Judith 15: Triumph and Thanksgiving – A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on God’s Deliverance

Executive Summary ✨

Judith 15:1-13 recounts the joyous aftermath of Holofernes’ defeat and the Assyrian army’s subsequent flight. This chapter showcases the Israelites’ overwhelming relief, gratitude, and praise to God for His miraculous intervention through Judith. The people celebrate Judith’s bravery and unwavering faith, recognizing her as an instrument of divine deliverance. Bethulia is secured, surrounding cities are encouraged, and the fear of the Lord spreads throughout the land. The chapter highlights the power of faith, the importance of thanksgiving, and the enduring faithfulness of God in times of great peril. This triumph becomes a testament to God’s unwavering protection of His people when they turn to Him in humility and faith. The triumph in **Judith 15: Triumph and Thanksgiving** becomes a template for those facing persecution in their own lives.

This passage is crucial for understanding the depth of Israel’s dependence on God and provides modern believers with powerful lessons of faith and resilience. We can learn how to lean into our faith and build a website to support our work, and we can use dohost services.

Commentary: Judith 15 Verse by Verse 📜

Judith 15:1

Original Text (Septuagint): Καὶ ὡς ἤκουσεν πᾶς ὁ λαὸς ὁ Ἰσραὴλ ὁ κατὰ πρόσωπον Βαιτυλούα, εἶπαν ἐν φωνῇ μιᾷ· Ἰδοὺ ἐποίησεν ὁ θεὸς ἡμῶν σήμερον τοῖς ἐχθροῖς ἡμῶν, ὅτι οὐκ ἐποιήσατο ἀφ’ ἡμερῶν ἀρχαίων.

KJV: And when the people of Israel, which were before Bethulia, heard it, they said with one consent, The God of Israel hath done great things for us, that he hath destroyed our enemies.

NKJV: So it was, when all the people of Israel who were in front of Bethulia heard it, that they said with one voice, “The God of Israel has done great things for us, for He has not done such a thing from the days of old.”

The unified voice of the Israelites signifies a collective acknowledgement of God’s power. Their statement emphasizes the magnitude of the victory, claiming it surpasses any previous deliverance. This echoes Psalm 124:1-3, “If it had not been the Lord who was on our side… then the waters would have overwhelmed us.” This victory becomes a symbol of divine intervention and a reminder of God’s capacity to deliver His people from seemingly insurmountable challenges. This resonates deeply with Coptic Orthodox theology, where we believe God is always present and active in our lives, often in miraculous ways.

Spiritual Application: Recognize God’s hand in your life’s victories, both big and small. Cultivate a spirit of gratitude and acknowledge His power in all circumstances. When facing challenges, remember that God has acted miraculously in the past and can do so again.

Judith 15:2

Original Text (Septuagint): Καὶ Ὀζίας ὁ ἀρχιτέκτων αὐτῶν ἀπέστειλεν πρὸς πρεσβεύοντας Βηθωμαιστῶν καὶ Βεβαίου καὶ Χωβαὶ καὶ Κώλα καὶ κατὰ πᾶσαν τὴν γῆν τοῦ Ἰσραήλ, ἀπαγγέλλοντας ποιῆσαι ἐπὶ τοὺς ἐχθροὺς αὐτῶν, καθὼς ἔχειν αὐτῶν ἀπέγνωσαν.

KJV: And Ozias the chief governor of Bethulia sent messengers unto Bethomasthem, and Bebai, and Choba, and Cola, and to all the coasts of Israel, who should tell them the things that were done, and exhort them that they should go forth after their enemies, that were destroyed.

NKJV: Then Uzziah, their ruler, sent messengers to Bethomasthaim, Bebai, Choba, Kola, and to all the territory of Israel, to tell them the things that had happened, and to encourage them to pursue their enemies, who had been destroyed.

Ozias’ swift action in sending messengers highlights the importance of spreading the news of God’s victory and inspiring others to act decisively. This demonstrates the power of testimony and the ripple effect of faith. The call to “pursue their enemies” is not simply about physical warfare, but also a spiritual call to overcome evil and uphold righteousness. St. Athanasius emphasizes this in *On the Incarnation*, “τὸ γὰρ σημεῖον τῆς νίκης ἐπὶ τὸν θάνατον αὐτοῦ ἀνάστασις καὶ τὸ τῆς φθορᾶς κατάργησιν ἔδειξε” ( *to gar semeion tēs nikēs epi ton thanaton autou anastasis kai to tēs phthoras katargēsin edeixe*), “For the sign of His victory over death was the Resurrection, and the abolition of corruption” (*Athanasius, On the Incarnation, §27*). We are called to pursue the spiritual enemies of sin and doubt with the same zeal.

