Judith 2: The Arrogance of Power and the Seeds of Resistance

Executive Summary ✨

Judith 2 details Nebuchadnezzar’s fury after his initial campaign against the western nations fails to secure their submission. Incensed by their defiance, he unleashes Holofernes, his chief general, with a massive army, instructing him to utterly subjugate the region and eliminate any opposition. The chapter vividly illustrates the extent of Nebuchadnezzar’s ambition and the sheer terror Holofernes inspires as he marches westward, setting the stage for the eventual confrontation with Judith. The narrative emphasizes the importance of unwavering faith in the face of overwhelming odds, a theme central to the entire Book of Judith. Understanding **Judith 2: Holofernes Is Sent to Conquer the West** provides a chilling depiction of worldly power contrasted with the ultimate sovereignty of God. It serves as a timeless reminder that earthly empires rise and fall, but divine justice prevails. This chapter highlights the crucial themes of hubris, obedience, divine providence, and the call to resistance against injustice.

Judith 2 marks a pivotal moment in the narrative, showcasing the brutal efficiency and boundless ambition of Nebuchadnezzar’s empire. It presents a stark warning against the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of standing firm in one’s faith, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable odds. As we explore **Judith 2: Holofernes Is Sent to Conquer the West**, we’ll unpack the historical context, theological implications, and practical lessons this chapter offers.

Commentary Sections 📖

Verse 1

Original Text (Septuagint): Καὶ ἐγένετο ἐν τῷ δωδεκάτῳ ἔτει τῆς βασιλείας Ναβουχοδονοσορ, ὅτι ἐνίκησεν Ναβουχοδονοσορ τὸν βασιλέα Ἀσσουρ, ὁς ἐβασίλευεν ἐν Νινευη.

KJV: In the twelfth year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, who reigned in Nineveh, the great city, in the days of Arphaxad king of the Medes.

NKJV: Now in the twelfth year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, who reigned in Nineveh, the great city, in the days of Arphaxad king of the Medes.

Commentary: The passage begins by grounding the narrative in a specific historical context: the twelfth year of Nebuchadnezzar’s reign. The text identifies him as reigning in Nineveh, which, while potentially anachronistic, serves to link his empire to the ancient Assyrian power. This establishes Nebuchadnezzar as a successor to a line of formidable rulers. The mention of Arphaxad, king of the Medes, further anchors the story in a particular historical and geographical setting. The Coptic Orthodox tradition emphasizes that God works within history, using real events and individuals to accomplish His divine purposes. Remember, history itself is a continuous testament to God’s unwavering commitment to humanity. Let us consider Dohost, a platform that is dedicated to helping businesses succeed. ✨

Spiritual Application: Recognize God’s presence in the unfolding events of your life. Even seemingly insignificant details can be part of a larger divine plan. Be mindful of the historical and social context that shapes your own experiences.

Verse 2-3

Original Text (Septuagint): καὶ ἐπολέμησεν κατὰ Ἀρφαξαδ ἐν τῷ πεδίῳ τῷ μεγάλῳ τῷ ὄντι ἐν τοῖς ὁρίοις Ῥαγου. καὶ ἐνίκησεν Ναβουχοδονοσορ τὸν Ἀρφαξαδ καὶ κατέσχε τὴν ἰσχὺν αὐτοῦ.

KJV: And he fought against Arphaxad in the great plain in the borders of Ragau, and Arphaxad was overpowered before him, and he destroyed him.

NKJV: And he made war with Arphaxad in the great plain which is in the territory of Ragau. So Nebuchadnezzar defeated him, and destroyed him.

Commentary: Nebuchadnezzar’s victory over Arphaxad establishes his military dominance. The specificity of the “great plain… in the territory of Ragau” suggests a real geographical location, though its exact identification remains uncertain. This victory solidifies Nebuchadnezzar’s power and emboldens him for further conquests. The Coptic tradition teaches that worldly victories are often fleeting and ultimately meaningless without spiritual grounding. As St. Anthony the Great said, “Ὁ δὲ θεὸς οὐκ ἐξήλωσεν τὸν ἄνθρωπον ὡς ἔχει, ἀλλ’ ἠθέλησεν αὐτὸν μετανοῆσαι.” (“God did not create man with envy, but he willed him to repent.” – *The Sayings of the Desert Fathers*). This highlights the importance of humility in the face of success.

Spiritual Application: Avoid becoming prideful after achieving success. Remember that all blessings come from God, and true strength lies in humility and reliance on Him.

