This verse from Judith 6:14 describes the aftermath of Achior's expulsion from the Assyrian camp and his arrival at the besieged city of Bethulia. Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
"But the children of Israel descended from their city...": This refers to the inhabitants of Bethulia, who were under siege by the Assyrian army. They left the safety of their city (likely by a hidden gate or some other means) to venture out and investigate.
"...and came to him...": The "him" refers to Achior. Achior had been tied up and left outside Bethulia by the Assyrians because he had warned them that the Israelites would only be defeated if they sinned against God.
"...untied him...": The Israelites freed Achior from his bonds.
"...led him away into Bethulia...": They brought Achior back into their city, demonstrating their trust in him despite his previous association with the Assyrians.
"...and presented him to the rulers of their city;": They brought Achior before the leaders of Bethulia, showing respect for their authority and allowing them to decide what to do with him. This also suggests that Achior's arrival was significant enough to warrant the attention of the city's leaders.
In essence, the verse depicts the Israelites showing mercy and acceptance to Achior, recognizing that he was punished for speaking the truth. By bringing him into their city and presenting him to their rulers, they demonstrated their willingness to listen to his counsel and potentially gain valuable information about the Assyrian army's weaknesses and strategies.
This verse from Judith 6:14 describes the aftermath of Achior's expulsion from the Assyrian camp and his arrival at the besieged city of Bethulia. Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
"But the children of Israel descended from their city...": This refers to the inhabitants of Bethulia, who were under siege by the Assyrian army. They left the safety of their city (likely by a hidden gate or some other means) to venture out and investigate.
"...and came to him...": The "him" refers to Achior. Achior had been tied up and left outside Bethulia by the Assyrians because he had warned them that the Israelites would only be defeated if they sinned against God.
"...untied him...": The Israelites freed Achior from his bonds.
"...led him away into Bethulia...": They brought Achior back into their city, demonstrating their trust in him despite his previous association with the Assyrians.
"...and presented him to the rulers of their city;": They brought Achior before the leaders of Bethulia, showing respect for their authority and allowing them to decide what to do with him. This also suggests that Achior's arrival was significant enough to warrant the attention of the city's leaders.
In essence, the verse depicts the Israelites showing mercy and acceptance to Achior, recognizing that he was punished for speaking the truth. By bringing him into their city and presenting him to their rulers, they demonstrated their willingness to listen to his counsel and potentially gain valuable information about the Assyrian army's weaknesses and strategies.