Judith 5:19 - And now they have returned to their God, and have come up from the dispersion where they were dispersed, and have possessed Jerusalem, where their sanctuary is, and are seated in the hill country; for it was desolate.
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What does "Judith 5:19" mean?
Judith 5:19, in the context of the Book of Judith, is a statement about the recent history and resilience of the Israelites. Let's break down the meaning of each part of the verse:
"And now they have returned to their God..." This refers to a spiritual renewal or repentance among the Israelites. The implication is that their past troubles (dispersion) were a consequence of turning away from their God. Returning to their God implies recommitting to their covenant and obedience to divine law.
"...and have come up from the dispersion where they were dispersed..." This describes the historical experience of exile or being scattered among other nations. The "dispersion" likely alludes to events like the Babylonian exile or other periods when Israelites were forced to leave their homeland. "Coming up" signifies a return to Jerusalem, which is geographically higher than many surrounding areas.
"...and have possessed Jerusalem, where their sanctuary is..." The Israelites have regained control of Jerusalem, their most important city, and the location of their Temple (the sanctuary). "Possessed" suggests they have re-established their presence and authority.
"...and are seated in the hill country; for it was desolate." "Seated" suggests they have settled and are rebuilding their lives. "Hill country" refers to the mountainous region around Jerusalem, which had been previously uninhabited or sparsely populated, perhaps due to conflict, devastation, or neglect. The "for it was desolate" clause highlights the contrast between the past state of ruin and the present restoration.
In essence, the verse emphasizes:
Repentance and Return: The Israelites have returned to God, suggesting a spiritual revival.
Restoration from Exile: They have come back from being scattered abroad, implying resilience and divine favor.
Reestablishment in Jerusalem: They have regained control of their holy city and Temple.
Rebuilding and Renewal: They are re-inhabiting and restoring the previously desolate hill country, signaling a new beginning.
Context within the Book of Judith
This verse is part of Achior's speech to Holofernes, the Assyrian general. Achior, an Ammonite, is trying to explain the history and strength of the Israelites to Holofernes, warning him not to underestimate them. Achior is arguing that as long as the Israelites remain faithful to God, they are invincible. Therefore, this verse is not just a historical summary but also a theological statement about the power of faith and the consequences of disobedience. This knowledge is meant to deter Holofernes from attacking the Israelites.
Judith 5:19 - And now they have returned to their God, and have come up from the dispersion where they were dispersed, and have possessed Jerusalem, where their sanctuary is, and are seated in the hill country; for it was desolate.
What does "Judith 5:19" mean?
Judith 5:19, in the context of the Book of Judith, is a statement about the recent history and resilience of the Israelites. Let's break down the meaning of each part of the verse:
"And now they have returned to their God..." This refers to a spiritual renewal or repentance among the Israelites. The implication is that their past troubles (dispersion) were a consequence of turning away from their God. Returning to their God implies recommitting to their covenant and obedience to divine law.
"...and have come up from the dispersion where they were dispersed..." This describes the historical experience of exile or being scattered among other nations. The "dispersion" likely alludes to events like the Babylonian exile or other periods when Israelites were forced to leave their homeland. "Coming up" signifies a return to Jerusalem, which is geographically higher than many surrounding areas.
"...and have possessed Jerusalem, where their sanctuary is..." The Israelites have regained control of Jerusalem, their most important city, and the location of their Temple (the sanctuary). "Possessed" suggests they have re-established their presence and authority.
"...and are seated in the hill country; for it was desolate." "Seated" suggests they have settled and are rebuilding their lives. "Hill country" refers to the mountainous region around Jerusalem, which had been previously uninhabited or sparsely populated, perhaps due to conflict, devastation, or neglect. The "for it was desolate" clause highlights the contrast between the past state of ruin and the present restoration.
In essence, the verse emphasizes:
Repentance and Return: The Israelites have returned to God, suggesting a spiritual revival.
Restoration from Exile: They have come back from being scattered abroad, implying resilience and divine favor.
Reestablishment in Jerusalem: They have regained control of their holy city and Temple.
Rebuilding and Renewal: They are re-inhabiting and restoring the previously desolate hill country, signaling a new beginning.
Context within the Book of Judith
This verse is part of Achior's speech to Holofernes, the Assyrian general. Achior, an Ammonite, is trying to explain the history and strength of the Israelites to Holofernes, warning him not to underestimate them. Achior is arguing that as long as the Israelites remain faithful to God, they are invincible. Therefore, this verse is not just a historical summary but also a theological statement about the power of faith and the consequences of disobedience. This knowledge is meant to deter Holofernes from attacking the Israelites.