How is the guide engaged, and what does the family know about him?

The son agreed to obey but asked how to recover the money, since neither he nor Gabelus knew the other and he did not know the road. His father said that he had the note, which Gabelus would recognize, and instructed him to find a faithful hired guide and recover the money while his father still lived.

Outside, the son found a beautiful young man girded as if ready to walk, without knowing that he was an angel. The stranger said he was an Israelite, knew the roads through the country of the Medes, had often walked them and had stayed with Gabelus at Rages, on the mount of Ecbatana. The son asked him to wait while he told his father. The elder Tobias asked that the stranger come in. When the stranger wished him joy, Tobias asked what joy could remain to someone unable to see the light of heaven. The stranger told him that a cure from God was at hand.

The father asked whether he would guide the son to Gabelus and offered payment on their return. The guide promised to lead the son and bring him back. Only then did the father ask his family and tribe. He answered that he was Azarias, son of the great Ananias. Tobias welcomed the name and apologized for his inquiry. A separate edition note says the angel may have taken Azarias’s form and personated his name; it also gives the meanings of Azarias and Ananias. The narrative records no independent verification of the stranger’s identity.

The guide again promised a safe return. Tobias blessed the journey and prayed that God’s angel accompany his son. They prepared what was needed and departed. Anna wept, calling her son the staff of their old age and wishing that the money had never been sought. Tobias reassured her that a good angel accompanied him and that he would return in joy. She ceased weeping and held her peace.