Judith 14:10 - But when Achior saw all the things that the God of Israel had done, he believed in God exceedingly, and circumcised the flesh of his foreskin, and was joined to the house of Israel, to this day.

Generated Verse: Judith 14:10

What does "Judith 14:10" mean?


This verse from Judith 14:10 describes the conversion of Achior to Judaism after witnessing the miraculous power of the God of Israel in saving the Israelites. Let's break it down:

"But when Achior saw all the things that the God of Israel had done...": This refers to the events leading up to and including Judith's beheading of Holofernes, the Assyrian general. Achior, an Ammonite mercenary, had previously warned the Assyrians that the Israelites could only be defeated if they sinned against their God. He was consequently mocked and handed over to the Israelites to face the consequences of the Assyrian invasion. After Judith's victory, he sees firsthand the power of the Israelite God.

"...he believed in God exceedingly...": This indicates that Achior's initial belief that the Israelites' God had power has now turned into a full, unwavering faith. He is deeply convinced of God's power and faithfulness.

"...and circumcised the flesh of his foreskin...": Circumcision is a key sign of the covenant between God and Abraham and his descendants, marking one as a member of the Jewish people. Achior undergoes this ritual as a public declaration of his adoption of the Jewish faith.

"...and was joined to the house of Israel, to this day.": This signifies that Achior fully integrates into the Jewish community. He is no longer just a sympathizer or observer but becomes a member of the people of Israel. "To this day" likely refers to the time when the Book of Judith was written, emphasizing that Achior and his descendants remained part of the Jewish community.

In essence, this verse illustrates:

The power of witnessing God's actions: Achior's conversion is not just based on theological arguments but on seeing God's intervention in reality.
The significance of ritual and covenant: Circumcision is not a mere physical act, but a sign of commitment to God and the covenant.
Inclusivity and acceptance: The Israelites accept Achior into their community after his conversion, demonstrating openness to those who embrace their faith.

In summary, Judith 14:10 portrays Achior's transformation from a foreign mercenary to a faithful member of the Israelite community, driven by his recognition of God's power and marked by his embracing of the covenant through circumcision. It highlights the themes of faith, conversion, and the inclusiveness of the Israelite community.

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