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1Then Tobiah said to his father, “I will do everything you have told me.
2But how will I get your money from him, since I do not know him and he does not know me? What proof should I give him of my identity to convince him to give me the money? I do not even know the roads to Media.”
3Tobit told him, “He and I made two copies of a written agreement. We tore one of them in half, and each of us kept one of the halves. I put the other copy with the money. Twenty years have passed since I deposited that money. So find a reliable man to accompany you, my son. We will pay him for his time when you get back. Now go and reclaim this money from Gabael.”
4Tobiah went out to find someone who knew the roads to Media and would accompany him there. He found Raphael standing outside, but Tobiah did not know that he was an angel of God.
5Tobiah asked him, “Who are you, young man?”
He replied, “I am an Israelite, one of your relatives, and I am looking for work.”
Tobiah asked him, “Do you know the way to Media?”
6“Yes,” Raphael answered. “I have gone there often and know all the roads. I used to stay with our relative Gabael in Rages. We will first have to travel to Ecbatana, which is on the plain east of here. Then it is two more long days to get to Rages, which is in the mountains.”
7Tobiah said to him, “Wait for me, young man, while I go in and tell my father. I need someone to accompany me to Rages, and I will pay you to guide me.”
8Raphael replied, “I am at your service, but don’t be too long.”
9Tobiah went in and told his father, “I have found a fellow Israelite who will go with me.”
Tobit said, “Bring him to me, my son, so that I can find out about his family and tribe and decide if he should be trusted to go with you.”
Tobiah went out and said to Raphael, “My father would like to meet you.”
10When Raphael came in, Tobit immediately greeted him. Raphael replied, “And may all be well with you.”
Tobit responded, “What! How can anything be well with me? I am blind and can no longer enjoy the sunlight. I might as well be dead, for everything is dark. Even though I’m still alive, I’m no better than a corpse. I hear voices, but I cannot even see who is speaking.”
“Be brave,” Raphael encouraged him. “God will heal you soon. Be confident.”
Then Tobit said, “My son, Tobiah, wants to go to Media. Can you accompany him and guide him there? I will pay you, my brother.”
“Yes, I can go with him,” Raphael responded. “I know all the roads. I have often been to Media, crossing the plains and the mountains, so that I know every road.”
11Tobit inquired, “Tell me, brother, to what tribe and family do you belong?”
12“Why do you need to know my tribe?” replied Raphael.
Tobit said, “I really want to know who your family is and what your name is.”
13Raphael answered, “I am Azariah, son of the great Hananiah, one of your relatives.”[#5:13 Azariah means “The helps,” and Hananiah means “The shows mercy.”]
14Tobit said, “Welcome, my brother. Do not be insulted because I wanted to know your tribe and family. You are a relative of mine, of good and noble stock. I knew Hananiah and Nathan, the two sons of the great Shemeliah. They used to make the pilgrimage to Jerusalem with me, and we would worship together. They did not turn away from keeping the law of Moses. Your relatives are good people, and you come from a good family. Again, welcome!”[#5:14a Some manuscripts read Jathan.; #5:14b Some manuscripts read Shemaiah.]
15He added, “I will pay you a silver coin for each day of your trip as well as all your expenses.[#5:15 Greek a drachma, which was the equivalent of a full day’s wage.]
16I will also pay you a bonus if you both return safely.”
Raphael replied, “I will go with him. Don’t worry. We will return as healthy as we are now because the route is safe.”
17Tobit said, “May God bless you, brother.” Then he called Tobiah and said to him, “My son, prepare whatever is necessary for the trip. May God in heaven protect both of you as you travel and bring you back to me safely. May his angel guard your way.”
Before setting out on the journey, Tobiah kissed his father and mother. Then Tobit said, “Have a safe journey.”
18Tobiah’s mother began to weep. She said to Tobit, “Why have you sent my son away? Isn’t he the one we depend on?[#5:18 Some manuscripts add Anna.]
19Why do you want more money if it costs us the life of our son?
20Can’t we be satisfied with the life the Lord has given us?”
21Tobit said to her, “Don’t worry. Our child is leaving in good health, and he will return the same way. You will see for yourself that he will be safe. Say no more. Do not fear for them, dear wife.[#5:21 Greek sister.]
22A good angel will go with him. His mission will be successful, and he will return in good health.”
23So she stopped weeping.