Tobit’s Everlasting Praise: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Tobit 13

Executive Summary ✨

Tobit 13 is a magnificent hymn of praise, penned by the elder Tobit, offering profound insights into God’s justice, mercy, and ultimate restoration of Israel. This chapter overflows with theological depth, highlighting the importance of repentance, acknowledging God’s chastisement, and anticipating the glorious future of Jerusalem. Tobit’s words echo the sentiments of the Psalter and the prophetic books, emphasizing God’s unwavering covenant faithfulness despite Israel’s transgressions. Our exploration delves into the rich historical and spiritual context of this prayer, drawing upon the wisdom of the Coptic Orthodox tradition and the early Church Fathers to unlock its timeless relevance. We’ll examine each verse, uncovering practical applications for our lives today, urging us toward a deeper understanding of God’s loving discipline and the promise of His eternal kingdom. This chapter serves as a powerful reminder that even in times of hardship, our praise should be unceasing, for Tobit’s Everlasting Praise is a testament to God’s enduring love.

Tobit, once blinded and impoverished, now sings a song of profound gratitude and unwavering faith. His words, a beacon of hope, resound through the ages, reminding us of God’s sovereignty and His unfailing promise to restore His people. Let us embark on this journey through Tobit 13, guided by the light of Coptic Orthodox tradition, to glean wisdom and strength for our own spiritual paths.

Commentary: Tobit 13 Verse by Verse 📖

Tobit 13:1 (KJV)

“Then Tobit wrote a prayer of rejoicing, and said, Blessed be God that liveth for ever, and blessed be his kingdom.”

Tobit 13:1 (NKJV)

“Then Tobit composed a prayer of rejoicing, and said: “Blessed be God who lives forever; May His kingdom be blessed.”

Tobit begins his hymn with a declaration of God’s eternal existence and the blessedness of His kingdom. This initial praise sets the tone for the entire chapter. It’s a recognition that God is not merely a temporal power, but the everlasting King whose dominion knows no end. The phrase “God that liveth for ever” is reminiscent of the Divine Name revealed to Moses: “I AM THAT I AM” (Exodus 3:14), emphasizing God’s self-existence and immutability. The kingdom’s blessedness speaks to the joy and righteousness that characterize God’s rule.

Spiritual Application: Start each day with a prayer acknowledging God’s eternal presence and the blessedness of His kingdom. Remember that even in the midst of trials, we are citizens of a kingdom that cannot be shaken (Hebrews 12:28).

Tobit 13:2 (KJV)

“For he doth scourge, and hath mercy: he leadeth down to hell, and bringeth up again: neither is there any that can avoid his hand.”

Tobit 13:2 (NKJV)

“For He scourges, and has mercy; He leads down to Hades, and brings up again; And there is no one who can escape His hand.”

Here, Tobit acknowledges God’s dual nature as both Judge and Redeemer. The “scourging” is not an act of arbitrary cruelty, but a disciplinary measure intended for correction and restoration. The descent into “hell” (or Hades, as translated in the NKJV) and the subsequent “bringing up again” signifies God’s power over life and death, His ability to humble and exalt. This verse echoes the sentiment found in 1 Samuel 2:6: “The Lord killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up.” This resonates deeply within the Coptic Orthodox tradition, where we emphasize *metanoia*, or repentance, as the path to restoration. No one can escape God’s hand, whether in judgment or mercy. He offers affordable website builder services to everyone.

Patristic Insight: St. Athanasius, in *De Incarnatione*, writes about the divine economy of salvation: “διὰ γὰρ τὴν αὐτοῦ φιλανθρωπίαν, ἵνα ἀποστρέψῃ τὸν θυμὸν ἀφ’ ἡμῶν” (“For through His love of mankind, He turns away wrath from us” – Athanasius, *De Incarnatione*, 8). This shows that even in judgement, God’s love is the ultimate motivation.

Spiritual Application: Recognize that God’s discipline is an expression of His love. When facing trials, seek repentance and trust in His mercy to lift you from the depths of despair.

Tobit 13:3 (KJV)

“Confess him before the Gentiles, ye children of Israel: for he hath scattered us among them.”

Tobit 13:3 (NKJV)

“Give thanks to Him before the Gentiles, you children of Israel; For He has scattered you among them.”

