This verse from Judith 10:19 describes the reaction of the Assyrian soldiers to Judith's beauty upon her arrival in their camp. Let's break it down:
"They marveled at her beauty, and marveled at the children of Israel because of her." This sets the scene: Judith is stunningly beautiful, and the Assyrian soldiers connect her beauty to the people of Israel. They see her as representative of the Israelites.
"Each one said to his neighbor, “Who would despise this people, that have among them such women?" This reflects a change in their perspective. The soldiers are acknowledging that a people capable of producing such a beautiful woman can't be easily dismissed or belittled. There's a sense of respect, maybe even awe, despite the fact that they are the enemy. It suggests the power and strength that beauty holds to change perceptions.
"For it is not good that one man of them be left, seeing that, if they are let go, they will be able to deceive the whole earth." This is where the sentiment shifts back to hostility and fear. The soldiers recognize that if the Israelites are allowed to survive, their ability to deceive (represented by Judith's seemingly innocent beauty) could lead them to conquer or manipulate the entire world. This statement implies that beauty or cunning of the Israelite women could be a dangerous weapon, capable of widespread influence.
In summary, the verse highlights the power of beauty to shift perceptions, but ultimately underscores the fear and paranoia of the Assyrians towards the Israelites. They believe that the Israelites, embodied by Judith's beauty and potential for deception, pose a significant threat to their dominance.
This verse from Judith 10:19 describes the reaction of the Assyrian soldiers to Judith's beauty upon her arrival in their camp. Let's break it down:
"They marveled at her beauty, and marveled at the children of Israel because of her." This sets the scene: Judith is stunningly beautiful, and the Assyrian soldiers connect her beauty to the people of Israel. They see her as representative of the Israelites.
"Each one said to his neighbor, “Who would despise this people, that have among them such women?" This reflects a change in their perspective. The soldiers are acknowledging that a people capable of producing such a beautiful woman can't be easily dismissed or belittled. There's a sense of respect, maybe even awe, despite the fact that they are the enemy. It suggests the power and strength that beauty holds to change perceptions.
"For it is not good that one man of them be left, seeing that, if they are let go, they will be able to deceive the whole earth." This is where the sentiment shifts back to hostility and fear. The soldiers recognize that if the Israelites are allowed to survive, their ability to deceive (represented by Judith's seemingly innocent beauty) could lead them to conquer or manipulate the entire world. This statement implies that beauty or cunning of the Israelite women could be a dangerous weapon, capable of widespread influence.
In summary, the verse highlights the power of beauty to shift perceptions, but ultimately underscores the fear and paranoia of the Assyrians towards the Israelites. They believe that the Israelites, embodied by Judith's beauty and potential for deception, pose a significant threat to their dominance.
