Judith 6:2 - “And who are you, Achior, and the hirelings of Ephraim, that you have prophesied among us as today, and have said that we should not make war with the race of Israel, because their God will defend them? And who is God but Nebuchadnezzar?

Generated Verse: Judith 6:2

What does "Judith 6:2" mean?


This verse from Judith 6:2 is a statement of defiance and disbelief, spoken by a leader (likely Holofernes or one of his officers) to Achior, a mercenary leader who had just warned them against attacking the Israelites. Let's break it down:

"And who are you, Achior, and the hirelings of Ephraim..." This is a rhetorical question designed to belittle Achior. He's being questioned about his authority and standing. "Hirelings of Ephraim" is likely a derogatory term referring to his mercenary status and implying that he's just paid to say what he's saying. Ephraim was one of the Northern tribes of Israel, and by this point, it's likely the speaker is implying some allegiance or sympathy to the Israelites.

"...that you have prophesied among us as today..." This points out that Achior has made a prediction, or warning. The speaker finds it presumptuous that Achior, a foreigner and mercenary, would dare to "prophesy" to them.

"...and have said that we should not make war with the race of Israel, because their God will defend them?" This summarizes the content of Achior's prophecy/warning. Achior has advised against attacking the Israelites, arguing that their God is powerful and will protect them. This is the crux of the conflict: whether the Israelites' God is a force to be reckoned with.

"And who is God but Nebuchadnezzar?" This is the key blasphemous statement. The speaker is denying the existence or power of the Israelite God, claiming that only Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Assyria, is worthy of being called God. This reflects the pride and arrogance of Nebuchadnezzar, and his desire to be worshipped as a god, which he imposed on conquered peoples.

In essence, the verse is a declaration of hubris and rejection of the God of Israel. The speaker is dismissing Achior's warning, asserting their own power (embodied in Nebuchadnezzar), and refusing to acknowledge any higher power or the potential consequences of their actions. It's a demonstration of the arrogance and impiety that sets the stage for Judith's heroic act.