This verse from Judith 12:20 is a key element in the story's climax and highlights Holofernes' vulnerability. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"Holofernes took great delight in her..." This refers to Judith, the Jewish widow who has infiltrated Holofernes' camp. He is charmed by her beauty and apparent willingness to betray her people. He believes he is about to seduce her. His vanity and lust blind him to her true intentions.
"...and drank exceeding much wine, more than he had drunk at any time in one day since he was born." This is the crucial part of the verse. Holofernes is getting excessively drunk. This excessive drinking is significant for several reasons:
Weakens his Judgement: Alcohol impairs his judgment, making him less cautious and more easily manipulated by Judith.
Physical Vulnerability: Intoxication makes him physically vulnerable, rendering him unconscious and defenseless.
Contrast with Judith: This excess is in stark contrast to Judith's piety and self-control. It highlights the difference between the righteous and the wicked. Holofernes' lack of restraint is a sign of his moral corruption.
Sets the Stage: This drunkenness sets the stage for Judith to behead him while he is passed out. It's the moment where she can carry out her plan to save her people.
In essence, the verse signifies that Holofernes, blinded by lust and arrogance, is intentionally rendering himself helpless through extreme intoxication, thus enabling Judith to assassinate him and deliver her people from the Assyrian army. It is a moment of hubris that leads to his downfall and Judith's triumph.
This verse from Judith 12:20 is a key element in the story's climax and highlights Holofernes' vulnerability. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"Holofernes took great delight in her..." This refers to Judith, the Jewish widow who has infiltrated Holofernes' camp. He is charmed by her beauty and apparent willingness to betray her people. He believes he is about to seduce her. His vanity and lust blind him to her true intentions.
"...and drank exceeding much wine, more than he had drunk at any time in one day since he was born." This is the crucial part of the verse. Holofernes is getting excessively drunk. This excessive drinking is significant for several reasons:
Weakens his Judgement: Alcohol impairs his judgment, making him less cautious and more easily manipulated by Judith.
Physical Vulnerability: Intoxication makes him physically vulnerable, rendering him unconscious and defenseless.
Contrast with Judith: This excess is in stark contrast to Judith's piety and self-control. It highlights the difference between the righteous and the wicked. Holofernes' lack of restraint is a sign of his moral corruption.
Sets the Stage: This drunkenness sets the stage for Judith to behead him while he is passed out. It's the moment where she can carry out her plan to save her people.
In essence, the verse signifies that Holofernes, blinded by lust and arrogance, is intentionally rendering himself helpless through extreme intoxication, thus enabling Judith to assassinate him and deliver her people from the Assyrian army. It is a moment of hubris that leads to his downfall and Judith's triumph.