This passage from Tobit begins with the protagonist, Tobit, returning home and preparing for a significant feast during Pentecost, demonstrating his desire to share his good fortune with a poor member of his exiled community in Nineveh. His intended act of hospitality is interrupted when his son discovers a murdered countryman, prompting Tobit to immediately prioritize burying the deceased, even though it means abandoning his meal and risking the authorities' disfavor due to his past experiences. His deep commitment to this act of burial, despite facing mockery from his neighbors, highlights his unwavering piety. The narrative then shifts to the tragic event of Tobit's sudden blindness, caused by bird droppings, rendering him unable to see for four years and bringing distress to his family. This section concludes with a tense domestic exchange where Tobit's suspicion over his wife's earnings and a bonus goat leads to a bitter argument, revealing the strain his misfortunes have placed on their relationship and prompting her to challenge his perceived righteousness in light of his suffering.
