Judith 4:4 - And they sent into every coast of Samaria, to Konae, to Beth-horon, Belmaim, Jericho, to Choba, Aesora, and to the valley of Salem;
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What does "Judith 4:4" mean?
This verse from Judith 4:4 describes the extent of the warning sent out in preparation for the impending Assyrian invasion led by Holofernes. Let's break down what it means:
"And they sent into every coast of Samaria...": This establishes the geographical area where the warning was disseminated. "Samaria" refers to the central region of ancient Palestine, located between Galilee to the north and Judea to the south. "Every coast" implies that the message was sent throughout the entire region, not just to a few central cities. The "they" here likely refers to the Jewish leaders and elders mentioned earlier in the chapter.
"...to Konae, to Beth-horon, Belmaim, Jericho, to Choba, Aesora, and to the valley of Salem;": This lists specific places within Samaria that received the warning. These are settlements, cities, or geographical regions. Some of these locations have been identified, while others are uncertain:
Konae: Location unknown, but likely a town in the region.
Beth-horon: A strategically important city located on the border between the territory of Benjamin and Ephraim. There was an Upper and Lower Beth-horon. It controlled a key pass through the mountains.
Belmaim (or Balamon): Identification is uncertain.
Jericho: A well-known city located in the Jordan Valley.
Choba (or Chobai): Likely located east of Dothan, possibly near modern Jenin.
Aesora (or Azotus): Likely refers to Ashdod, a Philistine city. Its inclusion here might indicate that the message was sent beyond Samaria into the Philistine area, or that a Jewish community was present there.
Valley of Salem: This most likely refers to the Valley of Shaveh (or King's Valley), mentioned in Genesis 14:17, associated with the Salem of Melchizedek (often linked to Jerusalem, though this is debated). This implies that the warning reached towards Jerusalem and its environs, even though Jerusalem itself is not explicitly mentioned.
In summary, the verse paints a picture of a widespread and urgent communication network. The Jewish leaders were rapidly alerting the inhabitants of towns, cities, and geographical areas throughout Samaria (and perhaps even beyond) about the impending danger. This was intended to mobilize the people, inspire them to defend themselves, and prepare them spiritually through prayer and fasting, as described in the preceding verses.
The detailed list of locations highlights the thoroughness of the warning system, suggesting the leaders were trying to ensure no one was caught unaware.
Judith 4:4 - And they sent into every coast of Samaria, to Konae, to Beth-horon, Belmaim, Jericho, to Choba, Aesora, and to the valley of Salem;
What does "Judith 4:4" mean?
This verse from Judith 4:4 describes the extent of the warning sent out in preparation for the impending Assyrian invasion led by Holofernes. Let's break down what it means:
"And they sent into every coast of Samaria...": This establishes the geographical area where the warning was disseminated. "Samaria" refers to the central region of ancient Palestine, located between Galilee to the north and Judea to the south. "Every coast" implies that the message was sent throughout the entire region, not just to a few central cities. The "they" here likely refers to the Jewish leaders and elders mentioned earlier in the chapter.
"...to Konae, to Beth-horon, Belmaim, Jericho, to Choba, Aesora, and to the valley of Salem;": This lists specific places within Samaria that received the warning. These are settlements, cities, or geographical regions. Some of these locations have been identified, while others are uncertain:
Konae: Location unknown, but likely a town in the region.
Beth-horon: A strategically important city located on the border between the territory of Benjamin and Ephraim. There was an Upper and Lower Beth-horon. It controlled a key pass through the mountains.
Belmaim (or Balamon): Identification is uncertain.
Jericho: A well-known city located in the Jordan Valley.
Choba (or Chobai): Likely located east of Dothan, possibly near modern Jenin.
Aesora (or Azotus): Likely refers to Ashdod, a Philistine city. Its inclusion here might indicate that the message was sent beyond Samaria into the Philistine area, or that a Jewish community was present there.
Valley of Salem: This most likely refers to the Valley of Shaveh (or King's Valley), mentioned in Genesis 14:17, associated with the Salem of Melchizedek (often linked to Jerusalem, though this is debated). This implies that the warning reached towards Jerusalem and its environs, even though Jerusalem itself is not explicitly mentioned.
In summary, the verse paints a picture of a widespread and urgent communication network. The Jewish leaders were rapidly alerting the inhabitants of towns, cities, and geographical areas throughout Samaria (and perhaps even beyond) about the impending danger. This was intended to mobilize the people, inspire them to defend themselves, and prepare them spiritually through prayer and fasting, as described in the preceding verses.
The detailed list of locations highlights the thoroughness of the warning system, suggesting the leaders were trying to ensure no one was caught unaware.