The woman with seven husbands in the Bible is Sarah, a prominent figure in the Book of Tobit. Her poignant story details her struggles with a malevolent demon that claimed the lives of her previous spouses.
Sarah: A Woman of Many Sorrows
Sarah, the daughter of Raguel, lived in Ecbatana and faced immense personal tragedy. She had been married seven times, yet each union ended in sorrow. Before any marriage could be consummated, her husband would mysteriously die. This pattern led to deep distress for Sarah and even taunts from her servant woman, who accused her of being a "husband killer" and lamented that none of her husbands lived long enough to give her a son. Her despair was so profound that she contemplated ending her life.
The Demon Asmodeus
The cause of Sarah's misfortune was an evil demon named Asmodeus. This demon was responsible for killing each of Sarah's seven husbands before their marriages could be consummated. Asmodeus's malevolent influence brought immense grief and isolation into Sarah's life.
The Narrative of Sarah's Marriages and Deliverance
Sarah's story unfolds within the deuterocanonical (or apocryphal) Book of Tobit, a narrative rich with themes of faith, divine intervention, and deliverance. Her plight is eventually resolved through the intervention of the archangel Raphael.
Key events in Sarah's story include:
- Repeated Tragedy: Sarah experiences the loss of seven husbands, each dying on their wedding night due to the demon Asmodeus. This recurring tragedy casts a shadow over her life, leading to profound sorrow and social ostracism.
- Deep Despair: Overwhelmed by her circumstances and the cruel taunts of others, Sarah reaches a point of utter despair, praying for relief from her suffering or for death itself.
- Divine Intervention: Unbeknownst to her, God hears her prayers, along with those of Tobias, a young man sent on a journey by his blind father, Tobit. The angel Raphael is dispatched to assist both Sarah and Tobias.
- Tobias's Arrival: Guided by Raphael, Tobias arrives in Ecbatana and is introduced to Sarah. Despite the reputation surrounding her, Tobias is encouraged to marry her.
- Overcoming the Demon: Under Raphael's instruction, Tobias uses the liver and heart of a fish, burned on charcoal, to drive away the demon Asmodeus on their wedding night. The demon flees to Egypt, where it is bound by Raphael.
- A Happy Union: With the demon vanquished, Sarah and Tobias finally have a blessed and consummated marriage, leading to a long and happy life together, marked by children and prosperity.
The story of Sarah highlights themes of resilience in the face of suffering, the power of prayer, and divine intervention in human affairs.
Quick Facts About Sarah
To summarize the key aspects of Sarah's life:
| Key Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | Sarah (daughter of Raguel) |
| Biblical Book | Tobit (Deuterocanonical/Apocryphal) |
| Number of Husbands | Seven |
| Cause of Deaths | The evil demon Asmodeus |
| Outcome | Marries Tobias, demon is defeated, lives happily |
| Significance | A testament to faith, prayer, and divine deliverance |
