This verse from Judith 8:35 expresses a blessing and a commission given to Judith by Ozias, the leader of Bethulia, and the other rulers. Let's break it down:
"Then Ozias and the rulers said to her, “Go in peace." This is a standard blessing, wishing her well on her journey and mission. "Go in peace" implies that they hope she will not encounter harm and that her actions will ultimately bring peace to their community.
"May the Lord God be before you..." This is a crucial part of the blessing. It acknowledges God's power and seeks divine guidance and favor for Judith. "Being before" someone suggests guidance, protection, and leading the way. They are asking God to lead her on her dangerous mission.
"...to take vengeance on our enemies.”" This is the core of their request. They are invoking God's justice and asking Him to enact revenge on the Assyrians, who are besieging their city and threatening their destruction. This is a common theme in the Old Testament - seeking divine intervention to punish enemies.
In essence, the verse means:
The leaders of Bethulia, faced with imminent destruction, are sending Judith on a perilous mission. They wish her safety and success ("Go in peace") and, more importantly, pray that God will be with her, guiding and empowering her to act as an instrument of divine vengeance against their enemies, the Assyrians. They are entrusting her to be a vessel for God's justice.
Important Context:
To fully understand this verse, it's vital to know the broader context of the Book of Judith. Bethulia is under siege by the powerful Assyrian army led by Holofernes. The city is on the verge of surrendering. Judith, a wealthy and pious widow, decides to take matters into her own hands. She plans to infiltrate the Assyrian camp and assassinate Holofernes, thereby saving her people. This verse is spoken right after Judith has made her intentions clear, and the leaders are giving her their blessing and support for this incredibly risky undertaking.
The verse reveals the desperation and faith of the leaders. They are putting their hope in Judith and, more importantly, in the power of God to deliver them from their enemies. It highlights the trust they place in her and their reliance on divine intervention.
This verse from Judith 8:35 expresses a blessing and a commission given to Judith by Ozias, the leader of Bethulia, and the other rulers. Let's break it down:
"Then Ozias and the rulers said to her, “Go in peace." This is a standard blessing, wishing her well on her journey and mission. "Go in peace" implies that they hope she will not encounter harm and that her actions will ultimately bring peace to their community.
"May the Lord God be before you..." This is a crucial part of the blessing. It acknowledges God's power and seeks divine guidance and favor for Judith. "Being before" someone suggests guidance, protection, and leading the way. They are asking God to lead her on her dangerous mission.
"...to take vengeance on our enemies.”" This is the core of their request. They are invoking God's justice and asking Him to enact revenge on the Assyrians, who are besieging their city and threatening their destruction. This is a common theme in the Old Testament - seeking divine intervention to punish enemies.
In essence, the verse means:
The leaders of Bethulia, faced with imminent destruction, are sending Judith on a perilous mission. They wish her safety and success ("Go in peace") and, more importantly, pray that God will be with her, guiding and empowering her to act as an instrument of divine vengeance against their enemies, the Assyrians. They are entrusting her to be a vessel for God's justice.
Important Context:
To fully understand this verse, it's vital to know the broader context of the Book of Judith. Bethulia is under siege by the powerful Assyrian army led by Holofernes. The city is on the verge of surrendering. Judith, a wealthy and pious widow, decides to take matters into her own hands. She plans to infiltrate the Assyrian camp and assassinate Holofernes, thereby saving her people. This verse is spoken right after Judith has made her intentions clear, and the leaders are giving her their blessing and support for this incredibly risky undertaking.
The verse reveals the desperation and faith of the leaders. They are putting their hope in Judith and, more importantly, in the power of God to deliver them from their enemies. It highlights the trust they place in her and their reliance on divine intervention.