Bible Study on the book of Tobit: God works for you when you work for the Lord - Fr Joseph Edattu VC

Summary

The transcript details a Bible study session focused on the Book of Tobit, highlighting Tobit's acts of charity and obedience to God's commandments amidst his tribe's idolatry. It discusses Tobit's charitable deeds, such as feeding the hungry and burying the dead, drawing parallels to Isaiah 58. The session also covers Tobit's response to King Sennacherib's punishment by God for blasphemy, as mentioned in 2 Kings 19, and Tobit's eventual vindication through the intervention of his nephew Aikar, who was appointed by Sennacherib's successor.

Takeaways

• 📖 The script is a discussion of the Book of Tobit, focusing on chapter 1 and the actions of Tobit in performing acts of charity and obedience to God's commands.
• 🙏 Tobit is portrayed as a devout man who gives alms to the poor, clothes to the naked, and proper burial to the dead, reflecting the teachings of the Bible, particularly from Isaiah 58:6-9.
• 👑 The narrative includes historical context involving King Shalmaneser of Assyria and King Sennacherib, illustrating the political backdrop against which Tobit's actions took place.
• 🕊 Tobit's obedience to God's laws, including tithing, is highlighted as a central theme, showing his commitment to religious observance amidst a tribe that worshiped a golden calf.
• 😔 The story mentions the negative consequences of Sennacherib's blasphemy against God, leading to divine punishment and his eventual assassination.
• 🏛️ Tobit secretly buried the bodies of those killed by Sennacherib, showing his compassion and respect for the dead, even in times of danger.
• 📜 The script references 2 Kings 19, providing a biblical account of Sennacherib's downfall and the divine intervention that protected the city of Jerusalem.
• 🏞️ The story of Tobit's property being confiscated and his subsequent flight is mentioned, illustrating the trials and tribulations he faced for his faith and actions.
• 🔄 A positive outcome is presented where Tobit's nephew Aikar intercedes for him, leading to the return of Tobit's favor and property, demonstrating the importance of family and support.
• 👥 The role of Aikar as a prominent figure in the administration under King Sennacherib and his influence in reinstating Tobit's position is highlighted.
• 🔚 The conclusion of chapter 1 is marked by the restoration of Tobit's status and the affirmation of his faith and actions, providing a sense of closure to the chapter.

Q & A

What book of the Bible were they studying in the transcript?

They were studying the book of Tobit.

What chapter and verse did they reach in their study?

They reached chapter 1, verse 15 in the book of Tobit.

What actions did Tobit perform during his time?

Tobit performed acts of charity such as giving food to the hungry, clothing to the naked, and providing proper burials for the dead.

What is the significance of the actions mentioned in the transcript according to the book of Isaiah?

The actions are significant as they reflect the commands of God in Isaiah 58:6-9, emphasizing the importance of helping the oppressed, the hungry, the naked, and the homeless.

Who was Shalmaneser in the context of the script?

Shalmaneser was the king of Assyria during Tobit's time, and Tobit had special access to the king.

What did Tobit do when Sennacherib came to power?

When Sennacherib came to power, Tobit continued his acts of charity despite the difficulties, and he also secretly buried the bodies of those whom Sennacherib had put to death.

Why was Sennacherib punished by God according to the script?

Sennacherib was punished by God for his blasphemy against the God of Israel and for his anger that led to the destruction of many Jewish people.

What is the connection between the story of Tobit and the events in 2 Kings 19?

The connection is that both stories involve Sennacherib, who was punished by God for his actions and blasphemy, as described in 2 Kings 19.

How did Tobit's property get confiscated?

Tobit's property was confiscated after he was discovered burying the bodies of those killed by Sennacherib, which led to him being a target for punishment.

What happened to Tobit after his property was confiscated?

After his property was confiscated, Tobit went into hiding and later fled due to the threat of being put to death. He was eventually able to return to Nineveh with the help of his nephew Achiachar.

What role did Achiachar play in Tobit's life after his return to Nineveh?

