Children Bedtime Stories

Long ago, an Israelite man named Tobit lived in the Assyrian capital of Nineveh. He was blind and could not see the good and beauty of this world.

Tobit had a son whose name was Tobias. Through Tobias, God would work a wonderful miracle for Tobit!

At the city of Rages, there was money needing to be recovered in the trust of a friend. Tobit sent Tobias on this mission and a man named Azarias accompanied him on his journey.

On their way to the city, Tobias and Azarias fell upon the Tigris River. Tobias loved to fish and asked Azarias if they could
take a rest there. He begged him to wait until he caught the perfect fish before continuing on their journey. Azarias was very patient and even encouraged him to fish.

Before long, Tobias caught a very big fish! He danced around with joy and yet, his companion did not seem very surprised that Tobias had caught the fish. It was as though he had expected it.

When they were ready to continue on their journey, Azarias told Tobias to take the fish's gall along with them.

After they had completed their mission, Tobias and Azarias returned home. There, Azarias told Tobias that by using the gall of the fish, Tobias would make his father see again! At once, Tobias sprang to his feet and went to see his father who was
drowning in his tears.

"Father!" He shouted, "I am here to save you from your blindness! I wish to restore to you your sight and your hope."

Meanwhile, Azarias was standing next to Tobias, making sure that he did it right.

Tobit looked their way with wonder and joy. "If what you say is true, then God has looked kindly upon his servant." Then Tobias bent over and placed the gall upon his father's eyes. Tobit slowly opened his eyes and looked around him. "My son, my son!" He cried, "I can see you!"

At that moment, Azarias stepped forward. "I have something to say. Truly, I have been sent to this family to bring hope; however, I am not who you think I am. I am not a man, but an angel named Raphael. I have been sent from Heaven to bring about His holy Will in your lives. My work is now complete." Azarias then disappeared.

At first, Tobit and Tobias were speechless at all that had happened the past few days. Soon, however, they found themselves singing and giving praise to God Who had shown great mercy on them and their family.