Judith 6:17, from the Book of Judith in the Old Testament Apocrypha, describes a pivotal moment in the story. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"He answered and declared to them...": This refers to a person, likely Achior (an Ammonite leader), who is addressing a group of people. The context is that Achior has been handed over to the Israelites after voicing his doubts about Holofernes' ability to defeat them.
"...the words of the council of Holofernes...": Achior is repeating what he knows about Holofernes' war plans and strategy. It indicates that he was privy to high-level meetings where Holofernes and his advisors discussed their aims.
"...and all the words that he had spoken in the midst of the princes of the children of Asshur...": This emphasizes that Achior is not just relaying rumors or hearsay. He is repeating the actual words he heard Holofernes say to his leading generals and officials ("the princes of the children of Asshur"). The "children of Asshur" are the Assyrians.
"...and all the great words that Holofernes had spoken against the house of Israel.": This is the key part. Achior is reiterating Holofernes' boasts and pronouncements against the Israelites. Holofernes' words were likely filled with threats, declarations of conquest, and possibly even blasphemies against the Israelite God. This would include the strategic intentions and ultimate goals of the Assyrian campaign.
In essence, the verse signifies that Achior is informing the Israelites, specifically their elders and leaders, about the full extent of Holofernes' intentions, hubris, and the dangers they face.
Significance:
Foreknowledge: The Israelites now have insider knowledge of the enemy's plans and arrogance.
Moral Justification: Hearing Holofernes' hateful words further solidifies the Israelites' resolve to resist him.
Faith and Courage: It foreshadows the clash between the Israelites' faith and the perceived might of Holofernes. Achior's testimony provides a backdrop of the threat Judith will eventually confront.
Contrasting Perspective: it shows that Achior's view has not changed, he still believes that the Isrealites cannot be beaten unless they sin against God.
The verse sets the stage for Judith's heroic act of resistance and highlights the importance of faith and courage in the face of overwhelming odds. It emphasizes the threat that the Israelites were facing.
Judith 6:17, from the Book of Judith in the Old Testament Apocrypha, describes a pivotal moment in the story. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"He answered and declared to them...": This refers to a person, likely Achior (an Ammonite leader), who is addressing a group of people. The context is that Achior has been handed over to the Israelites after voicing his doubts about Holofernes' ability to defeat them.
"...the words of the council of Holofernes...": Achior is repeating what he knows about Holofernes' war plans and strategy. It indicates that he was privy to high-level meetings where Holofernes and his advisors discussed their aims.
"...and all the words that he had spoken in the midst of the princes of the children of Asshur...": This emphasizes that Achior is not just relaying rumors or hearsay. He is repeating the actual words he heard Holofernes say to his leading generals and officials ("the princes of the children of Asshur"). The "children of Asshur" are the Assyrians.
"...and all the great words that Holofernes had spoken against the house of Israel.": This is the key part. Achior is reiterating Holofernes' boasts and pronouncements against the Israelites. Holofernes' words were likely filled with threats, declarations of conquest, and possibly even blasphemies against the Israelite God. This would include the strategic intentions and ultimate goals of the Assyrian campaign.
In essence, the verse signifies that Achior is informing the Israelites, specifically their elders and leaders, about the full extent of Holofernes' intentions, hubris, and the dangers they face.
Significance:
Foreknowledge: The Israelites now have insider knowledge of the enemy's plans and arrogance.
Moral Justification: Hearing Holofernes' hateful words further solidifies the Israelites' resolve to resist him.
Faith and Courage: It foreshadows the clash between the Israelites' faith and the perceived might of Holofernes. Achior's testimony provides a backdrop of the threat Judith will eventually confront.
Contrasting Perspective: it shows that Achior's view has not changed, he still believes that the Isrealites cannot be beaten unless they sin against God.
The verse sets the stage for Judith's heroic act of resistance and highlights the importance of faith and courage in the face of overwhelming odds. It emphasizes the threat that the Israelites were facing.
