Doors. Greek adds, “without,” yet so that Judith could open them. (Calmet)
Drunk. Greek, “drowned in wine.”
The. Greek, “her chamber.” — Watch. Greek adds, “her coming out, as on other days; for she had said she would go out to pray, and she had told this to Bagoas. And all had departed,” &c. All these precautions were necessary. (Haydock)
Judith. She seems not to have disclosed her secret even to her companion, taking the whole upon herself. — Lips. Greek, “in her heart.” (Calmet) — Yet the Jews generally use some words, (Haydock) thinking that prayer too cold, which is barely mental. (Grotius)
Raise up. If Bethulia had been taken, perhaps (Haydock) Jerusalem had also fallen. (Worthington)
Pillar. Greek kanoni, “the rule,” (Calmet) or pole on which the arms were hung. (Hesychius) — Sword, (acinace) used by the Persians, (Menochius) and shorter than the Greek or Roman sword. (Calmet) — If she had not been inspired by God to act thus, like Aod, (Judges iii.) it would be difficult to excuse her, in thus hurrying a man, in the most wretched state, before the judgment-seat of God. (Haydock)
Canopy, to convince all that it was the head of Holofernes. (Menochius) — Body, on the ground; (chap. xiv. 14.) perhaps to cut off the head more easily, (Calmet) and that it might appear more ghastly (Haydock) at the first entrance. (Tirinus)
While, having composed herself, (Haydock) and done every thing necessary to prevent detection. (Menochius)