Tobit 13:2, 3-4a, 4befghn, 7-8
Chapter 13
2
It is he who punishes and he who has mercy;who makes people go down to the depths of the underworld and rise up again from the great abyss.No one can escape his hand.
3
Give him thanks, people of Israel, before all the nations.Though he has dispersed you among them
4
he now shows you his greatness.Exalt him before all the living,because he is our God and Lord,our Father forever.
7
See what he has done for you and return him thanks aloud. Bless the Lord who alone is just and praise the King of ages.
8
I, in the land of my captivity, will return him thanks and show his strength and greatness to my sinful people.Be converted, you sinners, and live justly before him, certain that he will be pleased with you and show you mercy.
Commentaries
Canticle of Tobit.
Several times, Raphael invites us to bless the Lord for His benefits. This chapter represents Tobit’s response to the angel’s invitation, serving this specific function in the story. At the same time, it offers theological reflections within a didactic book. Tobit’s prayer consists of a penitential prayer, resembling the post-exilic prayers (Ezr 9; Neh 9; Dn 3:9; Bar 1:15-3:8), along with an eschatological hymn to Jerusalem, akin to Isaiah 54 and 60.