That’s the feeling that hangs in the air as we turn to the Book of Tobit, specifically chapter 7.
Remember Tobiyyah, our hero, sent on a quest to retrieve some much-needed silver? He’s arrived at the house of Reuel, and after a series of divinely guided events, he's now face-to-face with Sarah, Reuel's daughter.
But there’s a catch. Sarah has a… reputation. A rather unfortunate one. She's been married seven times before, and each husband has met an untimely demise on their wedding night, thanks to a pesky demon named Asmodeus. Talk about baggage.
So, imagine the scene. The tension is palpable. Food is offered, as is customary. But Tobiyyah, bless his heart, refuses to eat or drink. He’s got one thing on his mind: "I will neither eat nor drink before thou hast given her to me to wife." Strong words, right?
Reuel, understandably hesitant, but also recognizing the hand of fate (and perhaps a bit worn down by the whole seven-dead-husbands thing), relents. "Take her," he says, "for she is thy sister, and thou art her brother." Now, this isn't meant literally. In ancient Jewish custom, "brother" and "sister" could also refer to close kin or those within the same community. Here, Reuel is emphasizing the familial bond and perhaps highlighting the appropriateness of the match within their shared heritage.
Then comes the formal pronouncement: "Behold, I give her to thee to wife, according to the law of Moses and Israel, and may the Lord God of heaven make you dwell this night in peace, and command upon you his kindness and his peace." It’s a beautiful blessing, a plea for divine protection and marital harmony.
What happens next is so beautifully simple. Reuel takes Sarah, his daughter, and gives her to Tobiyyah. A symbolic act of handing over responsibility, of entrusting his daughter's future to this young man. He blesses them, invoking divine favor upon their union.
But it’s not all just heartfelt pronouncements. There’s also a practical side to all of this! Reuel instructs his wife, Ednah, to bring a tablet. This wasn't an iPad, of course. This would have been a clay or wooden tablet. On this, he writes the ketubah (כתובה), the deed of marriage. It's a legally binding contract, outlining the husband's responsibilities to his wife, ensuring her financial security and protection. He then seals it before witnesses, making it official and binding.
And finally? Only then, after all the important stuff is handled, can the celebration begin. "And they ate and drank and were merry." The relief must have been immense. A marriage contract signed, a blessing given, and hopefully, just hopefully, a future free from demonic interference.
The story of Tobiyyah and Sarah reminds us that even in the face of daunting challenges, faith, courage, and a little bit of divine intervention can pave the way for unexpected blessings. It also reminds us that even in ancient times, the importance of a solid marriage contract was well understood! As we continue our journey with Tobiyyah and Sarah, let's carry with us this sense of hope and the understanding that even the most difficult situations can lead to joy and fulfillment.