volume 9, issue 2, 2017, pages 153-174

DOI: https://doi.org/10.64438/sbsETOA8421
Published online: 2017-12-01
Published in print: 2017-12-30

Abstract: The present paper aims to offer a new explanation of the lectio difficilior εἰς παρεμβολàς αὐτοῦ in Jdt 16:2b that challenges the existing ones. It both proposes and argues for εἰς as a preposition having the sense of reason, i.e. bearing a merged meaning of purpose and cause, not that of direction. It is also argued that the expression παρεμβολàς αὐτοῦ refers to the precincts of the Temple of God, which in the narrative are the focus of the enemy’s destructive effort. Judith’s words “because of his tents in the midst of his people he has saved me” (Jdt 16:2b) are then a statement that God was motivated to act on behalf of Judith by necessity to preserve his Temple precincts intact. In this way the Lord displays his sovereignty and saves his people (cf. 8:21-22).