Knowing Israelite History

Synopsis     Judith 5:6-18     10/7/2020 

Holofernes asked Achior and other Canaanite leaders about Israel. He wanted some insight that would help him defeat the Israelites at Bethulia. 

However, Achior delivered a condensed version of Israelite history. In this way, he showed how the Israelites were protected by God. And so, the only way they could be defeated was if God was working against them. Otherwise, God would protect them no matter how badly they might be outnumbered.  

For this, Holofernes was furious at Achior. And so, he sent Achior with his guards to Bethulia. His intention was that Achior would suffer the same fate as the Israelites. So, the guards dropped him near the entrance to the city.   

Knowing Israelite History 

Israel’s strength was in their relationship with God. Accordingly, they could not be understood without understanding the history of their relationship with God.  

Knowing Comes From Context 

Every claim has some context. And every episode is a moment in a larger epic.  

But my tendency is to think in terms of first impressions. Uncovering the truth means wanting to understand the other person’s story.  

 
“But the LORD said to Samuel: Do not judge from his appearance or from his lofty stature, because I have rejected him. God does not see as a mortal, who sees the appearance. The LORD looks into the heart.” 1Sam 16:7