Tobit

The story of Tobit is set in the time of the conquest of Israel by Assyria in the seventh century BC, but scholars think the book was actually written about 200 years BC when the entire Middle East was under the powerful domination of Greek culture. It was written for a scattered Jewish community and presents a robust defence of Jewish faith and culture, with an exhortation for all Jews to trust in God, their traditions and their way of life.

Tobit is keen to live out his Jewish faith, not out of a sense of duty but because of his heartfelt love for God and neighbour. He presents us with a wonderful example of a man who, although righteous and faithful to God, suffered intensely during his life. He remains faithful to the Lord through suffering and injustice.

The relevance for a Christian man in contemporary Western society is obvious.