Achiachar, who was Tobit's nephew and a prominent figure in the administration under King Sennacherib, interceded for Tobit, allowing him to return safely to Nineveh.

Outlines

00:00

📜 Reflections on Toit's Obedience and Charity

This paragraph discusses the biblical study of the Book of Toit, focusing on chapter 1, verse 15 and beyond. Toit is portrayed as a devout man who, unlike his tribe, adhered to the laws of Moses, including tithing. The passage highlights Toit's charitable acts, such as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and burying the dead of his tribe. These acts are tied to the teachings of Isaiah 58: 6-9, emphasizing the importance of charity and obedience to God's command. The summary underscores the theme of Christian values and the consequences of not adhering to them, as illustrated in the story of the rich man and Lazarus.

05:01

👑 Divine Retribution and Toit's Secret Burials

The second paragraph delves into the narrative of King Sakib of Assyria, who, after suffering divine judgment for his blasphemy against God, fled from Judea and wreaked havoc on the Jewish people. Toit, in secret, buried the bodies of those killed by Sakib, thus hiding the evidence of the king's atrocities. The passage references 2 Kings chapter 19, detailing the Lord's promise to defend Jerusalem and the subsequent destruction of the Assyrian army by the angel of the Lord. The summary captures the essence of divine retribution and the role of Toit as a silent hero who defied the king's tyranny.

10:03

🏰 Toit's Persecution and Restoration Through Aika

This paragraph recounts the story of Toit's persecution following the discovery of his secret burials of the slain Israelites by King Sakib. Toit's property was confiscated, and he was forced to flee, leaving behind all but his wife Anna and son Toas. The narrative then shifts to the assassination of Sakib by his own sons and the ascension of his son Esaron to the throne. Toit's fortunes changed when his nephew Aika, who was appointed to a high position in the new administration, interceded for him, allowing Toit to return and regain his status. The summary encapsulates the themes of persecution, family loyalty, and the triumphant return of Toit due to the influence of his relative in power.

Keywords

💡Bible Study

Bible Study refers to the act of reading, interpreting, and discussing the scriptures, typically within a group setting. In the context of the video, the theme revolves around a group engaging in a Bible study session on the book of Tobit, highlighting the importance of understanding and applying biblical teachings in everyday life.

💡Tob

Tob, short for Tobit, is one of the deuterocanonical books of the Bible. The video's narrative focuses on the story and teachings from the book of Tobit, particularly emphasizing Tobit's acts of charity and obedience to God's commandments.

💡Charity

Charity, in the script, is depicted as acts of benevolence and kindness towards others, especially the less fortunate. Tobit's charitable acts, such as feeding the hungry and clothing the naked, are highlighted as exemplary behaviors that reflect his obedience to God's laws and are central to the video's message.

💡Tribes

Tribes, in this context, refers to the different groups within the ancient Israelite society. The script mentions Tobit's tribe, the Naphtalites, who had deviated from the worship of God, with Tobit being the only one who continued to follow the Mosaic law, illustrating the importance of staying true to one's faith.

💡Tithes

Tithes are a form of religious tax, traditionally a tenth of one's produce or income, given to the church or religious institution. In the video, Tobit's payment of first, second, and third tithes signifies his devotion and obedience to the religious laws of Moses.

💡Shalman

Shalman, mentioned in the script, is the king of Assyria during Tobit's time. His reign is significant as it provides the historical context for Tobit's acts of charity and the challenges faced by the faithful during that period.

💡Sennacherib

Sennacherib, also referred to as Sakib in the script, is the king of Assyria known for his military campaigns against Judah. The video discusses his punishment by God for his blasphemy, illustrating the consequences of defying divine will.

💡Blasphemy

Blasphemy is the act of speaking sacrilegiously about God or sacred things. In the script, Sennacherib's blasphemy against God leads to his downfall, underscoring the gravity of disrespecting the divine.

