George Leo Haydock
Catholic
1774–1849
“Because I knew, &c. In this and the following chapter, some things are related to have been said by Judith, which seem hard to reconcile with truth. But all that is related in Scripture of the servants of God, is not approved by the Scripture: and even the saints in their enterprizes may sometimes slip into venial sins. (Challoner) — By means of mental reservations, we may exculpate her from lying. (Serarius) (Menochius) — But this expedient is bad and childish. (Haydock) — She might speak ironically, (Denis the Carthusian) or prophetically. (Raban. Glossa, &c.) — Still it might be an untruth, (Calmet) to be excused, like stratagems in war. (Menochius) — How often does an enemy give out that he is going to march to some place, when he intends to go quite another way! (Haydock) — I knew. Greek, “Because they are about to be given up a prey to you. Therefore, I come to Holofernes, general in chief of your army, to inform him of the truth, and to shew,” &c. (Haydock) — She spoke many things certainly true, and others which would probably have taken place, if God had not sent relief. (Worthington)”