Spiritual Application: Share your testimony of God’s faithfulness with others. Be a source of encouragement and inspire those around you to stand firm in their faith. Act decisively against evil and pursue righteousness in all areas of your life. How are you inspiring those around you to pursue their faith? Use **Judith 15: Triumph and Thanksgiving** as motivation.

Judith 15:3-4

Original Text (Septuagint): Καὶ ἀκούσαντες οἱ υἱοὶ Ἰσραὴλ ἀνεκλάγκασιν ἐξ αὐτῶν ἐν φωνῇ μιᾷ, καὶ κατεβέβησαν ἐπ’ αὐτοὺς ἕως Χωβαὶ καὶ προεπολέμησαν αὐτοὺς. καὶ οἱ ἀπὸ τῆς Ἱερουσαλὴμ καὶ πάσης τῆς ὀρεινῆς, ἐλθόντες, ἀπήγγελαν αὐτοῖς τὰ συμβεβηκότα τοῖς ἐχθροῖς αὐτῶν.

KJV: Which when the children of Israel heard, they all fell upon them with one consent, and pursued them unto Choba: and they that were at Jerusalem, also, and in all the hill country, came: for they told them what things were done in the camp at Bethulia.

NKJV: So when the children of Israel heard it, they all fell upon them with one accord and pursued them to Choba. And those who were from Jerusalem and all the hill country came, for they told them what things had happened in the camp of Bethulia.

The Israelites’ unified and immediate response is a powerful display of communal faith and courage. The people of Jerusalem and the hill country join the pursuit, showcasing the widespread impact of Judith’s victory. This emphasizes the importance of unity within the Body of Christ. When one member suffers, all suffer; when one rejoices, all rejoice (1 Corinthians 12:26). The news spreading from Bethulia is an early form of mass communication that serves to inspire a widespread revolt. The location of Choba, while not definitively identified archaeologically, serves as a geographical marker of the extent of the victory.

Spiritual Application: Strive for unity within your church and community. Support and encourage one another in faith. Share the good news of Christ with those around you and be a source of inspiration. Work together for the good of the community, and use **Judith 15: Triumph and Thanksgiving** as a case study for cooperation.

Judith 15:5-7

Original Text (Septuagint): Καὶ ἐγένετο ἐπὶ προσώπου τοῖς ἐχθροῖς αὐτῶν παταγμός, καὶ ἀντεστραμμένοι ἐγενήθησαν εἰς τὴν ὁδὸν τοῦ ἀγροῦ, καὶ ἔπεσαν ἐν μαχαίρᾳ ἐν τῇ ὀρεινῇ καὶ ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ. Καὶ κατελάβοσαν αὐτοὺς οἱ υἱοὶ Ἰσραὴλ καὶ ἀπέσφαξαν αὐτούς. Καὶ κατέλαβον τὴν πόλιν Δωθὰν καὶ περισχύσαντες ἀπέσφαξαν πάντας τοὺς ἐχθροὺς αὐτῶν.

KJV: Then the enemies, which were in the mountain, were slain with the sword, and they that were in the plain were consumed. And the children of Israel took all the spoils of the Assyrians, and they came to Jerusalem, and worshipped the Lord, and offered burnt offerings, and peace offerings, and meat offerings.

NKJV: Then fear fell upon their enemies, and they turned back into the road to the countryside. The children of Israel fell upon them and slaughtered them; they also seized the city of Dothan and occupied it, and destroyed all who fled to it.

The Assyrians’ fear and retreat highlight the power of God’s protection and the consequences of opposing Him. The Israelites’ victory extends beyond the immediate battlefield, as they seize the city of Dothan, a strategically significant location. The “fear fell upon their enemies” mirrors numerous Old Testament accounts where God instills fear in the hearts of Israel’s adversaries (Exodus 15:16). This fear isn’t merely psychological; it’s a manifestation of divine power. The securing of Dothan represents a strategic gain, securing a vital area for the Israelites. The mention of offerings symbolizes a return to proper worship and a recognition of God as the source of their victory.

Spiritual Application: Trust in God’s protection and know that He can instill fear in your enemies. Seek to overcome evil and reclaim territory for God’s kingdom. Return to proper worship and express your gratitude to God for His blessings. We can all make improvements in our spiritual journey, and **Judith 15: Triumph and Thanksgiving** is an opportunity to reflect.

