Judith 13:10 - and she put it in her bag of food. They both went out together to prayer, according to their custom. They passed through the camp, circled around that valley, and went up to the mountain of Bethulia, and came to its gates.

Generated Verse: Judith 13:10

What does "Judith 13:10" mean?


This verse is taken from the Book of Judith, a deuterocanonical book in the Bible. It's describing Judith and her maidservant's movements after a pivotal event. Let's break down the meaning:

"and she put it in her bag of food." This refers to Judith placing the severed head of Holofernes, the Assyrian general, into her food bag. This is a crucial element of her deception.
"They both went out together to prayer, according to their custom." Judith, a pious widow, had requested permission to leave the besieged city of Bethulia nightly to pray. This established pattern provides her with cover and a reason to be outside the city walls.
"They passed through the camp, circled around that valley..." This is their journey away from the Assyrian camp after Judith has assassinated Holofernes. By circling around the valley, they were likely attempting to avoid detection while taking the safest route. The detail highlights the danger of their situation.
"...and went up to the mountain of Bethulia, and came to its gates." They are returning to the city of Bethulia, which is situated on a mountain. The city gates would have been their point of entry.

In essence, this verse describes Judith and her maidservant's escape from the Assyrian camp back to Bethulia after Judith has killed Holofernes. The verse emphasizes:

Judith's cunning and boldness: She conceals the evidence of her deed and continues with her established routine.
The danger of their situation: They have to navigate the Assyrian camp and make their way back to Bethulia unnoticed.
The importance of their faith: The act of prayer is their cover, demonstrating their devotion and providing a believable excuse for their movements.
The setting: The verse provides a vivid picture of the geographical landscape, the Assyrian encampment, and the city of Bethulia.

The verse sets the stage for the next part of the narrative, where Judith reveals Holofernes' head to the people of Bethulia, giving them the courage to defeat the Assyrian army.

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