Judith 5:21 - But if there is no lawlessness in their nation, let my lord now pass by, lest their Lord defend them, and their God be for them, and we will be a reproach before all the earth.”
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What does "Judith 5:21" mean?
This verse from Judith 5:21 is a calculated and cynical statement made by Achior, the Ammonite leader, to Holofernes, the Assyrian general. Understanding its meaning requires understanding the context of the Book of Judith.
Context: Holofernes is about to invade Israel. He wants to know who these people are and whether they are strong enough to resist. Achior, who is familiar with the Israelites and their history, advises Holofernes.
The Verse:
"But if there is no lawlessness in their nation..." This is the crucial condition. Achior is saying that the key to Israel's strength is their adherence to their religious laws and covenant with God. "Lawlessness" refers to moral and religious transgressions – disobeying God's commandments.
"...let my lord now pass by..." Achior advises Holofernes to avoid attacking the Israelites if they are currently living righteously.
"...lest their Lord defend them, and their God be for them..." This is the core of Achior's warning. He believes that as long as the Israelites are faithful, God will actively protect them. This implies that Israel's defense comes not primarily from their own military might, but from divine intervention.
"...and we will be a reproach before all the earth.” This warns Holofernes of the potential consequences of attacking a nation protected by God. Defeating a nation with divine support would be a disgrace and a sign of hubris, bringing shame upon the Assyrians. This would undermine their reputation and potentially embolden other nations to resist Assyrian dominance.
In simpler terms: Achior is telling Holofernes, "If the Israelites are being obedient to their God, don't attack them! Their God will protect them, and we will be humiliated if we try and fail."
Significance and Interpretation:
Achior's Faith: Achior's words demonstrate a recognition and respect for the power of the Israelite God. Even though he is not an Israelite, he acknowledges the potential consequences of underestimating their faith.
Divine Protection: The verse highlights the belief in divine protection and the importance of obedience to God. It's a common theme in the Hebrew Bible – that God's favor and protection are contingent on Israel's faithfulness.
Strategic Advice: Achior is offering Holofernes a crucial piece of strategic advice: assess the spiritual condition of the enemy before engaging in war.
Irony: There's a level of irony in this verse, as the Book of Judith will go on to show. Even though the Israelites are in a state of distress, Judith's piety and courage will ultimately bring about their salvation.
In summary, Judith 5:21 is a statement by Achior recognizing the power of the Israelite God and advising Holofernes to avoid attacking them if they are living righteously, lest divine intervention bring about the Assyrians' defeat and disgrace.
Judith 5:21 - But if there is no lawlessness in their nation, let my lord now pass by, lest their Lord defend them, and their God be for them, and we will be a reproach before all the earth.”
What does "Judith 5:21" mean?
This verse from Judith 5:21 is a calculated and cynical statement made by Achior, the Ammonite leader, to Holofernes, the Assyrian general. Understanding its meaning requires understanding the context of the Book of Judith.
Context: Holofernes is about to invade Israel. He wants to know who these people are and whether they are strong enough to resist. Achior, who is familiar with the Israelites and their history, advises Holofernes.
The Verse:
"But if there is no lawlessness in their nation..." This is the crucial condition. Achior is saying that the key to Israel's strength is their adherence to their religious laws and covenant with God. "Lawlessness" refers to moral and religious transgressions – disobeying God's commandments.
"...let my lord now pass by..." Achior advises Holofernes to avoid attacking the Israelites if they are currently living righteously.
"...lest their Lord defend them, and their God be for them..." This is the core of Achior's warning. He believes that as long as the Israelites are faithful, God will actively protect them. This implies that Israel's defense comes not primarily from their own military might, but from divine intervention.
"...and we will be a reproach before all the earth.” This warns Holofernes of the potential consequences of attacking a nation protected by God. Defeating a nation with divine support would be a disgrace and a sign of hubris, bringing shame upon the Assyrians. This would undermine their reputation and potentially embolden other nations to resist Assyrian dominance.
In simpler terms: Achior is telling Holofernes, "If the Israelites are being obedient to their God, don't attack them! Their God will protect them, and we will be humiliated if we try and fail."
Significance and Interpretation:
Achior's Faith: Achior's words demonstrate a recognition and respect for the power of the Israelite God. Even though he is not an Israelite, he acknowledges the potential consequences of underestimating their faith.
Divine Protection: The verse highlights the belief in divine protection and the importance of obedience to God. It's a common theme in the Hebrew Bible – that God's favor and protection are contingent on Israel's faithfulness.
Strategic Advice: Achior is offering Holofernes a crucial piece of strategic advice: assess the spiritual condition of the enemy before engaging in war.
Irony: There's a level of irony in this verse, as the Book of Judith will go on to show. Even though the Israelites are in a state of distress, Judith's piety and courage will ultimately bring about their salvation.
In summary, Judith 5:21 is a statement by Achior recognizing the power of the Israelite God and advising Holofernes to avoid attacking them if they are living righteously, lest divine intervention bring about the Assyrians' defeat and disgrace.