Judith 5:12 is recounting a historical narrative, as told by the character Achior to Holofernes, a general of the Assyrian army. Achior is trying to explain why the Israelites have been so successful in defending themselves. He does this by recounting their history and attributing their victories to the power of their God.
Here's a breakdown of what the verse means:
"They cried to their God": This refers to the Israelites pleading with their God for help. This implies they were in a dire situation and seeking divine intervention.
"and he struck all the land of Egypt with incurable plagues": This refers to the biblical account of the Ten Plagues that God inflicted upon Egypt in the Book of Exodus. These plagues were intended to force the Pharaoh to release the Israelites from slavery. The phrase "incurable plagues" is a strong exaggeration, as the plagues did end (as will other plagues in the narrative). However, it emphasizes the severity and devastation of these events.
"so the Egyptians cast them out of their sight": As a result of the plagues, the Egyptians were finally compelled to expel the Israelites from their land. They were desperate to get rid of them, hoping to end the suffering. The plagues were so catastrophic that the Egyptians were willing to do anything, even lose their valuable slave labor.
In the context of Judith, Achior is using this historical event to argue that the Israelites' God is powerful and has a history of intervening on their behalf. He warns Holofernes that if the Israelites are faithful to their God, he will protect them from the Assyrian army. This is an important turning point in the story, as it sets the stage for Judith's heroic act of defiance.
In essence, the verse highlights the power of the Israelite God and their ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles through divine intervention. It serves as a warning to those who would oppose them.
Judith 5:12 is recounting a historical narrative, as told by the character Achior to Holofernes, a general of the Assyrian army. Achior is trying to explain why the Israelites have been so successful in defending themselves. He does this by recounting their history and attributing their victories to the power of their God.
Here's a breakdown of what the verse means:
"They cried to their God": This refers to the Israelites pleading with their God for help. This implies they were in a dire situation and seeking divine intervention.
"and he struck all the land of Egypt with incurable plagues": This refers to the biblical account of the Ten Plagues that God inflicted upon Egypt in the Book of Exodus. These plagues were intended to force the Pharaoh to release the Israelites from slavery. The phrase "incurable plagues" is a strong exaggeration, as the plagues did end (as will other plagues in the narrative). However, it emphasizes the severity and devastation of these events.
"so the Egyptians cast them out of their sight": As a result of the plagues, the Egyptians were finally compelled to expel the Israelites from their land. They were desperate to get rid of them, hoping to end the suffering. The plagues were so catastrophic that the Egyptians were willing to do anything, even lose their valuable slave labor.
In the context of Judith, Achior is using this historical event to argue that the Israelites' God is powerful and has a history of intervening on their behalf. He warns Holofernes that if the Israelites are faithful to their God, he will protect them from the Assyrian army. This is an important turning point in the story, as it sets the stage for Judith's heroic act of defiance.
In essence, the verse highlights the power of the Israelite God and their ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles through divine intervention. It serves as a warning to those who would oppose them.