💡Isaiah 58

Isaiah 58 is a biblical passage that emphasizes the importance of true fasting and righteous acts, such as feeding the hungry and clothing the naked. The video uses this passage to highlight the spiritual activities that Tobit engaged in, connecting his actions with the teachings of the prophet Isaiah.

💡Christian Values

Christian Values, as discussed in the video, are the moral principles and virtues derived from Christian teachings. The script emphasizes the importance of helping the poor, the sick, and the imprisoned, as part of living out Christian values.

💡2 Kings 19

2 Kings 19 is a biblical chapter that narrates the story of Sennacherib's assault on Jerusalem and God's intervention to save the city. The video references this chapter to provide a deeper understanding of Sennacherib's character and his eventual defeat, reinforcing the theme of divine justice.

Highlights

Bible study on the book of Tobit, focusing on chapter 1, verse 15 and onwards.

Tobit's obedience to the law of Moses, performing first, second, and third tithes.

Tobit's acts of charity towards his tribe, including the Napali tribe's worship of the golden calf.

Tobit's charitable acts during the time of Shalman, the king of Assyria.

Scriptural reference to Isaiah 58:6-9, emphasizing the importance of sharing with the hungry and the oppressed.

Tobit's secret burial of the dead bodies of his people, an act of charity and respect.

The story of the rich man and Lazarus, illustrating the consequences of not aiding the poor.

Tobit's actions during King Sennacherib's time, including his acts of charity and burial of the dead.

The punishment of King Sennacherib by God for his blasphemy against the God of Israel.

The account of Sennacherib's death as told in 2 Kings chapter 19, including the destruction of his army by the angel of the Lord.

Tobit's property confiscation for standing up for the truth, as mentioned in the book of Tobit.

The appointment of Tobit's nephew Aikar to a prominent position in the administration by Sennacherib's son Esar-haddon.

Aikar's intercession for Tobit, leading to his return to Nineveh after a period of hiding.

The significance of Tobit's acts of charity and obedience as examples of Christian values.

The completion of chapter one in the book of Tobit, summarizing the key events and moral lessons.

