She arose, and decked herself with her apparel and all her woman’s attire; and her servant went and laid fleeces on the ground for her next to Holofernes, which she had received from Bagoas for her daily use, that she might sit and eat upon them.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 15. Garments. Greek adds, “and all her female ornaments; and her servant came and spread on the ground, before Holofernes, the fleeces which she had received from Bagoas, for her daily use, to eat lying upon them. And coming in, Judith fell prostrate.” Bible.—The custom of sitting on the ground, upon skins, to eat, is very ancient, (Targum, Esther 1.) and is still observed by the Turks. The kings of Persia let none eat with them at the same table. Heraclides. Athen. verse 10.—The character of drunkenness, with which this nation has been branded, seems not unfounded. Calmet.