Trust me, you're about to. Let's dive into the Book of Tobit, specifically chapter 6, where things get… interesting.

Our hero, Tobiyyah, is on a journey. He’s got an angel – though he doesn't know it yet – guiding him. But Tobiyyah is understandably nervous. He's heard about the woman he's supposed to marry, Sarah. And the rumors? Well, they're terrifying.

Tobiyyah says to the angel, "I have heard, my brother, that she hath already been given to seven husbands, who died before they came in unto her." Can you imagine? Seven husbands, all gone! And the reason, according to the whispers? "Asmodeus, the king of the demons, killed them." Asmodeus. Not exactly the best wingman.

Understandably, Tobiyyah is freaked out. He continues, "Now therefore I am greatly afraid lest Asmodeus kill me, and I bring the old age of my parents in sorrow to the grave, for they have no other son, neither daughter, to bury them when they die." It’s not just his life he’s worried about, but the devastation it would bring to his family. This is a very Jewish concern, isn’t it? Duty to family, honoring parents… it all weighs heavily on him.

But here’s where the angel steps in. And this is where the story gets a little… well, let’s just say it involves fish.

"Fear the Lord, and remember him, and remember the commandments of thy father which he commanded thee, that thou shouldest take a wife of the family of thy father," the angel says. Okay, good, solid advice so far. But then comes the kicker: "Now therefore hear me, and be not afraid of the demon. For I know that thou shalt take her this night to wife."

Easy for the angel to say, right? Don't be afraid of the demon!

Then comes the truly bizarre part. The angel gives Tobiyyah instructions on how to deal with Asmodeus. "And when thou shalt enter the chamber with her, take the heart of the fish, and smoke thereof under her garments, and the demon shall smell it, and flee, and return to her no more."

Did you catch that? Fish heart smoke. Under her garments. It’s... specific.

Apparently, Asmodeus has a real aversion to the smell of burning fish heart. Who knew?

But it doesn’t end there. The angel continues, "And when thou shalt desire to approach her, rise ye from the bed, and pray, and supplicate the Lord that he would command his kindness and healing upon you, and heal her." Prayer is key. This isn't just about a magical fish repellent; it's about seeking divine intervention.

Finally, the angel reassures Tobiyyah, "And then thou shalt approach her, and shalt beget of her sons; and fear not, for for thee was she meet before the world was created, and by thine hand the Lord shall save her from the hand of the demon." This is a crucial point: Sarah was meant for him all along. Their union is destined.

So, what are we to make of this strange and wonderful story? Is it a literal account of demon-fighting with fish organs? Or is there something deeper going on?

Perhaps it's a reminder that even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles—even demonic ones—faith, prayer, and a little bit of unconventional strategy can prevail. And maybe, just maybe, there's a bit of divine intervention in finding the person you’re meant to be with. Even if it involves a slightly smelly detour.