Judith 1:5, "even in those days king Nebuchadnezzar made war with king Arphaxad in the great plain. This plain is on the borders of Ragau," sets the historical context for the Book of Judith. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"Even in those days king Nebuchadnezzar made war with king Arphaxad..." This establishes a specific historical setting by naming two kings and stating they were engaged in warfare. Nebuchadnezzar is a well-known historical figure, the king of Babylon. Arphaxad, however, is a more obscure figure, and his historicity is debated.
"...in the great plain." This specifies the location of the conflict. A "great plain" suggests a large, open area suitable for battle.
"This plain is on the borders of Ragau." This further pinpoints the location. "Ragau" is another place name, likely a region or city-state. However, Ragau is also of uncertain historical identification. Some scholars have tried to link it to places in Media.
In essence, the verse does the following:
1. Provides Historical Backdrop: It tries to ground the story of Judith in a specific time and place by mentioning kings and locations.
2. Sets the Stage for Conflict: It introduces Nebuchadnezzar as a powerful, expansionist king, which is crucial for understanding the threat later posed to the Israelites.
3. Introduces Ambiguity: The identification of Arphaxad and Ragau is uncertain, which is part of the ongoing debate about the historical accuracy of the Book of Judith. Some view these as purely symbolic or fictional elements, while others attempt to find historical correlations.
Significance:
This verse is important because it is the first attempt to establish the story's historical setting. Whether that setting is intended to be strictly accurate or more allegorical is a matter of interpretation. It creates a world in which power struggles and warfare are common, setting the stage for the story of Judith's heroism.
Judith 1:5, "even in those days king Nebuchadnezzar made war with king Arphaxad in the great plain. This plain is on the borders of Ragau," sets the historical context for the Book of Judith. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"Even in those days king Nebuchadnezzar made war with king Arphaxad..." This establishes a specific historical setting by naming two kings and stating they were engaged in warfare. Nebuchadnezzar is a well-known historical figure, the king of Babylon. Arphaxad, however, is a more obscure figure, and his historicity is debated.
"...in the great plain." This specifies the location of the conflict. A "great plain" suggests a large, open area suitable for battle.
"This plain is on the borders of Ragau." This further pinpoints the location. "Ragau" is another place name, likely a region or city-state. However, Ragau is also of uncertain historical identification. Some scholars have tried to link it to places in Media.
In essence, the verse does the following:
1. Provides Historical Backdrop: It tries to ground the story of Judith in a specific time and place by mentioning kings and locations.
2. Sets the Stage for Conflict: It introduces Nebuchadnezzar as a powerful, expansionist king, which is crucial for understanding the threat later posed to the Israelites.
3. Introduces Ambiguity: The identification of Arphaxad and Ragau is uncertain, which is part of the ongoing debate about the historical accuracy of the Book of Judith. Some view these as purely symbolic or fictional elements, while others attempt to find historical correlations.
Significance:
This verse is important because it is the first attempt to establish the story's historical setting. Whether that setting is intended to be strictly accurate or more allegorical is a matter of interpretation. It creates a world in which power struggles and warfare are common, setting the stage for the story of Judith's heroism.