Raguel – Book of Tobias, chapter 7

They are kindly entertained by Raguel. Tobias demandeth Sara to wife.

[1] And they went in to Raguel, and Raguel received them with joy. [2] And Raguel looking upon Tobias, said to Anna his wife: How like is this young man to my cousin? [3] And when he had spoken these words, he said: Whence are ye young men our brethren? [4] But they said: We are of the tribe of Nephtali, of the captivity of Ninive. [5] And Raguel said to them: Do you know Tobias my brother? And they said: We know him.

[6] And when he was speaking many good things of him, the angel said to Raguel: Tobias concerning whom thou inquirest is this young man’s father. [7] And Raguel went to him, and kissed him with tears, and weeping upon his neck, said: A blessing be upon thee, my son, because thou art the son of a good and most virtuous man. [8] And Anna his wife, and Sara their daughter wept. [9] And after they had spoken, Raguel commanded a sheep to be killed, and a feast to be prepared. And when he desired them to sit down to dinner, [10] Tobias said: I will not eat nor drink here this day, unless thou first grant me my petition, and promise to give me Sara thy daughter.

[11] Now when Raguel heard this he was afraid, knowing what had happened to those seven husbands, that went in unto her: and he began to fear lest it might happen to him also in like manner: and as he was in suspense, and gave no answer to his petition, [12] The angel said to him: Be not afraid to give her to this man, for to him who feareth God is thy daughter due to be his wife: therefore another could not have her. [13] Then Raguel said: I doubt not but God hath regarded my prayers and tears in his sight. [14] And I believe he hath therefore made you come to me, that this maid might be married to one of her own kindred, according to the law of Moses: and now doubt not but I will give her to thee. [15] And taking the right hand of his daughter, he gave it into the right hand of Tobias, saying: The God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob be with you, and may he join you together, and fulfill his blessing in you.

[16] And taking paper they made a writing of the marriage. [17] And afterwards they made merry, blessing God. [18] And Raguel called to him Anna his wife, and bade her prepare another chamber. [19] And she brought Sara her daughter in thither, and she wept. [20] And she said to her: Be of good cheer, my daughter: the Lord of heaven give thee joy for the trouble thou hast undergone.