“However, Raphael said to him.
‘Do you not remember your father’s orders?
When he commanded you to take a wife from your father’s house? Now listen to me, brother!
Say no more about this demon!
Take her!
I know that this very night she will be given to you in marriage. When you enter the bridal chamber,
Take some of the fish’s liver and heart.
Put them on the embers of the incense.
An odor will be given off.
The demon will smell it and flee.
He will never be seen near her any more.
Now when you are about to go to bed with her,
Both of you must stand up and pray,
Imploring the God of heaven
That mercy and safety may be granted to you.
Do not be afraid!
She was set apart for you before the world was made.
You will save her.
She will go with you.
I presume that you will have children by her.
They will be brothers to you.
Now say no more!’
When Tobias heard the words of Raphael, he learned that she was his kinswoman, related through his father’s lineage. He loved her very much. His heart was drawn to her.”
The angel Raphael reminded Tobias that his father had told him to take a wife from his own house. Raphael told him not to worry about the demon. He told Tobias to take the fish liver and fish heart and then burn it on incense. The smell from the smoke would make the demon flee and stay away forever. He implored both of them to stand up and pray before they went to bed. Ask the God of heaven to be merciful to them and keep them safe so that they would have children. Now Tobias was relieved to find out that Sarah was a kinswoman of his father. He would be able to chase away the demon with the fish heart and liver. He began to love her as her was drawn to her, even though he had never met her yet. This is almost like an arranged marriage.
Eugene Finnegan Bible Project 