Topical Encyclopedia Judith is a lesser-known figure in the biblical narrative, mentioned briefly in the context of Esau's family. She is one of the wives of Esau, the elder son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the twin brother of Jacob. Her account is found in the Book of Genesis, which provides insight into the familial and cultural dynamics of the time.Biblical Reference: Judith is introduced in Genesis 26:34: "When Esau was forty years old, he took as wives Judith the daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and Basemath the daughter of Elon the Hittite." . This passage highlights Esau's decision to marry women from the Hittite tribe, which was a source of distress for his parents, Isaac and Rebekah. The Hittites were one of the Canaanite tribes inhabiting the land of Canaan, and marriages with them were often discouraged due to their differing religious and cultural practices. Cultural and Familial Context: Esau's marriage to Judith, a Hittite, is significant in the biblical narrative as it underscores the tension between Esau and his parents. Genesis 26:35 states, "And they brought grief to Isaac and Rebekah." . This grief likely stemmed from the potential influence of Hittite customs and religious practices on Esau's household, which contrasted with the faith and traditions of Abraham's descendants. The choice of Esau to marry outside of his family's lineage reflects his impulsive nature, which is also evident in other parts of his life, such as when he sold his birthright to Jacob for a meal (Genesis 25:29-34). This decision to marry Judith and another Hittite woman, Basemath, further illustrates Esau's disregard for the covenantal promises and the spiritual heritage of his family. Theological Implications: From a theological perspective, Judith's marriage to Esau serves as a narrative device to highlight the importance of maintaining the purity of the covenantal line through which God's promises to Abraham would be fulfilled. The patriarchal narratives often emphasize the significance of marrying within the covenant community to preserve the faith and ensure the continuation of God's promises. Judith's presence in the biblical text, though brief, serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by the patriarchs in maintaining their distinct identity amidst surrounding cultures. Her marriage to Esau is a pivotal moment that sets the stage for the ongoing tension between Esau's descendants, the Edomites, and the Israelites, the descendants of Jacob. Conclusion: While Judith herself is not a central figure in the biblical narrative, her marriage to Esau is emblematic of the broader themes of faithfulness, covenant, and the challenges of living in a world with competing cultural and religious influences. Her account invites reflection on the importance of aligning one's life choices with the values and promises of God, as exemplified by the patriarchs and their descendants. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 26:34And Esau was forty years old when he took to wife Judith the daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and Bashemath the daughter of Elon the Hittite: Nave's Topical Index Strong's Hebrew 3067. Yehudith -- Esau's wife... Definition: 1365. Word Origin from the same as Yehudith Definition Esau's wife NASB Word Usage 1,365* (1), Judith (1). Judith. The ... /hebrew/3067.htm - 6k Library Chapter xxxvi Whether Every Lie is a Sin? Whether the Judicial Precepts Regarding Foreigners were Framed in ... Chapter xxvi And Bring us not into Temptation but Deliver us from Evil Epistle Lxiii. Limenius, Bishop of Vercell??, Having Died, the See ... The Letter of the Church of Rome Resources What are the Apocrypha / Deuterocanonical books? | GotQuestions.orgApocrypha and Pseudepigrapha ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org What is the book of Sirach? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |