JudithChapter 6

Judith Chapter 6: Meaning

Holofernes sends Achior to Bethulia, where the Israelites welcome him and pray for God's help.

Summary

After Achior warned Holofernes not to attack Israel, Holofernes was furious. He mocked Achior and said there was no god except Nebuchadnezzar. He told Achior that he would personally watch the Israelites be destroyed, and that Achior would die with them. Then he ordered his soldiers to take Achior up to the hill country and leave him near the Israelite city of Bethulia.

The soldiers tied Achior up, brought him near the city, and left him at the bottom of the mountain. When the men of Bethulia spotted the soldiers, they rushed out to defend themselves. The soldiers fled after leaving Achior behind. The Israelites found him, untied him, and brought him into the city to meet the elders.

Achior told the leaders of Bethulia everything, every word that had been said in Holofernes' camp, and every threat Holofernes had made against Israel. When the people heard this, they fell on the ground and worshiped God. They prayed that God would see the enemy's pride and have pity on his people. Then they comforted Achior and spent the whole night calling on God for help.

Historical Context

Bethulia was a city near the mountains that guarded the main entry into Judea. Its location was important because if Bethulia fell, the path to Jerusalem would be open. The city elders were the local leaders responsible for keeping the people safe.

This chapter shows how even a non-Israelite like Achior ended up among God's people because he told the truth. The people's immediate response of worship and prayer shows the depth of their faith, even in a moment of great danger.