Judith 11:13 - They are resolved to spend the first fruits of the corn, and the tenths of the wine and the oil, which they had sanctified and reserved for the priests who stand before the face of our God in Jerusalem; which things it is not fitting for any of the people so much as to touch with their hands.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Judith 11:13" mean?
This verse from Judith 11:13 describes the dedication and strict separation of agricultural offerings in Jewish religious practice. Let's break it down:
"They are resolved to spend the first fruits of the corn, and the tenths of the wine and the oil...": This refers to the practice of offering the first fruits (the very first harvest) and tithes (10% of the yield) of their agricultural produce (corn/grain, wine, and oil) to God. This was a religious obligation prescribed in the Hebrew Bible.
"...which they had sanctified and reserved for the priests...": Once these portions were dedicated to God, they became sanctified, meaning they were considered holy and set apart for a specific, sacred purpose. They were specifically reserved for the priests.
"...who stand before the face of our God in Jerusalem...": This emphasizes that the priests who were entitled to receive these offerings were those who served in the Temple in Jerusalem. They were the legitimate religious authorities.
"...which things it is not fitting for any of the people so much as to touch with their hands.": This is the key point. It highlights the extreme care and respect given to these dedicated offerings. Ordinary people were strictly forbidden from touching them. Only the priests, as God's appointed representatives, were permitted to handle them. This underscores the holiness of the offerings and the importance of maintaining the proper order of religious practice.
In essence, the verse conveys:
The Jewish people's commitment to fulfilling their religious obligations of offering first fruits and tithes.
The sacredness of these offerings, as they were dedicated to God.
The exclusivity of the priests in handling these offerings, signifying their special role as intermediaries between God and the people.
The strict separation of the sacred from the profane – emphasizing that what is dedicated to God must be treated with the utmost reverence.
Context within the Book of Judith:
Understanding this verse is helpful for appreciating the overall context of the Book of Judith. Judith is presented as a pious and observant Jewish woman. By referencing these strict religious practices, the author emphasizes the commitment of the Jewish people to their faith, which contrasts with the wickedness and impiety of the Assyrian invaders. Judith's virtue and piety are underscored by her commitment to these religious laws. Holofernes makes the mistake of underestimating their commitment to their traditions.
Judith 11:13 - They are resolved to spend the first fruits of the corn, and the tenths of the wine and the oil, which they had sanctified and reserved for the priests who stand before the face of our God in Jerusalem; which things it is not fitting for any of the people so much as to touch with their hands.
What does "Judith 11:13" mean?
This verse from Judith 11:13 describes the dedication and strict separation of agricultural offerings in Jewish religious practice. Let's break it down:
"They are resolved to spend the first fruits of the corn, and the tenths of the wine and the oil...": This refers to the practice of offering the first fruits (the very first harvest) and tithes (10% of the yield) of their agricultural produce (corn/grain, wine, and oil) to God. This was a religious obligation prescribed in the Hebrew Bible.
"...which they had sanctified and reserved for the priests...": Once these portions were dedicated to God, they became sanctified, meaning they were considered holy and set apart for a specific, sacred purpose. They were specifically reserved for the priests.
"...who stand before the face of our God in Jerusalem...": This emphasizes that the priests who were entitled to receive these offerings were those who served in the Temple in Jerusalem. They were the legitimate religious authorities.
"...which things it is not fitting for any of the people so much as to touch with their hands.": This is the key point. It highlights the extreme care and respect given to these dedicated offerings. Ordinary people were strictly forbidden from touching them. Only the priests, as God's appointed representatives, were permitted to handle them. This underscores the holiness of the offerings and the importance of maintaining the proper order of religious practice.
In essence, the verse conveys:
The Jewish people's commitment to fulfilling their religious obligations of offering first fruits and tithes.
The sacredness of these offerings, as they were dedicated to God.
The exclusivity of the priests in handling these offerings, signifying their special role as intermediaries between God and the people.
The strict separation of the sacred from the profane – emphasizing that what is dedicated to God must be treated with the utmost reverence.
Context within the Book of Judith:
Understanding this verse is helpful for appreciating the overall context of the Book of Judith. Judith is presented as a pious and observant Jewish woman. By referencing these strict religious practices, the author emphasizes the commitment of the Jewish people to their faith, which contrasts with the wickedness and impiety of the Assyrian invaders. Judith's virtue and piety are underscored by her commitment to these religious laws. Holofernes makes the mistake of underestimating their commitment to their traditions.