This verse from Judith 7:13 is part of Holofernes' plan to conquer the city of Bethulia. Let's break it down:
"because all the inhabitants of Bethulia get their water from there": This highlights the importance of the water source to the survival of the city. The besieging army (led by Holofernes) has cut off Bethulia's access to its water supply.
"Then thirst will kill them, and they will give up their city.": This is the core of the strategy. Holofernes believes that by depriving the inhabitants of water, they will become weakened and desperate. Ultimately, they will be forced to surrender the city to avoid death by thirst.
"Then we and our people will go up to the tops of the mountains that are near, and will encamp upon them, to watch that not one man gets out of the city.": After securing the water source, Holofernes plans to strategically position his troops on the surrounding mountains. This serves two purposes:
Prevent escape: To ensure that no one can sneak out of the city to find water or seek help from outside.
Maintain control: To maintain a strong defensive and observational position, ensuring that the city is completely contained until surrender.
In short, the verse describes Holofernes' plan to use thirst as a weapon to force the inhabitants of Bethulia to surrender. He aims to cut off their water supply, wait for them to become desperate, and then prevent any escape or resistance by strategically positioning his troops.
This verse from Judith 7:13 is part of Holofernes' plan to conquer the city of Bethulia. Let's break it down:
"because all the inhabitants of Bethulia get their water from there": This highlights the importance of the water source to the survival of the city. The besieging army (led by Holofernes) has cut off Bethulia's access to its water supply.
"Then thirst will kill them, and they will give up their city.": This is the core of the strategy. Holofernes believes that by depriving the inhabitants of water, they will become weakened and desperate. Ultimately, they will be forced to surrender the city to avoid death by thirst.
"Then we and our people will go up to the tops of the mountains that are near, and will encamp upon them, to watch that not one man gets out of the city.": After securing the water source, Holofernes plans to strategically position his troops on the surrounding mountains. This serves two purposes:
Prevent escape: To ensure that no one can sneak out of the city to find water or seek help from outside.
Maintain control: To maintain a strong defensive and observational position, ensuring that the city is completely contained until surrender.
In short, the verse describes Holofernes' plan to use thirst as a weapon to force the inhabitants of Bethulia to surrender. He aims to cut off their water supply, wait for them to become desperate, and then prevent any escape or resistance by strategically positioning his troops.
