In this verse, the angel Raphael reveals to Tobit and his family that what they perceived was not a physical reality but a spiritual vision. Raphael, sent by God, had been with them in a form they could understand, yet his true nature was beyond their perception. This teaches an important lesson about the nature of divine encounters. God's presence and actions in our lives may not always be visible or tangible, yet they are real and impactful. The verse encourages believers to trust in God's mysterious ways and to recognize that spiritual realities often operate beyond our physical senses.
This revelation also underscores the theme of faith and trust in God's plans. Tobit and his family had been faithful and obedient, and through their trials, they were blessed with divine guidance. It reminds us that God's messengers can come in unexpected forms and that His interventions are often subtle yet profound. This passage invites Christians to remain open to the divine, to trust in God's unseen work, and to have faith that He is always present, guiding and supporting us in ways we might not immediately comprehend.