Judith 15:8-9

Original Text (Septuagint): Καὶ Ἰωακεὶμ ὁ ἀρχιερεὺς ἀπὸ Ἱεροσολύμων, ἦλθεν σὺν πρεσβυτέροις, τοῦ ἰδεῖν τὰ ἀγαθὰ τοῦ κυρίου, ἃ ἐποίησεν τῷ Ἰσραήλ, καὶ τὴν Ἰουδὶθ, καὶ ἐχαιροποίησεν αὐτῇ. Καὶ ἐξελθόντες ἀπήντησαν ἀπὸ πάσης τῆς γῆς τὸν λαὸν αὐτῆς ὡς ἐθελῆσαι αὐτῶν, καὶ ἐστεφάνωσαν αὐτὴν στεφάνοις, καὶ ἤκουον αὐτῆς μετὰ τυμπάνων καὶ κιθάρων.

KJV: And Joacim the high priest came from Jerusalem with the ancients of Israel to see Judith, and to bless her. And when they came to her, they all blessed her with one voice, and said unto her, Thou art the glory of Jerusalem, thou art the joy of Israel, thou art the honour of our people:

NKJV: Then Joakim the high priest came from Jerusalem with the elders of Israel to see Judith and to bless her. And when they came to her, they all blessed her with one voice and said to her: “You are the glory of Jerusalem, You are the joy of Israel, You are the honor of our people!”

The arrival of the High Priest Joakim and the elders demonstrates the significance of Judith’s victory at a national level. Their blessing recognizes her as a source of glory, joy, and honor for Israel. This underscores the importance of honoring those who serve God faithfully. St. Cyril of Alexandria wrote, “Δεῖ γὰρ τοὺς πιστοὺς…ἀεὶ τὴν εἰς τὸν Θεὸν εὐλάβειαν ἐπιδείκνυσθαι” ( *Dei gar tous pistous…aei tēn eis ton Theon eulabeian epideiknysthai*), “For the faithful…must always show reverence towards God” (*Cyril of Alexandria, Commentary on John, Book 1, Ch. 9*). Judith’s actions exemplified this reverence, and her reward becomes a role model for all.

Spiritual Application: Honor those who serve God faithfully and recognize their contributions to the community. Express your gratitude and appreciation for their dedication. Seek to emulate their virtues and follow their example of service. Support those working in your community.

Judith 15:10-11

Original Text (Septuagint): Καὶ εὐλόγησεν αὐτοὺς ὁ Ὀζίας καὶ ἡ Ἰουδίθ· καὶ οἱ ἀνθρώποι εὐλόγησαν τὸν θεὸν ἐν Ἱερουσαλήμ, προσκυνήσαντες τὸν θεὸν, καὶ ἔστιν οὗτος ἐν πᾶσιν τοῖς λαοῖς Ἰσραὴλ ἐν πᾶσι τοῖς ἑσπερίνοις.

KJV: And Judith blessed them: and all the people went to Jerusalem, worshipping the Lord, and offering burnt offerings, and peace offerings, and meat offerings.

NKJV: Then Uzziah and Judith blessed them. And all the people went to Jerusalem, worshiping the Lord and offering burnt offerings, peace offerings, and thank offerings.

The exchange of blessings between Judith and Uzziah highlights the mutual respect and recognition within the community. The people’s pilgrimage to Jerusalem for worship underscores the centrality of the Temple and the importance of offering sacrifices to God. The offerings signify repentance, thanksgiving, and a renewed covenant with God. The inclusion of “thank offerings” is especially significant, as it reflects a deep sense of gratitude for God’s deliverance.

Spiritual Application: Seek to bless and encourage those around you. Make worship a central part of your life and offer your time, talents, and resources to God. Cultivate a spirit of gratitude and express your appreciation to God for His blessings. You can bless those around you by making sure you are building them up, even through website development.

Judith 15:12-13

Original Text (Septuagint): Καὶ ἐποιήθησαν ἄχρι ἡμερῶν πολλῶν, ὀργίων μεγάλων, καὶ ἐμνήσθησαν τοῦ θριάμβου τοῦ μεγάλου, οὗ ἐποίησεν αὐτοῖς ὁ θεὸς ἐν χειρὶ αὐτῆς ἐν πᾶσιν τῷ Ἰσραήλ. Καὶ οὐκ ἦν ἔτι ὁ τρέμων εἰς τὸν οἶκον τοῦ Ἰσραὴλ ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις τῆς Ἰουδὶθ καὶ μετὰ τὸν θάνατον αὐτῆς ἡμέρας πολλάς.

KJV: And all the people made great mirth before the Lord, and Judith also was before them, having all the spoils of Holofernes, which Holofernes had given her, and she was clad in a white garment, and she went forth before all the people.

NKJV: So all the people celebrated with great joy and for many days. And Judith was greatly honored among all Israel. No one ever again frightened them during the days of Judith, or for a long time after her death.