Transcripts

praise the Lord praise the Lord thank

you Jesus thank you Jesus my dear

brothers and sisters we were having the

bible study on the book of toit and we

were listening to the uh reading the

book of toit chapter 1 we reached until

chapter 1 verse 15 and let us continue

um reflecting about this chapter chapter

1 verse 16 onwards let's read this

passage in the days of

shalman I performed many AC Act of

Charity to my Kindred those of My Tribe

so toit was talking about his tribe all

the tribal members all the his tribe the

napali tribe they all started worshiping

that golden Cal only he was the only

person who went to Jerusalem and he did

all the ti first tith second tith third

tith and everything according to the

rules and commands of the law of Moses

he was so obedient to the command of God

and that is what that was what we were

reading the other days so now he says

during the time shelman was the king of

Assyria he was he had a special special

access to the to the uh to the senak

time but when the shalona came it was

not uh

easy but at the same time he did lot of

Acts of Charity praise the Lord praise

the Lord thank you Jesus thank you Jesus

praise to Jesus praise you Jesus sorry

Salona time he was very close to Sala

but when sakib came it was not so easy

but during the time of salzer when he

was the leader or the king of Assyria he

performed many acts of Charity and let's

read verse

17 I would give my food to the hungry

and my clothing to the naked and if I

saw the dead body of any of my people

thrown out behind the wall of nve I

would bury it these are the three main

spiritual activities he used to do

charitable Activity one is to give food

for the hungry all those who come to him

who are hungry he never send them back

empty-handed he used to give them food

All Those whom he found naked he used to

give them clothing and all the dead

bodies especially his own tribe of

people whose dead bodies thrown behind

the wall he used to go and take care of

these bodies and used to give them

Proper Burial ritual rituals of the

burial funeral service so these are the

most powerful Charities us to do because

this is especially the hungry naked

clothing and all these things is very

important command of God in the book of

Isaiah 58: 6-9 the Lord says like this

Isaiah 58: 6-9 we read like

this book of Isaiah 58: 6-9 is not this

the fast that I choose is not this the

fast that I choose to lose the bones of

Injustice to lose the bonds of Injustice

to undo the thongs of the Yoke to undo

the thongs of the Y to let the oppressed

Go free to let the oppressed Go free and

to break every yoke and to break every

yoke is not the share your bread is it

not the share your bread is it not to

share your bread with the hungry is it

not to share your bread with the hungry

and bring the homeless poor into your

house and bring the homeless poor into

your house when you see the naked when

you see the naked to cover them to cover

them and not to hide yourself from your

own King and not to hide yourself from

your own k then you light shall Break

Forth like the D then your light shall

Break Forth like the your healing shall

spring up quickly and your healing shall

spring up quickly your windicator shall

go before you your Vindicator shall go

before you the glory of the Lord shall

be your real God praise the Lord glory

of the Lord shall be your real God

praise the Lord praise the Lord so this

is what the Lord said so this is what

the Bible says so toi was so obedient so

toi did all these Charities let's

continue reading book of toap 1: 18 we

read like this

118 the word of God says you know even

Christian charity also is like this

Christians are supposed to help the poor

those who are hungry give them food

those who are naked cover them those who

are sick visit them those who are in

prison visit so this is the command of

God the Christians are not just supposed

to give the food for those who are

hungry but you are supposed to go in

search of the poor and help them in the

rich man and Lazarus Story the rich man

in front of his house there was a poor

man he didn't even look at them he he

didn't was not bothered that was his

mistake and he was punished for that he

did not go in search of the poor and

feed the H hungry so that is what is

Christian values so now let's read verse

chapter 1 verse 18 of

toit I also buried any whom King sakib

put to death when he came fleeing from

Judea in those days of judgment that the

king of Heaven executed upon him so toit

says there was a judgment King Of Heaven

that is God himself executed upon Sak

during those days and when he was

fleeing from Judea there was something

happened in Judea and God punished sakib

and he had to flee from Judea and

because of this anger he came and

destroyed so many Jewish people in nway

so that is what he says because of his

blasphemy he blasphemy against God he

spoke against the god of Yahweh God of

Jewish people and as a result God

punished him and executed him in Judea

and he had to flee from there and to S

and this sakib for in his anger he put

to death many Israelites because of this

he was so upset and he came and put to

death many

Israelites but I would secretly remove

the bodies and bury them so when Sak

looked for them he could not find them

he did not find the bodies everything is

buried secretly so my dear brothers and

sisters where is this incident mentioned

senak who had a negative experience in

Judea God punished him because he spoke

blasphemy against

god let's read 2 Kings chapter 19 Verse

6 onwards the whole chapter 2 Kings

chapter 19 the whole chapter is about

sakan and what he did Isaiah said to

them say to your master thus says the

Lord do not be afraid because of the

words that you have heard with with

which the Servants of the king of

Assyria have reviled me the Lord said

don't worry about all their blasphemy

the king of Assyria speaking against me

it's about

sakib verse

