health we shall return to you, for the way is safe."
 17 Tobit said, "God bless you, brother." Then he called his son and said to him: "My son, prepare whatever you need for the journey, and set out with your kinsman. May God in heaven protect you on the way and bring you back to me safe and sound; and may his angel accompany you for safety, my son." Before setting out on his journey, Tobiah kissed his father and mother. Tobit said to him, "Have a safe journey."
 18 But his mother began to weep. She said to Tobit: "Why have you decided to send my child away? Is he not the staff to which we cling, ever there with us in all that we do? 19 I hope more money is not your chief concern! Rather let it be a ransom for our son! 20 What the Lord has given us to live on is certainly enough for us."
 21 Tobit reassured her: "Have no such thought. Our son will leave in good health and come back to us in good health. Your own eyes will see the day when he returns to you safe and sound. 22 So, no such thought; do not worry about them, my love. For a good angel will go with him, his journey will be successful, and he will return unharmed. 6:1 Then she stopped weeping.
 2 When the boy left home, accompanied by the angel, the dog followed Tobiah out of the house and went with them. The travelers walked till nightfall, and made camp beside the Tigris River.
 3 Now when the boy went down to wash his feet in the river, a large fish suddenly leaped out of the water and tried to swallow his foot. He shouted in alarm.
 4 But the angel said to him, "Take hold of the fish and don't let it get away!" The boy seized the fish and hauled it up on the shore. 5 The angel then told him: "Cut the fish open and take out its gall, heart, and liver, and keep them with you; but throw away the entrails. Its gall, heart, and liver make useful medicines.” 6 After the lad had cut the fish open, he put aside the gall, heart, and liver. Then he broiled and ate part of the fish; the rest he salted and kept for the journey.
 7 Afterward they traveled on together till they were near Media. The boy asked the angel this question: "Brother Azariah, what medicinal value is there in the fish's heart, liver, and gall?"
 8 He answered: "As regards the fish's heart and liver, if you burn them so that the smoke surrounds a man or a woman who is afflicted by a demon or evil spirit, the affliction will leave him completely, and no demons will ever return to him again. 9 And as for the gall, if you rub it on the eyes of a man who has cataracts, blowing into his eyes right on the cataracts, his sight will be restored."