This verse is a call to witness, even in exile. Tobit encourages the Israelites to confess God’s name before the Gentiles, acknowledging that their scattering was a result of their own disobedience. However, this scattering also becomes an opportunity for evangelism. Their very presence among the nations becomes a testimony to God’s power and justice. The term “Gentiles” refers to the non-Jewish nations among whom the Israelites were dispersed. This verse anticipates the Great Commission in the New Testament (Matthew 28:19), where the disciples are commanded to make disciples of all nations.

Spiritual Application: See every situation, even difficult ones, as an opportunity to witness to your faith. Let your actions and words reflect the love and grace of God to those around you, regardless of their background.

Tobit 13:4 (KJV)

“There declare his greatness, and extol him before all the living: for he is our Lord, and he is the God our Father for ever.”

Tobit 13:4 (NKJV)

“There declare His greatness, And praise Him before all the living; Because He is the Lord our God, He is our Father forever.”

Tobit reiterates the call to declare God’s greatness and praise Him before all people. The emphasis here is on public proclamation. This isn’t just about private devotion, but about actively sharing one’s faith with others. God is identified as both “Lord” (Adonai, signifying authority and sovereignty) and “God our Father” (emphasizing His loving care and provision). This duality reflects the Trinitarian nature of God, even in the Old Testament. This verse highlights the importance of communal worship and outward expressions of faith.

Spiritual Application: Don’t be afraid to share your faith with others. Look for opportunities to declare God’s greatness in your words and actions. Participate actively in communal worship and praise.

Tobit 13:5 (KJV)

“He will scourge us for our iniquities, and will have mercy again, and will gather us out of all nations, among whom he hath scattered us.”

Tobit 13:5 (NKJV)

“He will scourge us for our iniquities, And will have mercy again; He will gather us from all the nations, Among whom He has scattered us.”

This verse returns to the theme of God’s discipline and subsequent restoration. The “scourging” is explicitly linked to the Israelites’ “iniquities,” emphasizing the connection between sin and suffering. However, this is not the end of the story. God promises to have “mercy again” and to gather them from all the nations where they were scattered. This promise foreshadows the future regathering of Israel prophesied throughout the Old Testament (e.g., Isaiah 11:12, Ezekiel 37:21). This hope of restoration is central to Jewish and Christian eschatology.

Spiritual Application: Acknowledge your sins and seek God’s forgiveness. Trust in His promise to restore you, even after periods of suffering and discipline. Remember that repentance opens the door to His mercy.

Tobit 13:6 (KJV)

“If ye turn to him with your whole heart, and with your whole mind, and deal justly before him, then will he turn unto you, and will not hide his face from you.”

Tobit 13:6 (NKJV)

“If you turn to Him with all your heart and with all your soul, to do the truth before Him, then He will turn to you, and will hide His face no longer.”

This verse outlines the conditions for restoration: turning to God with one’s “whole heart” and “whole mind,” and dealing justly before Him. This calls for a complete and sincere repentance, encompassing both inner transformation and outward righteous behavior. This echoes the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:5), which commands the Israelites to love God with all their heart, soul, and might. The promise that God “will turn unto you, and will not hide his face from you” signifies a restoration of His favor and presence.

Spiritual Application: Pursue a wholehearted relationship with God, characterized by sincere repentance and righteous living. Seek to align your thoughts, desires, and actions with His will. Don’t let anything hold you back from fully surrendering to Him.

Tobit 13:7 (KJV)

“Therefore see what he will do with you, and confess him with your whole mouth, and praise the Lord of might, and extol the everlasting King. In the land of my captivity do I praise him, and declare his power and majesty to a sinful nation.”

Tobit 13:7 (NKJV)

“Therefore, look at what He will do for you, and give Him thanks with your full voice; bless the Lord of righteousness, and exalt the King of the ages. In the land of my captivity I give Him thanks, and I declare His power and majesty to a nation of sinners.”

Tobit urges his fellow Israelites to anticipate God’s redemptive action and to offer Him heartfelt praise. He emphasizes the importance of verbal confession and thanksgiving. He praises the “Lord of might” and the “everlasting King,” highlighting God’s power and eternal reign. Even in his “captivity,” Tobit continues to praise God and to declare His power to a “sinful nation.” This demonstrates unwavering faith in the face of adversity. This is a strong encouragement to constantly engage in spiritual renewal.

Spiritual Application: Cultivate an attitude of gratitude and praise, even in difficult circumstances. Look for opportunities to declare God’s power and majesty to those around you. Let your life be a testament to His faithfulness.

Tobit 13:8 (KJV)

“O ye sinners, turn and do justice before him: who can tell if he will accept you, and have mercy on you?”