7 I myself put a spirit in

him so that he shall hear a rumor and

return to his own land I will cause him

to Fall by the sword of in his own land

in his own land he will be attacked by

his sword so this is what the Lord said

verse

8 the raka

rapak had returned and found the king of

Assyria fighting against libna and had

heard the king of King had left lakish

let's read verse uh 20 onwards verse 20

onwards then Isaiah son of Amos sent to

hezekia saying thus says the Lord the

god of Israel I have heard your prayer

to me about king senak kib of Assyria so

God said I heard the prayer verse

21 this is the word that the Lord has

spoken concerning him she despises you

she scorns you virgin daughter Zion she

tosses her head behind your back

daughter of

Jerusalem verse

22 whom you have mocked and reviled

against whom you have raised your voice

and hly lifted your eyes against the

Holy One of Israel so God is commanding

to sinag you did this and verse 23 by

your Messengers you have mocked the Lord

and you have said with my many chariots

I have gone up to the heights of the

mountains to the far recesses of Lebanon

I felt

it uh its tallest Sedar its choicest

cypresses I entered its farthest Retreat

its densest Forest verse

24 I dug Wells and drank Foreign Waters

I dried up with the SW all of my food

all the streams of Egypt verse 25 have

you not heard that I determined it long

ago I planned from Days of old but now I

bring to pass that you should make

fortified cities crash into heap of

ruins while the inhabitant shown of

strength are dismayed and confounded

they have become like plants of the

field and like tender grass like grass

on the housetops blighted before its

grown

27 but I know you are rising and you are

sitting you are going out and coming in

and you are ra raging against me the

Lord said because you have raged against

me and your arrogance has come to my

ears I will put my hook in your nose and

put my bite and my bite my bit in your

mouth and I will turn you back on the

way by which you came verse 29 and this

shall be the sign for you this year you

shall eat what grows of itself and in

the second year what Springs from that

then in the third year so reap plant

Vineyards and eat their fruit verse

1 the surviving remnant of the house of

Judah shall again take root downward and

bear fruit upward let's read for from

Jerusalem a Remnant shall go out and

from Mount Zion a band of survivors the

Zeal of the Lord of host will do this

verse

32 therefore thus says the Lord

concerning the king of Assyria he shall

not come into the city shoot an arrow

there come before it with a shield or

cast up a Siege ramp against it verse

33 by the way that he came by the same

he shall return He shall not come into

the city says the Lord verse 34 for I

will defend this city to save it for my

own sake and for the sake of my servant

David verse

35 that very night the angel of the Lord

set out and struck down

185,000

in the camp of the Assyrians when

morning dawned they were all dead bodies

one night angel came and struck down all

these people the senak cariban Assyrians

were destroyed and verse 36 then King

Sena Carib of Assyria left and went home

and lived at n he came back to n verse

37 as he was worshiping in the house of

his God nrro his sons ADR Malik and

sharzer killed him with the sword and in

his own town he was killed by sword and

they escaped into the land of Ararat his

son ashun succeeded him so this is what

the story in the second Kings now let's

read from toit chapter

1:8 this is what is quoting saying when

toit is quoting this passage and said I

also buried any whom King senak put to

death when he camee fleeing from Judea

in those days of judgment that the king

of Heaven executed upon him because of

his

blasphemies for in his anger he put to

death many Israelites in N because we

thought it was N in N he came back to n

but I would secretly remove the bodies

and bury them so when sinak looked for

them he could not find them verse

19 then one of the nites went and

informed the king about

me that I was burying them always there

will be a spy everywhere so I hid myself

but when I realized that the king knew

about me and that I was being searched

for to be put to death I was afraid and

ran away that's how he ran away from

there and let's read verse

20 then all my property was confiscated

he was so rich so powerful so

influential but all the property was

confiscated because it stood for the

truth remember this also Bible book of

dhit also says if you stand for truth

you also will be persecuted at the same

time prosperity and protection will be

there blessings will be there

authorities will be good to you for all

these things but at the same time the

negative Also may happen because the

evil will not just spare you then all my

property was confiscated nothing has was

left to me and that was not taken into

the Royal treasury except my wife Anna

and my son toas only the family was left

and he ran away verse 21 we read but not

40 days passed before two of sakib's

sons killed him within 40 days his enemy

sakar was killed by his own son which we

read in Second Kings and they fled to

the Mountains of Ararat and his son

esaron reigned after him he appointed

aikar the son of my brother Han over all

the accounts of his kingdom and he had

authority over the entire admission

Administration so his own family member

aikar came back to the power so because

hison his son was ruling over and hiar

is to toit's family member he became one

of the most prominent person in the

administration praise the Lord let's

read verse

22 aikar interceded for me me and I

returned to n now Aika was Chief cup

Bearer Keeper of the siden and in the

charge in charge of administration of

the accounts under King Senna kib of

Assyria so ason reappointed

him he was my nephew and so a close

relative praise the Lord praise the Lord

so with these the chapter one is

completed