And bade. Greek, “and ordered a bed (or table) to be prepared for her, to eat of his own meat, and drink of his wine,” (Haydock) that her beauty might be enhanced, (Daniel i.) and to honour her. (Menochius)
Upon me, as these meats had been offered to idols; (Worthington) or she might fear they had, and wished to avoid all scandal, 2 Machabees vi. 21., and Tobias i. 12. (Calmet)
Thee. Greek adds, “for there is none of thy race.”
Which I. Greek, “he.” — Which. Greek, “and she slept till midnight and she arose at the morning watch.” (Haydock) — The mode of counting by hours prevailed after the captivity. (Calmet)
And. Greek, “and she sent to Holofernes, saying: May my lord please to order that thy handmaid may go out to pray. And,” &c., ver. 6. (Haydock) — She had prepared him to grant this request before: but out of civility, and that he may have greater confidence in her, she asks again. The choice of a retired place for prayer is very commendable, but she made choice of the fields, that she might go out of the camp afterwards without being suspected. (Calmet)
Chamberlains. Greek, “life-guards, not to hinder her; and she remained in the camp three days.” (Haydock)
Water. Greek, “in the camp;” perhaps she washed only her hands and face. (Calmet)
Pure, from forbidden food. (Worthington) — Evening. Thus she continued to fast, to draw down the blessing of God. (Calmet)