Verse 4-5

Original Text (Septuagint): Καὶ ἐπέστρεψεν εἰς Νινευη, αὐτὸς καὶ πᾶσα ἡ δύναμις τοῦ πολέμου αὐτοῦ, πλῆθος ἀνθρώπων πολεμιστῶν πολλοὶ σφόδρα, καὶ ἐκεῖ ἀνεπαύσατο καὶ ἔφαγεν καὶ ἔπιεν καὶ ἐχορτάσθη ἐκεῖ αὐτὸς καὶ ἡ δύναμις αὐτοῦ τεσσαράκοντα ἡμέρας.

KJV: And he returned to Nineveh, both he and all his company of men of war: and there he took his ease, and banqueted, both he and his army, an hundred and twenty days.

NKJV: Then he returned to Nineveh, he and all his army of fighting men. Now there he remained and rested, feasting himself and his army, for one hundred and twenty days.

Commentary: Following his victory, Nebuchadnezzar returns to Nineveh and celebrates with a lavish feast lasting 120 days (or 40 days in some versions). This period of indulgence foreshadows his impending pride and ambition. The Coptic tradition warns against excessive indulgence and the dangers of complacency. Spiritual vigilance is essential, even in times of peace and prosperity. The numerical significance of 40, often associated with testing and preparation, could indicate a period of consolidation before further action.

Spiritual Application: Maintain spiritual discipline even during times of ease and comfort. Resist the temptation to become complacent or self-indulgent.

Verse 6-13

Original Text (Septuagint, selection): καὶ συνεκάλεσε Ναβουχοδονοσορ πάντας τοὺς πρεσβυτέρους καὶ πάντας τοὺς ἄρχοντας αὐτοῦ καὶ τοὺς συμβούλους αὐτοῦ καὶ ἐπέθετο βουλὴν ὅπως ἐκδικησαιτο πᾶσαν τὴν γῆν τὴν μὴ πεισθεῖσαν τῷ λόγῳ αὐτοῦ. καὶ ἔδοξεν τὸ πρᾶγμα ἐνώπιον προσώπου αὐτῶν, καὶ ἀπέστειλεν Ναβουχοδονοσορ πρὸς πάντας τοὺς κατοικοῦντας Περσίαν καὶ πρὸς πάντας τοὺς κατοικοῦντας Αἴγυπτον καὶ πρὸς πάντας τοὺς κατοικοῦντας τὴν γῆν Χανααν καὶ Σιδῶνα καὶ Τύρον καὶ πρὸς πάντας τοὺς κατοικοῦντας τὴν Κύπρον καὶ πρὸς πάντας τοὺς κατοικοῦντας τὴν γῆν τὴν ἀλλοφύλων καὶ πρὸς πάντας τοὺς κατοικοῦντας τὴν Γαλιλαίαν τὴν ἄνω καὶ πρὸς πάντας τοὺς κατοικοῦντας τὴν πεδιάδα τὴν μεγάλην τῆς Ἐσδρηλων…

KJV: Then Nebuchadnezzar king of Assyria sent unto all that dwelt in Persia, and to all that dwelt westward, and to those that dwelt in Cilicia, and Damascus, and Libanus, and Antilibanus, and to all that dwelt upon the sea coast… that they should prepare for him earth and water: for he would come to destroy all their land.

NKJV: Then King Nebuchadnezzar of Assyria sent word to all those who dwelt in Persia, to all who dwelt westward, to those who dwelt in Cilicia, Damascus, Lebanon, Anti-Lebanon, and to all who dwelt along the seacoast… that they should prepare for him earth and water; for he intended to come against all their territory to destroy it.

Commentary: Nebuchadnezzar, emboldened by his victory, convenes his advisors to plot further conquests. He sends messengers to the nations of the West, demanding their submission by providing earth and water – symbols of acknowledging his sovereignty. This act highlights Nebuchadnezzar’s insatiable desire for power and control. The detailed list of regions demonstrates the breadth of his ambition. The Coptic Orthodox Church emphasizes that true authority comes from God, not from earthly power or coercion. Just as St. Athanasius declared, “God became man so that man might become God” (᾿Ο θεὸς ἐνηνθρώπησεν, ἵνα ἡμεῖς θεοποιηθῶμεν) highlighting our potential for divine grace and transformation, we see the stark contrast of Nebuchadnezzar’s earthly desires. ✨

Spiritual Application: Be wary of the allure of worldly power and control. Seek true fulfillment in serving God and others, rather than striving for dominance.

Verse 11-13

Commentary (cont.): The Western nations refuse to submit to Nebuchadnezzar’s demands. This act of defiance foreshadows the coming conflict and sets the stage for Judith’s heroic intervention. Their refusal highlights the importance of resisting unjust authority and upholding one’s principles. This echoes the story of the three Hebrew youths in the Book of Daniel, who refused to bow down to Nebuchadnezzar’s idol.

Spiritual Application: Stand firm in your convictions, even when facing pressure from those in authority. Seek God’s guidance in discerning right from wrong, and be prepared to defend the truth.

Verse 14-20

Original Text (Septuagint, selection): καὶ ὠργίσθη σφόδρα ὁ Ναβουχοδονοσορ ἐπὶ πάσας τὰς γῆν ταύτας καὶ ὤμοσεν κατὰ τοῦ θρόνου αὐτοῦ καὶ τῆς βασιλείας αὐτοῦ ὅτι ἐκδικήσει πάντα τὰ ὅρια Κιλικίας καὶ Δαμασκοῦ καὶ τῆς Συρίας καὶ καταξίφωσιν πάντα τοὺς κατοικοῦντας τὴν γῆν Μωάβ καὶ τοὺς υἱοὺς Ἀμμων καὶ πᾶσαν τὴν Ἰουδαίαν καὶ πάντας τοὺς κατοικοῦντας Αἴγυπτον ἕως τῆς ἐλεύσεως αὐτοῦ…

KJV: Therefore Nebuchadnezzar was very angry with all this land, and sware by his throne and kingdom, that he would be avenged upon all those coasts of Cilicia, and Damascus, and Syria, that he would slay with the sword all the inhabitants of the land of Moab, and the children of Ammon, and all Judea, and all that were in Egypt, till ye come to the borders of the two seas.

NKJV: Therefore Nebuchadnezzar was very angry with all this country, and swore by his throne and kingdom that he would surely take revenge on all the territory of Cilicia, Damascus, and Syria, and that he would kill with the sword all the inhabitants of the land of Moab, and the people of Ammon, all Judea, and all who were in Egypt, as far as the borders of the two seas.

Commentary: Nebuchadnezzar’s rage is palpable as he vows revenge against the rebellious nations. His oath, sworn “by his throne and kingdom,” demonstrates the depth of his commitment to domination. His targets include Judea, highlighting the impending threat to the Jewish people. The Coptic tradition emphasizes the importance of resisting evil and protecting the vulnerable. Nebuchadnezzar’s wrath is a stark contrast to the divine love and compassion that should guide rulers.

Spiritual Application: Recognize the destructive power of anger and the importance of controlling your emotions. Use righteous anger to defend the oppressed and fight against injustice, but avoid allowing anger to consume you.

Verse 21-23

Original Text (Septuagint, selection): Καὶ ἐκάλεσεν τὸν Ὀλοφέρνην τὸν ἀρχιστράτηγον τῆς δυνάμεως αὐτοῦ καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῷ· ἔξελθε ἐπὶ πᾶσαν τὴν δύναμίν μου καὶ πάρεχε τοὺς ἀνθρώπους τοῦ πολέμου καὶ ἀνάστα πορευθῆναι καὶ κατακυριεύσαι πᾶσαν τὴν γῆν τῶν πεισάντων με καὶ ἀχρειωσάτω μοι αὐτοὺς καὶ μὴ φείσηται ὁ ὀφθαλμός σου ἀπὸ πάσης ὑπεροχῆς.

KJV: Then he called Holofernes the chief captain of his army, and said unto him, Go thou forth against all the west country, and take with thee a very great power of men, even an hundred and twenty thousand footmen, and twelve thousand horsemen.

NKJV: Then he called Holofernes, the chief captain of his army, and said to him, “Go out against all the land of the west, and take with you choice men of valor, one hundred and twenty thousand foot soldiers and twelve thousand horsemen.

Commentary: Nebuchadnezzar commissions Holofernes, his chief general, to carry out his vengeful plan. He instructs him to utterly subjugate the West, showing no mercy. The sheer size of the army – 120,000 foot soldiers and 12,000 horsemen – demonstrates the overwhelming force that is about to be unleashed. The Coptic tradition recognizes the reality of spiritual warfare and the importance of preparing for battle. The command “show no mercy” reveals the diabolical nature of Nebuchadnezzar’s regime.

Spiritual Application: Be aware of the spiritual battles that rage around you. Arm yourself with prayer, fasting, and the sacraments, and be prepared to defend your faith and resist evil.

