Judith 7:4 - But the children of Israel, when they saw the multitude of them, were troubled exceedingly, and everyone said to his neighbor, “Now these men will lick up the face of all the earth. Neither the high mountains, nor the valleys, nor the hills will be able to bear their weight.

Generated Verse: Judith 7:4

What does "Judith 7:4" mean?


This verse from Judith 7:4 depicts the extreme fear and dread the Israelites experienced when confronted with the vast and overwhelming Assyrian army. Let's break down the meaning:

"But the children of Israel, when they saw the multitude of them, were troubled exceedingly..." This establishes the context: the Israelites are terrified by the sheer number of Assyrian soldiers they face. "Troubled exceedingly" highlights the depth of their fear.

"...and everyone said to his neighbor, “Now these men will lick up the face of all the earth." This is a hyperbolic statement, meaning it's an exaggeration used for emphasis. To "lick up the face of all the earth" suggests total and utter devastation, leaving nothing behind. It paints a picture of the Assyrians consuming everything in their path, stripping the land bare.

"Neither the high mountains, nor the valleys, nor the hills will be able to bear their weight." This further emphasizes the perceived immensity and power of the Assyrian army. The Israelites believe the army is so massive that even the natural landscape cannot support them. It implies that the army is not just a military threat but a force of nature, capable of overwhelming anything in its path.

In essence, the verse conveys the Israelites' overwhelming fear and conviction that they are facing an unstoppable force of destruction. The language used is vivid and dramatic to highlight the gravity of their situation. They are not simply afraid; they are convinced of their imminent annihilation. This fear sets the stage for Judith's courageous act of defiance later in the story.

What categories does "Judith 7:4" have?