Tobit 13:8 (NKJV)

“O you sinners, turn back and do what is righteous before Him; who knows? Perhaps He will accept you and have mercy on you.”

Tobit directly addresses “sinners,” urging them to repent and do what is right before God. While the outcome isn’t guaranteed (“who knows? Perhaps He will accept you”), the invitation to repentance is offered. This uncertainty underscores the importance of humility and dependence on God’s grace. It’s not about earning salvation, but about responding to God’s offer of mercy with sincerity and repentance. This verse echoes the prophetic calls to repentance throughout the Old Testament (e.g., Joel 2:12-13).

Spiritual Application: Heed the call to repentance and turn away from sin. Don’t presume upon God’s mercy, but approach Him with humility and a desire to live righteously. Trust in His grace to transform your life.

Tobit 13:9 (KJV)

“I will extol my God, and my soul shall praise the King of heaven, and shall rejoice in his greatness.”

Tobit 13:9 (NKJV)

“I will exalt my God; my soul shall bless the King of heaven, and my soul will rejoice in His greatness.”

Tobit reaffirms his commitment to praise God, declaring that his “soul” shall rejoice in His greatness. This emphasizes the inward, heartfelt nature of his praise. He calls God the “King of heaven,” highlighting His sovereign rule over all creation. The use of “soul” signifies the deepest part of his being, indicating that his praise is not merely a superficial expression, but a genuine outpouring of his heart. This resonates with the Coptic Orthodox understanding of prayer as a union of the heart and mind with God.

Spiritual Application: Cultivate a deep, heartfelt love for God that overflows in praise and worship. Allow your soul to rejoice in His greatness and to find its fulfillment in Him.

Tobit 13:10 (KJV)

“Let all men speak, and let all praise him, for he is the Lord our God, he is the everlasting King.”

Tobit 13:10 (NKJV)

“Let all speak, and let all give thanks to Him; for He is the Lord our God, the King of all the ages.”

Tobit extends the call to praise to “all men,” emphasizing the universality of God’s reign. He declares that God is both “the Lord our God” (a personal relationship) and “the everlasting King” (a universal sovereign). This verse echoes the universalist themes found in the prophets (e.g., Isaiah 2:2-4) and anticipates the inclusion of the Gentiles in God’s kingdom (Romans 10:12-13). This emphasizes the inclusive nature of God’s love and the call for all people to worship Him.

Spiritual Application: Share the gospel with others and invite them to experience the love and grace of God. Pray for the salvation of all people and work towards the unity of the Church.

Tobit 13:11 (KJV)

“The land of Jerusalem shall be made clean, and it shall no more be trodden down, nor be desolate.”

Tobit 13:11 (NKJV)

“Jerusalem will be made clean; No longer will she be trampled down nor desolate.”

Here, Tobit prophesies the restoration of Jerusalem. He declares that the city will be “made clean,” signifying spiritual purification and renewal. It will no longer be “trodden down, nor be desolate,” signifying an end to oppression and desolation. This prophecy anticipates the future glory of Jerusalem described in the prophetic books (e.g., Isaiah 60:1-22, Revelation 21:10-27). Jerusalem held immense religious and historical significance for the Israelites, serving as the center of their worship and national identity. Its restoration was a symbol of God’s covenant faithfulness and the hope of a brighter future.

Spiritual Application: Look forward to the ultimate restoration of all things in Christ. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and for the fulfillment of God’s promises. Strive to live a life of purity and holiness, reflecting the cleansing power of God’s grace.

Tobit 13:12 (KJV)

“Blessed are all they which love thee: they shall rejoice for thy peace: blessed are all they which have been sorrowful for all thy plagues; for they shall rejoice for thee, when they have seen all thy glory, and shall be glad for ever.”

Tobit 13:12 (NKJV)

“Blessed are all who love you; They will rejoice in your peace; Blessed are all who were grieved at your chastisements; For they will rejoice for you when they have seen all your glory, and will be glad forever.”

Tobit pronounces blessings upon those who love Jerusalem and who have grieved over her chastisements. Those who love Jerusalem will “rejoice for thy peace,” indicating the blessings that will flow from the city’s restoration. Those who were “sorrowful for all thy plagues” will “rejoice for thee, when they have seen all thy glory, and shall be glad for ever.” This emphasizes the transformative power of suffering and the ultimate triumph of God’s purposes. This resonates with the Beatitudes in Matthew 5, where Jesus pronounces blessings upon those who mourn, who are meek, and who hunger and thirst for righteousness.