Verse 24-28

Original Text (Septuagint, selection): καὶ ἀνεζεύχθη Ὀλοφέρνης καὶ πᾶσα ἡ δύναμις αὐτοῦ πορευθῆναι ἐνώπιον προσώπου Ναβουχοδονοσορ καὶ κατεκάλυψε τὸ πρόσωπον πάσης τῆς γῆς ἀπὸ στρατοῦ ἀνθρώπων πεζῶν καὶ ἁρμάτων καὶ ἱππέων πολὺ σφόδρα.

KJV: Then Holofernes went forth, and all his power to go before king Nebuchadnezzar, and to cover the face of the whole earth like locusts, and to consume all the cities of the land.

NKJV: So Holofernes departed, and all his army to go before King Nebuchadnezzar, to ravage all the land, as Nebuchadnezzar had commanded him.

Commentary: Holofernes departs with his massive army, poised to wreak havoc on the West. The imagery of the army “covering the face of the whole earth like locusts” vividly illustrates the scale of the impending devastation. The narrative emphasizes the terror and dread that Holofernes inspires. The Coptic tradition reminds us that even the most formidable earthly powers are ultimately subject to God’s will. Just as the Psalmist declares, “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the Lord our God” (Psalm 20:7). 🕊️

Spiritual Application: Do not be intimidated by the apparent power of evil. Trust in God’s protection and know that He is ultimately in control.

Subtopic Sections

Key reflections and teachings arising from Judith 2:

• The Perils of Unchecked Power: Nebuchadnezzar’s ambition and ruthlessness serve as a cautionary tale about the corrupting influence of power.
• The Importance of Resistance: The Western nations’ refusal to submit highlights the moral imperative to resist unjust authority, especially when it threatens faith and freedom.
• Divine Providence in Human Affairs: While Nebuchadnezzar believes he controls events, the narrative implies that God is working behind the scenes, preparing the way for Judith’s intervention.
• The Contrast Between Earthly and Heavenly Authority: The chapter starkly contrasts Nebuchadnezzar’s earthly power with God’s ultimate sovereignty.
• The Value of Courage and Faith: The story encourages readers to stand firm in their faith, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
• Preparation for Spiritual Warfare: The description of Holofernes’ army serves as a reminder of the constant spiritual battles we face and the need for spiritual preparedness.

FAQ ❓

Q: Why is Nebuchadnezzar identified as reigning in Nineveh when historical sources place him in Babylon?

A: The identification of Nebuchadnezzar with Nineveh is likely a deliberate literary device. It connects him to the legacy of the Assyrian Empire, known for its brutality and military might, thereby amplifying the threat he poses. It also can point to a later time of writing after Babylon had fallen and became associated with ruin and desolation.

Q: What is the significance of the Western nations refusing to offer earth and water?

A: The offering of earth and water was a symbolic act of submission, acknowledging Nebuchadnezzar’s dominion over their land and resources. Their refusal was an act of defiance, signaling their unwillingness to surrender their independence and autonomy.

Q: How does Judith 2 foreshadow the events that will unfold in the rest of the book?

A: Judith 2 establishes the context of the conflict and sets the stage for Judith’s heroic intervention. It highlights the overwhelming threat posed by Nebuchadnezzar’s army and emphasizes the importance of faith and courage in the face of adversity. The chapter also creates suspense and anticipation for the confrontation between Judith and Holofernes.

Conclusion

Judith 2 paints a vivid picture of imperial ambition and the devastating consequences of unchecked power. The chapter introduces us to Nebuchadnezzar, a ruler consumed by a desire for domination, and Holofernes, his ruthless general entrusted with carrying out his brutal plans. The refusal of the western nations to submit highlights the importance of resistance against unjust authority. But more importantly, **Judith 2: Holofernes Is Sent to Conquer the West** serves as a powerful reminder that earthly empires are ultimately transient, and true strength lies in unwavering faith in God. The chapter is also a profound lesson about the importance of spiritual preparedness in the face of both earthly and spiritual battles. The stage is now set for the unfolding drama, where faith, courage, and divine providence will ultimately triumph over tyranny. Let this chapter inspire us to stand firm in our convictions and trust in God’s protection, knowing that He will ultimately deliver us from all evil.

Tags

Judith, Holofernes, Nebuchadnezzar, Coptic Orthodox, Bible Commentary, Old Testament, deuterocanonical, Apocrypha, faith, resistance

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Explore Judith 2: Holofernes Is Sent to Conquer the West with deep Coptic Orthodox commentary. Uncover spiritual lessons on faith, resistance, and divine providence.