Judith 2:17 - He took camels and asses and mules for their baggage, an exceedingly great multitude, and sheep and oxen and goats without number for their provision,

Generated Verse: Judith 2:17

What does "Judith 2:17" mean?


This verse from Judith 2:17 describes the massive scale of Holofernes' army's supplies as they prepared for their military campaign. Let's break down what it means:

"He took camels and asses and mules for their baggage": This tells us about the types of animals used for transporting the army's belongings (baggage). Camels are well-suited for desert conditions, asses (donkeys) are sturdy pack animals, and mules (a cross between a horse and a donkey) combine the strength of a donkey with the endurance of a horse. The fact that all three are mentioned highlights the diverse needs of the army and the scale of their logistical operation.

"an exceedingly great multitude": This phrase emphasizes the sheer number of these pack animals, further illustrating the immense size of Holofernes' army and its logistical needs.

"and sheep and oxen and goats without number for their provision": This explains the source of the army's food. Sheep, oxen (cows), and goats were common livestock used as a mobile food supply for armies in ancient times. The phrase "without number" suggests a seemingly limitless amount of these animals, implying that the army was equipped for a very long campaign and had the resources to sustain itself.

In essence, the verse paints a picture of an overwhelmingly large and well-supplied army ready to conquer and sustain itself for an extended period. It emphasizes the power and resources at Holofernes' disposal, setting the stage for the challenges that Judith and her people will face. It's a classic example of using description to build anticipation and highlight the magnitude of the threat.

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