Judith 5:9 - Then their God commanded them to depart from the place where they sojourned, and to go into the land of Canaan. They lived there, and prospered with gold and silver, and with exceedingly much cattle.

Generated Verse: Judith 5:9

What does "Judith 5:9" mean?


This verse from Judith 5:9 is a summary of the early history of the Israelites, as recounted by Achior, an Ammonite mercenary, to Holofernes, the Assyrian general. Let's break down the meaning:

"Then their God commanded them to depart from the place where they sojourned, and to go into the land of Canaan.": This refers to the call of Abraham (though not specifically named in Judith) to leave his home in Mesopotamia (Ur of the Chaldees) and journey to Canaan, which God promised to him and his descendants. This is a foundational story in the Hebrew Bible (Genesis 12). The "place where they sojourned" is a general term for their time in Mesopotamia before Abraham migrated.

"They lived there...": This means they settled in the land of Canaan.

"...and prospered with gold and silver, and with exceedingly much cattle.": This describes the Israelites' increasing wealth and prosperity in Canaan. "Gold and silver" represent economic wealth, while "cattle" (sheep, goats, oxen, etc.) are a sign of agricultural prosperity and status in an ancient pastoral society.

In Context & Significance within Judith:

Achior is giving Holofernes a historical account of the Israelites to explain why they are so resilient. He is arguing that as long as the Israelites are faithful to their God, they are invincible. His point is that past successes, like this period of prosperity, were a direct result of their obedience to their God. Conversely, he will argue that when they sin, they are vulnerable.

In summary, the verse means:

God called the Israelites to leave their homeland and go to Canaan. They settled there and became wealthy and prosperous in terms of material possessions and livestock.