The extended period of celebration and Judith’s enduring legacy underscore the lasting impact of her victory. The absence of fear in Israel demonstrates the security and peace that God’s deliverance brought. Judith’s valor is a type of Mary, the Theotokos, who also brought salvation through obedience to God. The emphasis on peace and security highlights the ultimate goal of God’s intervention: to bring shalom to His people. The celebration isn’t merely a frivolous party; it’s a liturgical expression of thanksgiving and a communal reaffirmation of faith. The peace that Judith’s victory brought is a foreshadowing of the eternal peace promised through Christ.

Spiritual Application: Celebrate God’s victories in your life and remember His faithfulness. Seek to live in peace and security, knowing that God is your protector. Strive to leave a lasting legacy of faith and service to God. How can we embody **Judith 15: Triumph and Thanksgiving** in our everyday lives?

The Importance of Gratitude in the Aftermath of Victory 🕊️

Gratitude is not merely a pleasant emotion; it is a spiritual discipline that reorients our hearts toward God. In the context of Judith 15, the Israelites’ profound expression of thanksgiving after their miraculous deliverance from Holofernes highlights the indispensable role of gratitude in maintaining a right relationship with God. Their example provides us with key reflections.

• Acknowledging God’s Sovereignty: Gratitude acknowledges that every blessing, deliverance, and victory comes from God. It recognizes His sovereignty and our dependence on Him.
• Combating Pride: Expressing gratitude combats pride and self-sufficiency. It reminds us that we are not the sole architects of our success, but recipients of divine grace.
• Strengthening Faith: Practicing gratitude strengthens our faith by reminding us of God’s past faithfulness. It fosters a sense of trust and confidence in His ongoing provision.
• Fostering Humility: Gratitude cultivates humility by recognizing our limitations and acknowledging God’s power. It helps us to approach life with a spirit of dependence and receptivity.
• Enhancing Joy: A grateful heart is a joyful heart. Gratitude enhances our appreciation for life’s blessings and increases our overall sense of well-being.
• Promoting Unity: Collective expressions of gratitude, as seen in Judith 15, promote unity and strengthen communal bonds. It fosters a shared sense of thankfulness and strengthens collective identity.

FAQ ❓

Q: Why is Judith’s story considered deuterocanonical in the Coptic Orthodox Church?

A: The Book of Judith, along with other deuterocanonical books, is included in the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Old Testament used by the early Church. The Coptic Orthodox Church accepts these books as part of the Old Testament canon, valuing them for their historical and spiritual insights. They offer further illumination and context to the narrative of salvation.

Q: How does the Coptic Orthodox tradition view Judith as a role model?

A: Judith is viewed as a woman of unwavering faith, courage, and piety. Her actions are seen as an example of how God can use ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. Her unwavering trust in God and her willingness to risk her life for her people make her a powerful role model for believers today. Like many of the figures in the Old Testament, she foreshadows the coming of Christ.

Q: What practical lessons can modern Christians draw from Judith 15?

A: Judith 15 teaches us the importance of gratitude, unity, and faith in the face of adversity. It reminds us that God is always faithful to His promises and that He can deliver us from any challenge. We can also learn from Judith’s example of courage and her willingness to stand up for what is right. A website can be created to share this message and inspire others.

Q: How does Judith 15 connect to the broader themes of salvation in the Bible?

A: Judith 15 highlights God’s ongoing concern for His people and His willingness to intervene on their behalf. It demonstrates the power of faith and the importance of trusting in God’s promises. In the broader context of salvation, Judith’s victory foreshadows the ultimate victory over sin and death through Jesus Christ, showing that God has a great plan for us all.

Conclusion ✨

Judith 15 is a resounding celebration of God’s faithfulness and the power of faith. The Israelites’ outpouring of gratitude, their unified worship, and the lasting peace that followed Judith’s victory provide timeless lessons for believers today. This chapter emphasizes the importance of acknowledging God’s sovereignty, expressing gratitude for His blessings, and standing firm in faith, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. As we reflect on the events of Judith 15, let us strive to cultivate a spirit of thanksgiving, promote unity within our communities, and trust in God’s unwavering protection. Through faith, like Judith, we can receive our own versions of **Judith 15: Triumph and Thanksgiving**.

Tags

Judith, Coptic Orthodox, Theology, Old Testament, Deuterocanonical, Commentary, Faith, Gratitude, Deliverance, Bethulia

Meta Description

Explore Judith 15: Triumph and Thanksgiving through a Coptic Orthodox lens. Discover profound insights on faith, gratitude, and divine deliverance. Uncover hidden meanings and practical applications.