Gabael is a biblical figure mentioned in the Book of Tobit, which is part of the Apocrypha or Deuterocanonical books. Although not included in the Protestant canon, the Book of Tobit is recognized in the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions. Gabael plays a significant role in the narrative of Tobit, particularly in relation to the themes of faith, providence, and divine intervention.

Biblical References:

Gabael is introduced in Tobit 1:14, where Tobit, the protagonist, recounts his financial dealings. Tobit, a righteous Israelite of the tribe of Naphtali, had been exiled to Nineveh. Despite his circumstances, Tobit remained faithful to the laws of God and was known for his acts of charity and righteousness.

In Tobit 1:14 , it is written: "And I went to Media and left ten talents of silver in trust with Gabael, the brother of Gabri." This verse establishes Gabael as a trustworthy individual with whom Tobit deposited a significant sum of money. The mention of Gabael highlights the interconnectedness of the Jewish community during the time of the exile, as well as the importance of trust and integrity.

Role in the Narrative:

Gabael's role becomes more prominent in Tobit 4:20-21, where Tobit, now blind and fearing for his family's future, instructs his son Tobias to retrieve the money from Gabael. Tobit provides Tobias with a written receipt and advises him on the journey to Media. This task is pivotal as it sets the stage for Tobias's journey, which is central to the unfolding of the story's divine interventions and miraculous events.

In Tobit 5:6 , Tobias, accompanied by the angel Raphael in disguise, embarks on the journey to Media. Raphael's guidance and protection underscore the theme of divine providence, as God orchestrates events for the benefit of His faithful servants.

Upon reaching Media, Tobias and Raphael find Gabael, who recognizes the receipt and returns the money without hesitation. This encounter is recorded in Tobit 9:5 : "So Tobias went to Gabael in Rages of Media, and he gave him the receipt, and Gabael brought out the sealed bags of silver and gave them to him."

Significance:

Gabael's inclusion in the Book of Tobit serves to illustrate the faithfulness and integrity expected of God's people. His willingness to safeguard Tobit's wealth and return it upon request reflects the values of honesty and trustworthiness. Furthermore, Gabael's role in the narrative emphasizes the importance of community and mutual support among the exiled Israelites.

The account of Gabael, though brief, is interwoven with the broader themes of the Book of Tobit, including the righteousness of Tobit, the faithfulness of Tobias, and the protective guidance of God through His angel Raphael. Gabael's actions contribute to the resolution of the narrative, as the retrieved money aids in the restoration and blessing of Tobit's family.GABAEL

gab'-a-el (Gabael; Vulgate (Jerome's Latin Bible, 390-405 A.D.) "Gabelus"):

(1) An ancestor of Tobit (APC Tobit 1:1).

(2) A poor Jew of Rages, a city of Media, to whom Tobit lent ten talents of silver (APC TOBIT 1:14). The money was restored to Tobit in the time of his distress through his son Tobias, whom the angel Raphael led to Gabael at Rages (APC TOBIT 1:14; 4:1, 20; 5:06; 6:09; 10:2).

Appendix. The Apocryphal Books of the Old Testament.
... With Enemessar he was in favor, became his purveyor, and was able to deposit
ten talents of silver with Gabael at Rages, a city of Media. ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/appendix the apocryphal books of.htm

Here Followeth the History of Tobit
... silver. And when he saw one Gabael being needy which was of his tribe,
he lent him the said weight of silver upon his obligation. ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here followeth the history of 2.htm

A Letter from Origen to Africanus.
... and the Most High gave me grace and beauty in the eyes of Nemessarus, and I was
his purveyor; and I went into Media, and left in trust with Gabael, the brother ...
//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origens letters/a letter from origen to.htm

Gabael
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia GABAEL. gab'-a-el (Gabael; Vulgate (Jerome's
Latin Bible, 390-405 AD) "Gabelus"): (1) An ancestor ...
/g/gabael.htm - 6k

Tobit
... to which he had been reduced Tobit bethought himself of the money (ten talents,
ie about 3,500 British pounds) which he had deposited with one Gabael of Rages. ...
/t/tobit.htm - 34k

Anaharath (1 Occurrence)
... to which he had been reduced Tobit bethought himself of the money (ten talents,
ie about 3,500 British pounds) which he had deposited with one Gabael of Rages. ...
/a/anaharath.htm - 87k

Gabrias
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia GABRIAS. ga'-bri-as (Gabrias): Brother of GABAEL
(which see). In APC Tobit 4:20 he is described as his father. ...
/g/gabrias.htm - 6k

Gaba (1 Occurrence)

/g/gaba.htm - 6k

Gabatha

/g/gabatha.htm - 6k

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