Judith 5:10 - Then they went down into Egypt, for a famine covered all the land of Canaan. They sojourned there until they had grown up. They became a great multitude there, so that one could not count the population of their nation.

Generated Verse: Judith 5:10

What does "Judith 5:10" mean?


This verse from Judith 5:10 is a brief summary of the story of Jacob (also called Israel) and his family migrating to Egypt. Let's break down its meaning:

"Then they went down into Egypt, for a famine covered all the land of Canaan." This refers to the story in Genesis where a severe famine struck Canaan, the land where Jacob and his sons were living. Hearing that there was food in Egypt, they traveled there to find sustenance. This is a key point in the narrative, establishing the reason for their relocation.

"They sojourned there until they had grown up." "Sojourned" means they lived there temporarily as foreigners or guests. This implies that their initial intention was not to permanently settle in Egypt. "Grown up" is a bit ambiguous but likely refers to the time it took for Jacob's descendants to multiply and become a significant population.

"They became a great multitude there, so that one could not count the population of their nation." This highlights the Israelites' rapid population growth in Egypt. Over time, they went from a relatively small family group to a large and numerous people. This growth is emphasized to illustrate their strength and significance as a nation.

In essence, the verse is a concise retelling of the Israelites' sojourn in Egypt, emphasizing their initial temporary stay, their subsequent growth, and their transformation into a numerous people. It sets the stage for the Book of Judith, which takes place much later in Jewish history, and provides context for the Israelites' identity and their connection to the land of Canaan. It also hints at the potential challenges that arise from being a large, distinct group living in a foreign land.

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