Tobit, 7

1. And when they were come to Ecbatane, they came to the house of Raguel, and Sara met them: and after they had saluted one another, she brought them into the house.

1. When they arrived in Ecbatana Tobias said to Raphael, "Friend Azarias, take me straightaway to our friend Ragouel." So Raphael led Tobias to Ragouel's house and they found Ragouel sitting by the door of the courtyard.

2. Then said Raguel to Edna his wife, How like is this young man to Tobit my cousin!

2. Ragouel said to his wife, Edna, "This young man is very like my cousin Tobit!"

3. And Raguel asked them, From whence are ye, brethren? To whom they said, We are of the sons of Nephthalim, which are captives in Nineve.

3. Edna questioned them, "Where have you come from, my friends?" They replied, "We are of the sons of Naphtali who live as exiles in Nineveh."

4. Then he said to them, Do ye know Tobit our kinsman? And they said, We know him. Then said he, Is he in good health?

4. She asked them, "Do you know my kinsman, Tobit?"

5. And they said, He is both alive, and in good health: and Tobias said, He is my father.

5. They said, "Yes, we know him." She continued, "Is he in good health?" Then Tobias said, "Tobit is my father."

6. Then Raguel leaped up, and kissed him, and wept,

6. Ragouel ran towards him and covered him with kisses, then in tears he blessed Tobias and said to him, "Blessings on you, you are the son of a good and worthy man!"

7. And blessed him, and said unto him, Thou art the son of an honest and good man. But when he had heard that Tobit was blind, he was sorrowful, and wept.

7. When he learned that Tobit had lost his sight he grieved and wept. "What a misfortune that a man who is so just and generous should become blind!"

8. And likewise Edna his wife and Sara his daughter wept. Moreover they entertained them cheerfully; and after that they had killed a ram of the flock, they set store of meat on the table. Then said Tobias to Raphael, Brother Azarias, speak of those things of which thou didst talk in the way, and let this business be dispatched.

8. His wife Edna and his daughter Sara wept also and they received Tobias and Raphael with great kindness.

9. So he communicated the matter with Raguel: and Raguel said to Tobias, Eat and drink, and make merry:

9. They killed a sheep and served them numerous dishes. After they had bathed and washed, as they were relaxing before the meal, Tobias said to Raphael, "Friend Azarias, tell Ragouel to give me Sara my kinswoman. Talk about what you were saying during our journey, that the matter may come about and be accomplished."

10. For it is meet that thou shouldest marry my daughter: nevertheless I will declare unto thee the truth.

10. Ragouel overheard the conversation and he said to Tobias, "Eat, drink and be merry tonight. You are the man who has most right to take Sara my daughter because you are my kinsman. Indeed it is impossible for me to give her to any other man but you, because you are my closest relative. But, my son, I must tell you the whole story.

11. I have given my daughter in marriage te seven men, who died that night they came in unto her: nevertheless for the present be merry. But Tobias said, I will eat nothing here, till we agree and swear one to another.

11. I gave her to seven husbands from among our kinsmen. They each died on the wedding night. But, for the moment, my son, eat and drink and the Lord will arrange things for you." Tobias said, "I shall eat nothing if you do not stop now and bring this matter to a conclusion." Ragouel said to Tobias, "Take her from now on; I give her to you according to the Law of Moses and you have to understand that God himself gives her to you. Receive your kinswoman, from now on you are her brother and she is your sister. She is yours from today and forever. Now God will bless you this night and may he give you both his mercy and peace."

12. Raguel said, Then take her from henceforth according to the manner, for thou art her cousin, and she is thine, and the merciful God give you good success in all things.

12. He called his daughter Sara and taking her by the hand, he gave her to Tobias as his wife. He said, "According to Moses' Law, take her now and bring her to your father's house." And he blessed them.

13. Then he called his daughter Sara, and she came to her father, and he took her by the hand, and gave her to be wife to Tobias, saying, Behold, take her after the law of Moses, and lead her away to thy father. And he blessed them;

13. Ragouel then called Edna his wife; taking a sheet of parchment, he wrote down a matrimonial contract and they both affixed their seals.

14. And called Edna his wife, and took paper, and did write an instrument of covenants, and sealed it.

14. Then they all began to eat.

15. Then they began to eat.

15. Ragouel called his wife and said to her "My sister, prepare the other room and take Sara there."

16. After Raguel called his wife Edna, and said unto her, Sister, prepare another chamber, and bring her in thither.

16. Edna did as Ragouel told her and she took Sara to this room and Sara began to cry. Edna dried her daughter's tears and said,

17. Which when she had done as he had bidden her, she brought her thither: and she wept, and she received the tears of her daughter, and said unto her,

17. "Have courage, my child, the God of heaven and earth will change your sorrow into joy. Have confidence, my daughter!"

18. Be of good comfort, my daughter; the Lord of heaven and earth give thee joy for this thy sorrow: be of good comfort, my daughter.

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