Judith 2:18 - and great store of rations for every man, and exceedingly much gold and silver out of the king’s house.

Generated Verse: Judith 2:18

What does "Judith 2:18" mean?


This verse from Judith 2:18 describes preparations for a massive military campaign by Holofernes, an Assyrian general. Let's break down its meaning:

"and great store of rations for every man": This indicates a large supply of food and other provisions were gathered to feed the soldiers. The phrase "for every man" emphasizes the scale of the army and the effort to adequately provision them.

"and exceedingly much gold and silver out of the king’s house": This shows that the army was financed by taking treasure directly from the royal treasury. The phrases "exceedingly much" highlights the massive amount of wealth devoted to funding the war. The treasure would be used to pay soldiers, buy supplies, bribe informants, or for other expenses related to the campaign.

Overall, the verse suggests the following:

A well-equipped and well-supplied army: Holofernes' army was not only large but also had ample resources to sustain a long campaign.
Royal backing and commitment: The king was fully committed to the campaign and was willing to invest significant wealth in its success.
Impending threat: The wealth and supplies portend a serious threat to those the army is sent to attack.

In the broader context of the Book of Judith, this verse sets the stage for the danger faced by the Israelites and makes Judith's eventual act of bravery and faith all the more remarkable. The extravagant preparations of Holofernes contrast with the vulnerability of the Jewish people, emphasizing the power imbalance that Judith will ultimately defy.

What categories does "Judith 2:18" have?