Judith 5:17-24: a reflection

17And while they didn’t sin before their God, they prospered, because God who hates iniquity was with them. 18But when they departed from the way which he appointed them, they were destroyed in many severe battles, and were led captives into a land that was not theirs. The temple of their God was razed to the ground, and their cities were taken by their adversaries. 19And now they have returned to their God, and have come up from the dispersion where they were dispersed, and have possessed Jerusalem, where their sanctuary is, and are settled in the hill country; for it was desolate. 20And now, my lord and master, if there is any error in this people, and they sin against their God, we will find out what this thing is in which they stumble, and we will go up and overcome them. 21But if there is no lawlessness in their nation, let my lord now pass by, lest their Lord defend them, and their God be for them, and we will be a reproach before all the earth.” 22It came to pass, when Achior had finished speaking these words, all the people standing around the tent complained. The great men of Holofernes, and all who lived by the sea side and in Moab, said that he should be cut to pieces. 23For, they said, “We will not be afraid of the children of Israel, because, behold, they are a people that has no power nor might to make the battle strong. 24Therefore now we will go up, and they will be a prey to be devoured by all your army, Lord Holofernes.”

Achior, an outsider, gives Holofernes a remarkably clear account of Israel. As long as this people did not sin against their God, he says, they prospered, because God was with them; but when they turned away, they were defeated and carried into exile. Now that they have returned to their God, they are strong again. His counsel is simple: find out whether they are faithful, because if they are, their God will defend them and no army can prevail.

It is a striking truth, spoken by a foreigner who sees more clearly than Israel's enemies want to hear. The real strength of God's people is not their walls or weapons but their faithfulness to God. And yet the response is rage. Holofernes' men refuse the wisdom and want Achior cut down, insisting that Israel has no strength to resist them. Pride cannot bear to hear that the outcome rests in God's hands, not their own.

Achior's insight holds a lesson for you as well. Your true security lies not in your resources but in your walk with God. When you are near to him, no opposing force is finally able to overcome his purpose for you; when you turn from him, no amount of strength can protect you. Do not measure your safety by outward defenses. Keep close to God, for faithfulness is the strength that no enemy can defeat.

Lord, an outsider saw clearly what your own enemies refused to hear, that the strength of your people is their faithfulness to you. Teach me not to measure my security by outward resources but by my nearness to you. Keep me close, for when I walk with you no opposing force can finally overcome your purpose. Be my true defense. Amen.