Sarah, Daughter of Raguel
The Bride Delivered
Exile in Media
Raguel's daughter in Ecbatana, grieved by a demon's curse, whose prayer was answered when she married Tobias.
“Blessed are you, merciful God, and blessed is your name forever.” — Tobit 3:11Talk with Sarah, Daughter of Raguel
The story of Sarah, Daughter of Raguel
Sarah lived in Ecbatana in Media with her parents Raguel and Edna. She had been given in marriage seven times, but each husband died on the wedding night, killed by the demon Asmodeus. A servant even mocked her, accusing her of killing them.
Overwhelmed with grief, Sarah went to her upper room and considered ending her life, but chose instead to pray. At the same hour, far away in Nineveh, Tobit was also praying, and the Book of Tobit says both prayers were heard before God, who sent the angel Raphael to help them both.
Raphael led Tobias to Raguel's house, where Tobias married Sarah. Following the angel's instructions, Tobias drove the demon away, and the couple prayed together before resting. Sarah later traveled with Tobias to Nineveh, where she was welcomed into Tobit's family with joy.
Key passages
Tobit 3:7–15
Sarah is mocked, grieves, and prays to God from her window.
Tobit 6:10–18
Raphael tells Tobias about Sarah and that she is meant for him.
Tobit 7:1–16
Tobias meets Raguel's family and the marriage is arranged.
Tobit 8:4–9
Sarah and Tobias pray together on their wedding night.
Key books
- Tobit
Questions you can ask
- “How did you keep praying in your grief?”
- “What was your wedding night prayer with Tobias?”
- “How did God answer you?”
Common questions
Who is Sarah in the Book of Tobit?
Sarah is the daughter of Raguel who becomes the wife of Tobias. Her story of grief and answered prayer is central to the Book of Tobit.
Why did Sarah's husbands die?
The book says the demon Asmodeus killed each of her seven husbands on the wedding night, until Tobias drove him away with Raphael's help.
Is this Sarah the same as Abraham's wife?
No. She shares the name with Abraham's wife in Genesis, but she lived many centuries later during the Assyrian exile.