Exile, Life in Meantime, and the Book of Tobit Cover Image

Cudzina, život v medzičase a Kniha Tobiáš
Exile, Life in Meantime, and the Book of Tobit

Author(s): Róbert Lapko
Subject(s): Christian Theology and Religion, Theology and Religion, Biblical studies
Published by: VERBUM - vydavateľstvo Katolíckej univerzity v Ružomberku
Keywords: foreign land; foreigner; Book of Tobit; Old Testament; eschatology;

Summary/Abstract: The purpose of this article is to consider one of the themes of the Book of Tobit, namely, the contrast of living in a foreign land and the desire for homeland. The model for this theme comes from the Book of Genesis since all the stories from Genesis that are reflected in the Book of Tobit take place outside the land of Israel. Tobit and his children, as well as the patriarchs, are foreigners. Their experiences as "outsiders" include having to live in the danger of death, suffer the loss of all their posessions, go blind, and become childless. The turning point in the story is the empty grave prepared for young Tobit after his wedding night with Sara and his journey home to his parents. The eschatology of the last two chapters of the book crystallizes in the hope of living in God's "house forever" (13,17) which will be the home for all nations (13,13).

  • Issue Year: XI/2012
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 45-55
  • Page Count: 11
  • Language: Slovak