Judith 6:19 - “O Lord God of heaven, behold their arrogance, and pity the low estate of our race. Look upon the face of those who are sanctified to you this day.”

Generated Verse: Judith 6:19

What does "Judith 6:19" mean?


This verse from Judith 6:19 is a plea to God in a desperate situation. Let's break it down to understand its meaning:

"O Lord God of heaven...": This is a direct address to God, acknowledging his power and authority in heaven. It establishes a relationship of dependence and reverence.
"...behold their arrogance...": "Their" refers to the Assyrian army, specifically Holofernes and his forces, who are threatening to destroy Bethulia. The speaker (likely one of the elders or priests of the city) is asking God to witness the hubris and overconfidence of the enemy. "Arrogance" in this context isn't just rudeness, but a prideful belief that they are invincible and that they don't need to respect God.
"...and pity the low estate of our race.": "Our race" refers to the Jewish people. "Low estate" means their humble, vulnerable, and precarious situation. They are besieged, facing imminent defeat and destruction. The speaker is asking God to have compassion on them in their suffering.
"Look upon the face of those who are sanctified to you this day.”: "Sanctified" means dedicated or consecrated to God. This phrase highlights the devotion and faithfulness of the Jewish people. By asking God to "look upon their faces," the speaker is asking for God to acknowledge their piety and their covenant relationship with Him. The use of "this day" suggests a specific act of dedication, perhaps prayer, fasting, or sacrifice offered in this time of crisis. It emphasizes the immediacy of their need and the urgency of their appeal.

In essence, the verse is a prayer for divine intervention. The speaker is asking God to:

Recognize the wickedness of the enemy.
Show compassion for the plight of the Jewish people.
Remember their faithfulness and dedication.

The prayer hopes that God will be moved to act on their behalf and deliver them from the impending disaster. It's a powerful expression of faith in the face of overwhelming odds.

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