Texts in Conversation
Nabal in 1 Samuel 25 and Holofernes in Judith 12 host extravagant drinking parties where they become dangerously intoxicated. In each story, the villain's drunkenness creates an opening that leads directly to his downfall.
Share:
2500 BCE
1000+ CE
1 Samuel 25:36
Hebrew Bible
35 Then David took from her hand what she had brought to him. He said to her, “Go back to your home in peace. Be assured that I have listened to you and responded favorably.” 36 When Abigail went back to Nabal, he was holding a banquet in his house like that of the king. Nabal was having a good time and was very intoxicated. She told him absolutely nothing until morning’s light. 37 In the morning, when Nabal was sober, his wife told him about these matters. His heart died within him and he became a stone40. 38 After about 10 days the Lord struck Nabal down and he died.
Judith 12:20
Deuterocanon
18 Judith said, "I will gladly drink, my lord, because today is the greatest day in my whole life." 19 Then she took what her maid had prepared and ate and drank before him. 20 Holofernes was greatly pleased with her, and drank a great quantity of wine, much more than he had ever drunk in any one day since he was born.
Search:
Notes and References
"... The alcoholic indulgence of Holofernes (Judith 12:20) is reminiscent of the inebriation of Nabal (1 Samuel 25:36), although Holofernes' drunkenness leads to his immediate demise at Judith's hand, whereas Nabal survives for ten days after the arrival of David. Nabal feasts with his friends while David is out campaigning, just as Holofernes enjoys banquets while his forces are on campaign. Indeed, in both 1 Samuel 25:36 and Judith 12:10 the villain has arranged a "drinking party" (potos) with his friends, and in both cases the excessive intake of alcohol is indicated by the term sphodra ("very," 1 Samuel 25:36; Judith 12:20). ..."
Corley, Jeremy
"Imitation of Septuagintal Narrative and Greek Historiography in the Portrait of Holofernes" in Xeravits, Géza G. (ed.) A Pious Seductress: Studies in the Book of Judith
(pp. 33-34) De Gruyter, 2012
* The use of references are not endorsements of their contents. Please read the entirety of the provided reference(s) to understand the author's full intentions regarding the use of these texts.
Your Feedback:
Leave a Comment
Anonymous comments are welcome. All comments are subject to moderation.