Judith 9:7 is a prayer from Judith, a Jewish widow, to God for help against the Assyrian army that is besieging her city. Let's break down the meaning of the verse:
"For, behold, the Assyrians are multiplied in their power. They are exalted with horse and rider." This describes the overwhelming military strength of the Assyrian army. They are numerous ("multiplied") and powerful. The phrase "exalted with horse and rider" emphasizes their cavalry, which was a key component of their military might and a symbol of their prestige and dominance.
"They have gloried in the strength of their footmen." The Assyrian infantry was also a formidable force, and they were proud of their training, discipline, and sheer number of soldiers on foot. "Gloried" means they boasted and took great pride in their foot soldiers.
"They have trusted in shield, spear, bow, and sling." This lists the primary weapons of the Assyrian army, highlighting their reliance on military technology and physical strength. It is a materialistic and earthly trust.
"They don’t know that you are the Lord who breaks the battles." This is the core of Judith's argument and prayer. She emphasizes the Assyrians' arrogance and ignorance. They mistakenly believe their strength lies solely in their military prowess, completely disregarding the power and authority of God. "Breaks the battles" signifies that God is the ultimate victor in war, the one who determines the outcome, regardless of human strength or weaponry. They are blind to the true source of power.
"‘The Lord’ is your name." This reaffirms God's covenant name and asserts his divine authority. By invoking his name, Judith is reminding God of his promises to protect his people. It also emphasizes that God is the one they should be fearing, not the Assyrians.
In essence, the verse is a plea to God based on these points:
The Assyrians are a formidable and boastful enemy.
They rely on their own strength and ignore God's power.
God is the Lord of battles, capable of defeating them.
Judith invokes God's name, reminding him of his covenant and asking for his intervention.
The verse sets the stage for Judith's courageous act of faith. She recognizes the apparent hopelessness of the situation but believes that God can and will deliver his people, even through a seemingly weak and powerless individual like herself. It is a powerful reminder that true strength comes from trusting in God rather than in earthly power.
Judith 9:7 is a prayer from Judith, a Jewish widow, to God for help against the Assyrian army that is besieging her city. Let's break down the meaning of the verse:
"For, behold, the Assyrians are multiplied in their power. They are exalted with horse and rider." This describes the overwhelming military strength of the Assyrian army. They are numerous ("multiplied") and powerful. The phrase "exalted with horse and rider" emphasizes their cavalry, which was a key component of their military might and a symbol of their prestige and dominance.
"They have gloried in the strength of their footmen." The Assyrian infantry was also a formidable force, and they were proud of their training, discipline, and sheer number of soldiers on foot. "Gloried" means they boasted and took great pride in their foot soldiers.
"They have trusted in shield, spear, bow, and sling." This lists the primary weapons of the Assyrian army, highlighting their reliance on military technology and physical strength. It is a materialistic and earthly trust.
"They don’t know that you are the Lord who breaks the battles." This is the core of Judith's argument and prayer. She emphasizes the Assyrians' arrogance and ignorance. They mistakenly believe their strength lies solely in their military prowess, completely disregarding the power and authority of God. "Breaks the battles" signifies that God is the ultimate victor in war, the one who determines the outcome, regardless of human strength or weaponry. They are blind to the true source of power.
"‘The Lord’ is your name." This reaffirms God's covenant name and asserts his divine authority. By invoking his name, Judith is reminding God of his promises to protect his people. It also emphasizes that God is the one they should be fearing, not the Assyrians.
In essence, the verse is a plea to God based on these points:
The Assyrians are a formidable and boastful enemy.
They rely on their own strength and ignore God's power.
God is the Lord of battles, capable of defeating them.
Judith invokes God's name, reminding him of his covenant and asking for his intervention.
The verse sets the stage for Judith's courageous act of faith. She recognizes the apparent hopelessness of the situation but believes that God can and will deliver his people, even through a seemingly weak and powerless individual like herself. It is a powerful reminder that true strength comes from trusting in God rather than in earthly power.