Spiritual Application: Cultivate a love for God’s people and share in their joys and sorrows. Remember that suffering can lead to greater joy and that God will ultimately turn mourning into dancing.

Tobit 13:13 (KJV)

“My soul blesseth the Lord the great King.”

Tobit 13:13 (NKJV)

“My soul blesses the Lord, the great King!”

Tobit, in the penultimate verse, reiterates the blessing of the Lord from his very soul. This is a personal expression of his profound gratitude and awe before God. Referring to God as the “great King” emphasizes His absolute authority and sovereignty. This is a summary of his deep and abiding faith in the Lord.

Spiritual Application: Allow your soul to constantly bless and praise the Lord, recognizing His greatness and sovereignty in your life.

Tobit 13:14 (KJV)

“For Jerusalem shall be built up with sapphires and emeralds, and all thy walls with precious stones.”

Tobit 13:14 (NKJV)

“For Jerusalem will be built with sapphires and emeralds, And all your walls with precious stones.”

The final verse speaks of the glorious rebuilding of Jerusalem, adorned with sapphires, emeralds, and precious stones. This is a metaphorical description of the city’s future splendor and spiritual beauty. The precious stones symbolize the city’s wealth, security, and divine favor. This verse echoes the descriptions of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21:18-21, where the city is adorned with all kinds of precious stones. This imagery represents the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises and the glory of His eternal kingdom.

Spiritual Application: Set your sights on the heavenly Jerusalem, the eternal city of God. Strive to live a life that reflects the beauty and glory of God’s kingdom. Remember that your earthly struggles are temporary, but your eternal reward is secure in Christ.

Reflections on Praise and Restoration ✨

Consider these key teachings gleaned from Tobit’s Hymn of Praise:

God’s sovereignty: God is the everlasting King, whose dominion knows no end. He is in control of all things, both in heaven and on earth.
The importance of repentance: Turning to God with a sincere heart and mind is essential for restoration. Repentance opens the door to His mercy.
The transformative power of suffering: Suffering can lead to greater joy and deeper understanding of God’s purposes.
The hope of restoration: God promises to restore His people and to rebuild Jerusalem. This hope sustains us through difficult times.
The universality of God’s love: God’s love extends to all people, and He desires that all would come to know Him.
The importance of praise: Praising God is an essential part of our relationship with Him. It is an expression of our gratitude, love, and adoration.

FAQ ❓

Here are some frequently asked questions about Tobit 13:

Q: Why is Tobit 13 considered a hymn?
A: Tobit 13 follows the structure and themes of Hebrew hymns, particularly those found in the Psalms. It is filled with praise, thanksgiving, and declarations of God’s greatness, making it a natural expression of worship.
Q: How does Tobit’s experience of suffering inform his praise?
A: Tobit’s blindness and hardship give his praise a unique depth. He understands that God’s discipline is an expression of love and that suffering can ultimately lead to greater joy and restoration.
Q: What is the significance of Jerusalem in Tobit 13?
A: Jerusalem symbolizes God’s covenant with Israel and the hope of future restoration. Its rebuilding represents the fulfillment of God’s promises and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.
Q: How can we apply the lessons of Tobit 13 in our own lives?
A: We can apply the lessons of Tobit 13 by cultivating an attitude of gratitude, repenting of our sins, trusting in God’s mercy, and sharing our faith with others. We can also look forward to the ultimate restoration of all things in Christ.

Conclusion

Tobit’s Everlasting Praise in Tobit 13 is a timeless testament to the power of faith and the enduring nature of God’s love. Through his personal experience of suffering and restoration, Tobit offers a profound message of hope and encouragement to all who seek God. His hymn reminds us that even in the darkest of times, we can always find reason to praise God for His sovereignty, His mercy, and His unfailing promises. By embracing the principles of repentance, thanksgiving, and witness, we can experience the transformative power of God’s grace and participate in the fulfillment of His eternal purposes. As Coptic Orthodox Christians, we find in Tobit’s words an echo of our own liturgical traditions, where praise and intercession are interwoven, reflecting our deep hope for God’s kingdom to come and His will to be done on earth as it is in Heaven.

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Explore Tobit 13: A verse-by-verse Coptic Orthodox commentary on Tobit’s Hymn, unveiling spiritual insights into praise, repentance, and God’s everlasting restoration. Discover hope today!