Judith 3:4 says, "Behold, even our cities and those who dwell in them are your servants. Come and deal with them as it is good in your eyes.” This verse expresses complete submission and obedience to the authority being addressed (in this case, Holofernes, the Assyrian general). Let's break down the meaning:
"Behold, even our cities...": This is an emphasis on the extent of their surrender. It's not just individuals, but entire established communities, fortified cities, that are yielding.
"...and those who dwell in them are your servants.": The inhabitants of the cities are acknowledging their servitude to Holofernes. They see themselves as being at his beck and call.
"Come and deal with them as it is good in your eyes.": This is the crux of the verse. It's a blank check, an invitation for Holofernes to act as he sees fit, without resistance or question. It is an abdication of self-determination.
Overall Meaning:
The verse demonstrates the utter capitulation of a people to a foreign power. They are saying they are ready to accept whatever Holofernes decides, even if it is harsh or detrimental to them. It's an attempt to appease him and hopefully mitigate the consequences of his conquest. The people of Judith are afraid and are trying to avoid destruction by total submission to their enemy. This verse is powerful because it highlights the desperation and fear that war and oppression can create.
It's important to understand the context of the Book of Judith. This submission is part of a strategy by the city of Bethulia to lull Holofernes into a false sense of security, which Judith will later exploit to save her people.
Judith 3:4 says, "Behold, even our cities and those who dwell in them are your servants. Come and deal with them as it is good in your eyes.” This verse expresses complete submission and obedience to the authority being addressed (in this case, Holofernes, the Assyrian general). Let's break down the meaning:
"Behold, even our cities...": This is an emphasis on the extent of their surrender. It's not just individuals, but entire established communities, fortified cities, that are yielding.
"...and those who dwell in them are your servants.": The inhabitants of the cities are acknowledging their servitude to Holofernes. They see themselves as being at his beck and call.
"Come and deal with them as it is good in your eyes.": This is the crux of the verse. It's a blank check, an invitation for Holofernes to act as he sees fit, without resistance or question. It is an abdication of self-determination.
Overall Meaning:
The verse demonstrates the utter capitulation of a people to a foreign power. They are saying they are ready to accept whatever Holofernes decides, even if it is harsh or detrimental to them. It's an attempt to appease him and hopefully mitigate the consequences of his conquest. The people of Judith are afraid and are trying to avoid destruction by total submission to their enemy. This verse is powerful because it highlights the desperation and fear that war and oppression can create.
It's important to understand the context of the Book of Judith. This submission is part of a strategy by the city of Bethulia to lull Holofernes into a false sense of security, which Judith will later exploit to save her people.
