Judith 11:19 - And I will lead you through the midst of Judea, until you come to Jerusalem. I will set your seat in the midst of it. You will drive them as sheep that have no shepherd, and a dog will not so much as open his mouth before you; for these things were told me according to my foreknowledge, and were declared to me, and I was sent to tell you.”
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What does "Judith 11:19" mean?
This verse is part of Judith's deceptive speech to Holofernes in the Book of Judith. Let's break down what it means within the context of the story:
"And I will lead you through the midst of Judea, until you come to Jerusalem." Judith is promising to betray her people. She's offering to guide Holofernes and his Assyrian army through the region directly to Jerusalem, the heart of the Jewish faith and resistance. This is a huge deal, as it suggests she knows a secret or a weakness in the Jewish defenses.
"I will set your seat in the midst of it." This is hyperbole and flattery. She's suggesting that she will help Holofernes conquer Jerusalem and establish his throne or command center right in the center of the city.
"You will drive them as sheep that have no shepherd, and a dog will not so much as open his mouth before you;" This is imagery of complete domination and submission. Sheep without a shepherd are easily scattered and controlled. A dog not barking symbolizes that no one will dare to challenge Holofernes' authority or raise an alarm. It portrays the Jews as weak, leaderless, and terrified.
"for these things were told me according to my foreknowledge, and were declared to me, and I was sent to tell you." This is the core of Judith's deception. She claims to have divine insight, revealing that God has shown her Holofernes' impending victory. She is presenting herself as a prophet or messenger of God, sent to deliver this information to Holofernes.
In Summary
Judith is using a combination of flattery, promises of betrayal, and claims of divine revelation to gain Holofernes' trust. The verse is designed to:
Inflate Holofernes' ego: She emphasizes his power and impending victory.
Convince him of her loyalty: She offers to guide him to Jerusalem and help him conquer it.
Imply divine favor: She claims to have knowledge of God's will, which favors Holofernes.
Important Context
It's essential to remember that Judith is lying. She is using these words to lull Holofernes into a false sense of security so she can assassinate him and save her people. The verse is significant because it highlights Judith's cunning and her willingness to use deception to achieve her goals. It also plays on the common trope of divine intervention and the idea that God chooses sides in battles.
Judith 11:19 - And I will lead you through the midst of Judea, until you come to Jerusalem. I will set your seat in the midst of it. You will drive them as sheep that have no shepherd, and a dog will not so much as open his mouth before you; for these things were told me according to my foreknowledge, and were declared to me, and I was sent to tell you.”
What does "Judith 11:19" mean?
This verse is part of Judith's deceptive speech to Holofernes in the Book of Judith. Let's break down what it means within the context of the story:
"And I will lead you through the midst of Judea, until you come to Jerusalem." Judith is promising to betray her people. She's offering to guide Holofernes and his Assyrian army through the region directly to Jerusalem, the heart of the Jewish faith and resistance. This is a huge deal, as it suggests she knows a secret or a weakness in the Jewish defenses.
"I will set your seat in the midst of it." This is hyperbole and flattery. She's suggesting that she will help Holofernes conquer Jerusalem and establish his throne or command center right in the center of the city.
"You will drive them as sheep that have no shepherd, and a dog will not so much as open his mouth before you;" This is imagery of complete domination and submission. Sheep without a shepherd are easily scattered and controlled. A dog not barking symbolizes that no one will dare to challenge Holofernes' authority or raise an alarm. It portrays the Jews as weak, leaderless, and terrified.
"for these things were told me according to my foreknowledge, and were declared to me, and I was sent to tell you." This is the core of Judith's deception. She claims to have divine insight, revealing that God has shown her Holofernes' impending victory. She is presenting herself as a prophet or messenger of God, sent to deliver this information to Holofernes.
In Summary
Judith is using a combination of flattery, promises of betrayal, and claims of divine revelation to gain Holofernes' trust. The verse is designed to:
Inflate Holofernes' ego: She emphasizes his power and impending victory.
Convince him of her loyalty: She offers to guide him to Jerusalem and help him conquer it.
Imply divine favor: She claims to have knowledge of God's will, which favors Holofernes.
Important Context
It's essential to remember that Judith is lying. She is using these words to lull Holofernes into a false sense of security so she can assassinate him and save her people. The verse is significant because it highlights Judith's cunning and her willingness to use deception to achieve her goals. It also plays on the common trope of divine intervention and the idea that God chooses sides in battles.