Topical Encyclopedia Edna is a name found in the deuterocanonical Book of Tobit, which is part of the Apocrypha in the Christian tradition. While the Book of Tobit is not included in the Hebrew Bible, it is recognized in the Septuagint and is considered canonical by the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches. The name Edna itself is of Hebrew origin, meaning "pleasure" or "delight."Biblical Context In the Book of Tobit, Edna is the wife of Raguel and the mother of Sarah. The narrative of Tobit is set during the time of the Assyrian exile, and it tells the account of Tobit, a righteous Israelite of the tribe of Naphtali, and his family. Edna's role, though not extensive, is significant in the context of her daughter's marriage to Tobias, the son of Tobit. Role in the Book of Tobit Edna is introduced in Tobit 7, where Tobias, accompanied by the angel Raphael, visits the house of Raguel in Ecbatana. Tobias seeks to marry Sarah, Raguel and Edna's daughter, who has been plagued by a demon that killed her previous seven husbands on their wedding nights. Upon meeting Tobias, Edna and Raguel welcome him warmly, recognizing him as a relative. In Tobit 7:14-15 , the marriage of Tobias and Sarah is arranged: "Raguel called his wife Edna and said, 'My dear, prepare the other room and bring her in.' So they did as he said. Edna prepared the room and brought Sarah there." Edna's maternal care is further highlighted in Tobit 8:4 , where she expresses her concern for her daughter: "Edna said to her husband, 'Send one of the maids to see if he is alive. If he is not, let us bury him without anyone knowing.'" Character Traits Edna is portrayed as a loving and caring mother, deeply concerned for the well-being of her daughter, Sarah. Her actions reflect the values of hospitality and familial duty, which are central themes in the Book of Tobit. Edna's faith and hope are evident as she supports her daughter through her trials and rejoices in her eventual happiness. Theological Significance While Edna's role is not central to the theological themes of the Book of Tobit, her character contributes to the narrative's exploration of divine providence, faith, and the importance of family. Her interactions with Tobias and Sarah underscore the significance of trust in God's plan and the power of prayer and righteousness in overcoming adversity. Cultural and Historical Context The Book of Tobit, including the character of Edna, provides insight into Jewish life and customs during the period of the Assyrian exile. The account reflects the challenges faced by the Jewish diaspora and emphasizes the importance of maintaining faith and cultural identity in a foreign land. Legacy Though Edna is a minor character, her presence in the Book of Tobit has been acknowledged in various artistic and literary works throughout history. Her account, along with that of her family, continues to be a source of inspiration for themes of faith, redemption, and divine intervention. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia EDNAed'-na (Edna): Thesaurus Edna... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia EDNA. ed'-na (Edna): Wife of Raguel and mother of Sarah who married Tobias (Tobit 7:2, etc.; 10:12 ... /e/edna.htm - 6k Edifying (9 Occurrences) Tobit Raguel (1 Occurrence) Adnah (1 Occurrence) Anaharath (1 Occurrence) Edom (108 Occurrences) Woman (4043 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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