Judith 2:28 - And the fear and the dread of him fell upon those who lived on the sea coast, upon those who were in Sidon and Tyre, those who lived in Sur and Ocina, and all who lived in Jemnaan. Those who lived in Azotus and Ascalon feared him exceedingly.
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What does "Judith 2:28" mean?
Judith 2:28, part of the Book of Judith in the Apocrypha, describes the terror instilled by Holofernes, the Assyrian general, as he advances his campaign. Let's break down the meaning:
"And the fear and the dread of him fell upon those who lived on the sea coast..." This sets the overall tone. Holofernes' military power and reputation preceded him. The people living along the Mediterranean coastline (a strategic and commercially important area) were gripped by intense fear even before he arrived.
"...upon those who were in Sidon and Tyre, those who lived in Sur and Ocina..." These are specific coastal cities in Phoenicia (modern-day Lebanon and Syria). Sidon and Tyre were prominent and powerful port cities known for their trade, wealth, and maritime strength. Sur and Ocina are less well-known but were likely smaller settlements or regions in the same coastal area. By naming them, the verse emphasizes the widespread reach of the terror.
"...and all who lived in Jemnaan. Those who lived in Azotus and Ascalon feared him exceedingly." Jemnaan (probably a variant spelling of Jabneh/Jamnia, modern Yavne) Azotus (Ashdod) and Ascalon (Ashkelon) are coastal cities in Philistia (modern-day Israel's southern coast). Again, the verse highlights specific locations to emphasize the comprehensive fear. The phrase "feared him exceedingly" reinforces the depth of the terror in these Philistine cities.
In summary, the verse emphasizes the following:
Holofernes' reputation: Holofernes was known for his ruthless military power, and fear of him preceded his arrival.
Widespread terror: The fear wasn't limited to one city or region; it affected the entire Mediterranean coastal population, from Phoenicia to Philistia.
Strategic importance: The coastal cities were economically and strategically important. Their fear indicates the disruption and threat that Holofernes posed to the entire region.
Impending doom: The terror serves as a dramatic introduction to the story, highlighting the dire situation facing the people of Israel and setting the stage for Judith's heroic actions. It shows the overwhelming odds she faced.
In essence, Judith 2:28 paints a picture of a region paralyzed by fear due to the advance of a powerful and ruthless enemy. This verse is important because it establishes the extreme vulnerability of the people of Israel and the seemingly insurmountable challenge that Judith will face. It's a vivid depiction of the crisis that necessitates her bravery and sets the stakes for her courageous actions.
Judith 2:28 - And the fear and the dread of him fell upon those who lived on the sea coast, upon those who were in Sidon and Tyre, those who lived in Sur and Ocina, and all who lived in Jemnaan. Those who lived in Azotus and Ascalon feared him exceedingly.
What does "Judith 2:28" mean?
Judith 2:28, part of the Book of Judith in the Apocrypha, describes the terror instilled by Holofernes, the Assyrian general, as he advances his campaign. Let's break down the meaning:
"And the fear and the dread of him fell upon those who lived on the sea coast..." This sets the overall tone. Holofernes' military power and reputation preceded him. The people living along the Mediterranean coastline (a strategic and commercially important area) were gripped by intense fear even before he arrived.
"...upon those who were in Sidon and Tyre, those who lived in Sur and Ocina..." These are specific coastal cities in Phoenicia (modern-day Lebanon and Syria). Sidon and Tyre were prominent and powerful port cities known for their trade, wealth, and maritime strength. Sur and Ocina are less well-known but were likely smaller settlements or regions in the same coastal area. By naming them, the verse emphasizes the widespread reach of the terror.
"...and all who lived in Jemnaan. Those who lived in Azotus and Ascalon feared him exceedingly." Jemnaan (probably a variant spelling of Jabneh/Jamnia, modern Yavne) Azotus (Ashdod) and Ascalon (Ashkelon) are coastal cities in Philistia (modern-day Israel's southern coast). Again, the verse highlights specific locations to emphasize the comprehensive fear. The phrase "feared him exceedingly" reinforces the depth of the terror in these Philistine cities.
In summary, the verse emphasizes the following:
Holofernes' reputation: Holofernes was known for his ruthless military power, and fear of him preceded his arrival.
Widespread terror: The fear wasn't limited to one city or region; it affected the entire Mediterranean coastal population, from Phoenicia to Philistia.
Strategic importance: The coastal cities were economically and strategically important. Their fear indicates the disruption and threat that Holofernes posed to the entire region.
Impending doom: The terror serves as a dramatic introduction to the story, highlighting the dire situation facing the people of Israel and setting the stage for Judith's heroic actions. It shows the overwhelming odds she faced.
In essence, Judith 2:28 paints a picture of a region paralyzed by fear due to the advance of a powerful and ruthless enemy. This verse is important because it establishes the extreme vulnerability of the people of Israel and the seemingly insurmountable challenge that Judith will face. It's a vivid depiction of the crisis that necessitates her bravery and sets the stakes for her courageous actions.