Judith 2:15 - He counted chosen men for the battle, as his lord had commanded him, to one hundred twenty thousand, with twelve thousand archers on horseback.

Generated Verse: Judith 2:15

What does "Judith 2:15" mean?


This verse from Judith 2:15 describes Holofernes, the Assyrian general, preparing his army for war, likely to invade Judea. Let's break it down:

"He counted chosen men for the battle..." This indicates Holofernes is selecting and organizing a specific number of soldiers, presumably the best and most capable, for the upcoming military campaign. The act of "counting" suggests a meticulous and deliberate approach to army composition.

"...as his lord had commanded him..." This highlights that Holofernes is acting under the authority of a superior, likely King Nebuchadnezzar, the ruler of the Assyrian empire. He is following specific orders and fulfilling his role as a loyal subordinate.

"...to one hundred twenty thousand..." This is the total number of selected soldiers, emphasizing the size and strength of Holofernes's infantry. It is a very large army for the time, implying a significant threat.

"...with twelve thousand archers on horseback." This describes a specific type of soldier within the army: archers who are mounted on horses. Horseback archers are a powerful military unit, providing ranged attacks with increased mobility. This adds another layer to the army's composition, signifying strategic advantage and versatile attack options.

In short, this verse illustrates Holofernes, acting under orders, assembling a massive and well-equipped army for a war or invasion. The sheer size of the army and the presence of specialized units like horse archers suggest a formidable force, ready to conquer and subdue. This sets the stage for the story of Judith, where a lone woman will challenge this overwhelming power.

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