Judith 4:10 - They, their wives, their children, their cattle, and every sojourner, hireling, and servant bought with their money put sackcloth on their loins.

Generated Verse: Judith 4:10

What does "Judith 4:10" mean?


This verse from Judith 4:10 describes a widespread act of mourning and repentance among the Israelites in response to the threat of the Assyrian army led by Holofernes. Let's break down the meaning:

"They, their wives, their children...": This indicates that everyone in the Israelite community, regardless of gender or age, was participating in the act of mourning.

"...their cattle...": Including livestock in the mourning ritual was a common practice in ancient times. Cattle were essential for sustenance and agriculture. Their inclusion symbolized the complete dependence on God and the acknowledgement of their vulnerability.

"...and every sojourner, hireling, and servant bought with their money...": This extends the mourning to non-Israelites living among them, emphasizing the universality of the fear and the need for divine intervention.
Sojourner: Foreigners or temporary residents who were not fully integrated into the Israelite community.
Hireling: Workers who were paid for their labor.
Servant bought with their money: This refers to slaves or indentured servants who were owned by Israelites.

"...put sackcloth on their loins.": Sackcloth was a coarse, rough fabric typically made of goat hair. Wearing it was a sign of mourning, repentance, and humility. By putting it on their loins (the area around the hips and waist), they were physically expressing their sorrow and submission to God.

In summary, the verse paints a picture of a community united in fear and desperation, humbling themselves before God by engaging in a collective act of mourning and repentance. Everyone, from the most powerful to the most vulnerable, including even their animals, participated in this ritual as a plea for divine help.

The inclusion of all members of society, regardless of status or origin, highlights the urgency and intensity of their situation. It underscores the idea that the threat posed by Holofernes was not just a military danger, but a spiritual crisis that required a unified response.