Judith 6:20, "They comforted Achior, and praised him exceedingly," describes the reaction of the people of Bethulia to Achior after he had been cast out by Holofernes.
Let's break it down:
"They comforted Achior...": Achior, the Ammonite leader, had warned Holofernes that the Israelites were protected by their God and could not be defeated unless they sinned. Holofernes, enraged, had him bound and left at the gates of Bethulia, essentially condemning him to die with the besieged Israelites. Therefore, when the people of Bethulia found him, they naturally showed him compassion and offered him comfort. He was likely exhausted, possibly injured, and undoubtedly afraid.
"...and praised him exceedingly.": The people praised him because he had spoken the truth about their God, even though it had put him in danger. They recognized his courage in standing up to the powerful Holofernes. They appreciated that he warned Holofernes about their faith and strength, which gave them hope and affirmed their own beliefs. They saw him as a righteous man who deserved recognition for his integrity.
In summary, the verse illustrates the people of Bethulia's gratitude and admiration for Achior's courage and honesty. They offered him physical and emotional support (comfort) and celebrated his integrity in standing up for what he believed in, despite the personal risk. It's a moment of solidarity and recognition of a principled individual who dared to speak truth to power.
Judith 6:20, "They comforted Achior, and praised him exceedingly," describes the reaction of the people of Bethulia to Achior after he had been cast out by Holofernes.
Let's break it down:
"They comforted Achior...": Achior, the Ammonite leader, had warned Holofernes that the Israelites were protected by their God and could not be defeated unless they sinned. Holofernes, enraged, had him bound and left at the gates of Bethulia, essentially condemning him to die with the besieged Israelites. Therefore, when the people of Bethulia found him, they naturally showed him compassion and offered him comfort. He was likely exhausted, possibly injured, and undoubtedly afraid.
"...and praised him exceedingly.": The people praised him because he had spoken the truth about their God, even though it had put him in danger. They recognized his courage in standing up to the powerful Holofernes. They appreciated that he warned Holofernes about their faith and strength, which gave them hope and affirmed their own beliefs. They saw him as a righteous man who deserved recognition for his integrity.
In summary, the verse illustrates the people of Bethulia's gratitude and admiration for Achior's courage and honesty. They offered him physical and emotional support (comfort) and celebrated his integrity in standing up for what he believed in, despite the personal risk. It's a moment of solidarity and recognition of a principled individual who dared to speak truth to power.
