Tobit’s prayer to die
1 Deeply upset in my heart, I sighed and wept and began to pray with sighs:
2
“You are just, Lord, and all your deeds are just; mercy and truth mark all your ways. You judge the world.
3
“Now, Lord, remember me and look upon me. Don't punish me for my sins and the mistakes I made in ignorance, nor for those of my ancestors. They sinned against you,
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and I disregarded your commandments. So you have handed us over to plunder, captivity, and death. We have become a parable and the object of chatter and scorn among all the nations to which you have scattered us.
5
You are right in your many judgments, holding me responsible for my sins; for we didn't observe your commandments, and we haven't behaved faithfully toward you.
6
"And now, deal with me as you wish. Command that my spirit be taken from me so that I might be set free from the earth and become dust. It is better for me to die than to live, for I have heard false insults, and I'm full of grief. Lord, command that I might be set free from this distress. Set me free to go to the eternal place. Don't turn your face from me, Lord, for it is better for me to die than to experience this distress in my life and to endure insults."