This verse from Judith 5:17 is a key piece of the narrative's explanation for why the Israelites have been historically successful. Let's break it down:
"And while they didn’t sin not before their God..." This is a slightly awkward phrasing but essentially means "as long as they didn't sin against their God" or "as long as they were faithful to their God." The double negative emphasizes the importance of their faithfulness.
"...they prospered..." This is straightforward. When they were faithful, things went well for them. They were successful, victorious, and enjoyed blessings.
"...because God who hates iniquity was with them." This is the crucial explanation. Their prosperity wasn't just luck; it was a direct result of God's presence and support. God, being inherently opposed to wickedness ("iniquity"), favored and protected those who were righteous.
In essence, the verse means: The Israelites enjoyed success and blessings throughout their history because they remained faithful to God. Their faithfulness caused God, who despises wickedness, to be with them, protecting and guiding them.
Significance within the Book of Judith:
Explanation of Israelite Strength: This verse provides the rationale for the Israelites' ability to defend themselves. Their strength comes not from military might or political strategy, but from their relationship with God.
Warning to the Current Generation: It implicitly warns the current generation of Israelites (during the time of the story) that their current prosperity is contingent on their continued faithfulness. Any lapse in their devotion could lead to disaster, by God withdrawing his protection.
Motivation for Judith: This understanding of the link between faithfulness and prosperity motivates Judith's actions. She knows that by leading the people back to God and repenting for their sins, she can restore God's favor and save them from their enemies.
The verse is a theological statement about the nature of God and the importance of faithfulness. It highlights the belief that God rewards those who obey him and punishes those who turn away from him. This idea underpins the entire narrative of the Book of Judith.
This verse from Judith 5:17 is a key piece of the narrative's explanation for why the Israelites have been historically successful. Let's break it down:
"And while they didn’t sin not before their God..." This is a slightly awkward phrasing but essentially means "as long as they didn't sin against their God" or "as long as they were faithful to their God." The double negative emphasizes the importance of their faithfulness.
"...they prospered..." This is straightforward. When they were faithful, things went well for them. They were successful, victorious, and enjoyed blessings.
"...because God who hates iniquity was with them." This is the crucial explanation. Their prosperity wasn't just luck; it was a direct result of God's presence and support. God, being inherently opposed to wickedness ("iniquity"), favored and protected those who were righteous.
In essence, the verse means: The Israelites enjoyed success and blessings throughout their history because they remained faithful to God. Their faithfulness caused God, who despises wickedness, to be with them, protecting and guiding them.
Significance within the Book of Judith:
Explanation of Israelite Strength: This verse provides the rationale for the Israelites' ability to defend themselves. Their strength comes not from military might or political strategy, but from their relationship with God.
Warning to the Current Generation: It implicitly warns the current generation of Israelites (during the time of the story) that their current prosperity is contingent on their continued faithfulness. Any lapse in their devotion could lead to disaster, by God withdrawing his protection.
Motivation for Judith: This understanding of the link between faithfulness and prosperity motivates Judith's actions. She knows that by leading the people back to God and repenting for their sins, she can restore God's favor and save them from their enemies.
The verse is a theological statement about the nature of God and the importance of faithfulness. It highlights the belief that God rewards those who obey him and punishes those who turn away from him. This idea underpins the entire narrative of the Book of Judith.
