Judith 7:1 - The next day Holofernes commanded all his army and all the people who had come to be his allies, that they should move their camp toward Bethulia, take beforehand the ascents of the hill country, and make war against the children of Israel.

Generated Verse: Judith 7:1

What does "Judith 7:1" mean?


This verse sets the stage for the siege of Bethulia in the Book of Judith. Let's break it down:

"The next day Holofernes commanded all his army and all the people who had come to be his allies...": Holofernes, the Assyrian general, is taking action. He is giving orders not only to his main army but also to the auxiliary forces that have joined him, emphasizing the large coalition he commands.

"...that they should move their camp toward Bethulia...": Bethulia is the Jewish city that Holofernes intends to conquer. Moving the camp indicates a planned siege.

"...take beforehand the ascents of the hill country...": This is a crucial tactical instruction. Bethulia is situated in the hill country, and Holofernes wants to secure the high ground before engaging the city. Controlling the high ground gives him a strategic advantage in terms of visibility, defensibility, and potential bombardment of Bethulia. This also cuts off potential escape routes or reinforcements for the Jewish city.

"...and make war against the children of Israel.": This is the ultimate objective. Holofernes intends to conquer the Israelites, and the siege of Bethulia is a key step in that campaign.

In essence, the verse portrays Holofernes as a decisive and strategic leader, preparing for a siege of Bethulia by securing the high ground and mobilizing his forces. It foreshadows the conflict to come and highlights the vulnerable position of the city. It also sets up the narrative conflict that Judith will eventually resolve.

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