1Then Tobias answered his father Tobit, “I will do everything that you have commanded me, father.
2But how will I be able to get it from him, since he does not know me and I do not know him? What sign can I give him so that he will recognize me, trust me, and give me the money? And I do not know the roads to Media to travel there.”
3Then Tobit answered his son Tobias, “He gave me his written bond, and I gave him one. I split it in two, and we each took one part, and I put it away with the money. And now, look, it has been twenty years since I deposited this money. So now, child, find for yourself a trustworthy man who will travel with you, and we will pay him a wage until you return. And get this money from him.”
4So Tobias went out to look for a man who would travel with him to Media and who knew the way. When he went out, he found Raphael the angel standing before him. But he did not know that he was an angel of God.
5And he said to him, “Where are you from, young man?” And he answered him, “I am one of the sons of Israel, your kinsmen, and I have come here to find work.” And he said to him, “Do you know the way to travel to Media?”
6And he said to him, “Yes, I have been there many times; I am experienced and know all the roads. I have traveled to Media very often and have lodged with Gabael our kinsman who lives in Ecbatana of Media. It is a journey of two full days from Ecbatana to Rages, for Rages is situated in the mountains, while Ecbatana is in the middle of the plain.”
7And Tobias said to him, “Wait for me, young man, until I go in and tell my father. For I need you to go with me, and I will give you your wage.”
8And he said to him, “I will wait, just do not be long.”
9And Tobias went in and told his father Tobit, saying to him, “Look, I have found a man from our kinsmen, the sons of Israel.” And Tobit said to him, “Call the man to me, so that I may find out what family and tribe he is from, and if he is trustworthy to travel with you, child.” So Tobias went out and called him, saying, “Young man, my father is calling you.”
10And he came in to him, and Tobit greeted him first. And he said to him, “May you have much joy!” But Tobit answered him, “What joy is there still for me? I am a man helpless in my eyes and cannot see the light of heaven, but lie in darkness like the dead who no longer see the light. Though living, I am among the dead; I hear the voices of people, but I do not see them.” And he said to him, “Take heart; healing from God is near for you. Take heart.” Then Tobit said to him, “My son Tobias wants to travel to Media. Are you able to go with him and guide him? I will give you your wage, brother.” And he answered him, “I am able to travel with him, for I know all the roads. I have often gone to Media and have passed through all its plains and mountains, and I know all its paths.”
11And Tobit said to him, “Brother, from what family and from what tribe are you? Tell me, brother.”
12And he said, “Why do you need to know my tribe?” And Tobit said to him, “I want to know the truth about whose son you are, brother, and what your name is.”
13And he said to him, “I am Azarias, son of the great Hananias, one of your kinsmen.”
14And Tobit said to him, “Welcome in health and safety, brother! And do not be offended with me, brother, because I wanted to know the truth about your family. It turns out you are a kinsman, and you are from a good and noble line. I knew Hananias and Nathan, the two sons of the great Shemaiah; they used to travel with me to Jerusalem and worship with me there, and they did not go astray. Your kinsmen are good men; you are from a good root. Welcome with joy!”
15And he said to him, “I will give you a drachma a day as a wage, and your provisions the same as for my son. So travel with my son,
16and I will add a bonus to your wage.” And he replied, “I will travel with him, so do not be afraid. We will depart in good health and we will return to you in good health, because the road is safe.”
17And Tobit said to him, “May you be blessed, brother.” Then he called his son and said to him, “Child, prepare what is needed for the journey and go out with your brother. May the God who is in heaven keep you safe there and bring you back to me in good health. And may his angel accompany you safely, child.” And Tobias went out to begin his journey, and he kissed his father and his mother. And Tobit said to him, “Go in good health.”
18But his mother wept and said to Tobit, “Why have you sent my child away? Is he not the staff of our hand, the one who goes in and out before us?”
19Let money not be added to money, but let it be a ransom for our child.
20The life that has been given to us by the Lord is enough for us.”
21And he said to her, “Do not worry. Our child will go in good health and will return to us in good health. Your own eyes will see him on the day he comes back to you in good health. Do not worry; do not be afraid for them, sister.
22For a good angel will go with him, his journey will be successful, and he will return in good health.”
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