1. Arfaxat itaque rex Medorum subiugaverat multas gentes imperio suo et ipse ædificavit civitatem potentissimam quam appellavit Igbathanis
2. ex lapidibus quadratis et sectis fecit muros ejus in altitudine cubitorum septuaginta et in latitudine cubitorum triginta turres vero ejus posuit in altitudinem cubitorum centum
3. per quadrum vero earum latus utrumque vicenorum pedum spatio tendebatur posuitque portas ejus in altitudine turrium
4. et gloriabatur quasi potens in potentia exercitus sui et in gloria quadrigarum suarum
5. anno igitur duodecimo regni sui Nabuchodonosor rex Assyriorum qui regnabat in Nineven civitatem magnam pugnavit contra Arfaxat et obtinuit eum
6. in campo magno qui appellatur Ragau circa Eufraten et Tigrin et Hyadas in campo Erioch regis Elicorum
7. tunc exaltatum est regnum Nabuchodonosor et cor ejus elatum est et misit ad omnes qui habitabant in Cilicia et Damasco et Libano
8. et ad gentes quæ sunt in Carmelo et Cedar et inhabitantes Galileam in campo magno Hesdrælon
9. et ad omnes qui erant in Samaria et trans flumen Jordanem usque Hierusalem et omnem terram Jesse quousque perveniatur ad montes Æthiopiæ
10. ad hos omnes misit nuntios Nabuchodonosor rex Assyriorum
11. qui omnes uno animo contradixerunt et remiserunt eos vacuos ac sine honore abiecerunt
12. tunc indignatus est Nabuchodonosor rex ad omnem terram illam et juravit per regnum et thronum suum quod defenderet se de omnibus regionibus his
Footnotes:
1:1-6 - The book begins with a description of Nebuchadnezzar's rule and his threat to the people of Israel. The Israelites' oppression emphasizes their need for a savior and their hope in God, who always intervenes in times of crisis (see also Psalm 34:19 and Isaiah 41:10).
1:7-11 - Nebuchadnezzar sends his generals to conquer Judea. The narrative reveals the strength of the enemy and the vulnerability of the people, but it also sets the stage for the divine intervention that will follow (see also Exodus 14:13-14 and Psalm 60:12).
1:12-16 - The Israelites are pressured to surrender, but they maintain their resistance. This courage demonstrates the people's faith and perseverance in the face of adversity, reminding us that victory belongs to those who trust in God (see also Romans 8:31 and 1 Corinthians 15:57).
1:17-20 - The destruction of the city of Bethulia is planned, demonstrating the power of the forces of evil and Nebuchadnezzar's determination. This highlights the need for a leader who can guide the people in defense against the enemy (see also Psalm 27:1 and Ephesians 6:10-11).
1:21-24 - The preparation for battle and the rallying of the people highlight the unity among the Israelites in times of crisis. The mobilization of the people reflects the importance of community and collective faith in the fight against oppression (see also Hebrews 10:24-25 and Philippians 1:27).
Verses related to Liber Iudith, 1:
Judith chapter 1 begins the narrative with the powerful king Nebuchadnezzar. Who challenges your dominance? This introductory text recounts the Assyrian king's military campaign against Arphaxad of Media, culminating in his victory. The chapter sets the scene of an expanding empire and the arrogance of its ruler. Judith 1 lays the foundation for the story's central conflict, illustrating themes of power, pride, and the apparent invincibility of earthly empires. Consider with us five biblical passages that echo the themes of this opening chapter.
Daniel 4:30: "and said, 'Is not this the great Babylon that I have built as the capital of my kingdom, with my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?'" - This verse reflects Nebuchadnezzar's pride and arrogance, similar to Nebuchadnezzar's attitude in Judith 1.
Isaiah 10:13-14: "For he says: 'By the power of my hand I accomplished all these things; with my wisdom, because I have understanding. I removed the borders of the nations, I plundered their treasures; like a king I conquered their nations.'" - This passage echoes the Assyrian king's conquering and arrogant attitude, similar to that of Nebuchadnezzar in Judith 1.
Jeremiah 25:9: "behold, I will send for all the nations of the north, and my servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, declares the Lord, "and I will bring them against this land, against its inhabitants, and against all the nations around it. I will utterly destroy them and make an object of terror, ridicule and permanent ruin."" - This verse presents Nebuchadnezzar as an instrument of divine judgment, contrasting with his presentation in Judith 1.
2 Kings 18:13: "In the fourteenth year of Hezekiah's reign, Sennacherib, king of Assyria, attacked all the fortified cities of Judah and conquered them." - This passage describes an Assyrian invasion similar to that narrated in Judith 1, showing a historical pattern of conflict.
Habakkuk 1:6: "Behold, I raise up the Babylonians, a cruel and impetuous nation, which marches throughout the entire length of the earth to take possession of homes that do not belong to them." - This verse describes the rise of the Babylonians as a conquering force, similar to Nebuchadnezzar's description in Judith 1.
FAQ:
What happened during Nebuchadnezzar's reign in Judith 1?
During Nebuchadnezzar's reign, he launched a campaign against all the nations that did not recognize him as king, including Israel. He invaded numerous territories and conquered many peoples. (Judith 1:1-8)
What was the cities' reaction to Nebuchadnezzar's command?
The cities and nations submitted to Nebuchadnezzar's command, fearing his military might. Only the inhabitants of Israel resisted, leading to a tense situation. (Judith 1:9-12)
What caused the Israelites to suffer under Nebuchadnezzar's pressure?
The Israelites suffered from famine and food shortages after the invasion, prompting a call to God for help. The nation was tested by external oppression. (Judith 1:13-16)
How did the people of Israel seek to resolve the crisis caused by Nebuchadnezzar?
The people of Israel sought God's help, asking for forgiveness and crying out for His intervention to save the nation from the hands of the pagan king. (Judith 1:17-19)
What can we learn from Israel's attitude toward oppression in Judith 1?
We can learn the importance of trusting in God and praying in times of crisis. Israel turned to God for protection and help in difficult times. (Judith 1:13-19)
