Judith 8:5 - She made herself a tent upon the roof of her house, and put on sackcloth upon her loins. The garments of her widowhood were upon her.
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What does "Judith 8:5" mean?
This verse from Judith 8:5 describes Judith's outward display of mourning and piety following the death of her husband, Manasseh. Let's break down each phrase:
"She made herself a tent upon the roof of her house..." In ancient Near Eastern cultures, roofs were often flat and used for various purposes, including sleeping and prayer. Making a tent, a temporary and less comfortable structure, on the roof signifies a period of seclusion and mourning. It suggests Judith is separating herself from the comforts of her home and society.
"...and put on sackcloth upon her loins." Sackcloth was a coarse, uncomfortable fabric made from goat or camel hair. Wearing it directly against the skin was a sign of deep mourning, repentance, and humility. By placing it on her loins (the area around the hips and lower back), Judith is indicating that she is mortifying her flesh and rejecting any thoughts of physical comfort or pleasure.
"The garments of her widowhood were upon her." This simply means she was wearing the clothes traditionally associated with a widow in her society. These garments would likely have been plain, dark, and unadorned, further emphasizing her mourning and her rejection of worldly vanity.
In essence, this verse portrays Judith as a devout and sorrowful widow who is completely dedicated to mourning her husband and seeking God's favor. Her actions demonstrate her humility, piety, and separation from worldly concerns. It sets the stage for her later heroic actions by emphasizing her faith and commitment to her people.
The verse establishes her character as pious and dedicated, which makes her later actions more believable and impactful. Her outward display of grief and devotion contrasts with the courageous and resourceful woman she will later become, adding layers to her character.
Judith 8:5 - She made herself a tent upon the roof of her house, and put on sackcloth upon her loins. The garments of her widowhood were upon her.
What does "Judith 8:5" mean?
This verse from Judith 8:5 describes Judith's outward display of mourning and piety following the death of her husband, Manasseh. Let's break down each phrase:
"She made herself a tent upon the roof of her house..." In ancient Near Eastern cultures, roofs were often flat and used for various purposes, including sleeping and prayer. Making a tent, a temporary and less comfortable structure, on the roof signifies a period of seclusion and mourning. It suggests Judith is separating herself from the comforts of her home and society.
"...and put on sackcloth upon her loins." Sackcloth was a coarse, uncomfortable fabric made from goat or camel hair. Wearing it directly against the skin was a sign of deep mourning, repentance, and humility. By placing it on her loins (the area around the hips and lower back), Judith is indicating that she is mortifying her flesh and rejecting any thoughts of physical comfort or pleasure.
"The garments of her widowhood were upon her." This simply means she was wearing the clothes traditionally associated with a widow in her society. These garments would likely have been plain, dark, and unadorned, further emphasizing her mourning and her rejection of worldly vanity.
In essence, this verse portrays Judith as a devout and sorrowful widow who is completely dedicated to mourning her husband and seeking God's favor. Her actions demonstrate her humility, piety, and separation from worldly concerns. It sets the stage for her later heroic actions by emphasizing her faith and commitment to her people.
The verse establishes her character as pious and dedicated, which makes her later actions more believable and impactful. Her outward display of grief and devotion contrasts with the courageous and resourceful woman she will later become, adding layers to her character.