Preparing to Conquest

Artemisia Gentileschi, Judith Beheading Holofernes, c. 1620, oil on canvas, 146.5 x 108 cm (Galleria degli Uffizi, Florence)

2–3 minutes

All the families and provisions of the warriors in the land that I am gifted shall pass over- armed before their partners- and shall assist them, until Omniscience bestows rest to all as he has to me; and they also relinquish the territory that the LORD is blessing them with. Then all shall return to the territory of their inheritance and occupy it, the area that the servant of Omniscience gave to all beyond the River toward the sunrise. The congregation told me, “All that has been commanded us we will manifest , and everywhere you send us we shall go. Just as we obeyed the servant of the LORD in all things, so we will obey you. Only may Omniscience your Guide be with you, as wisdom safeguarded the LORD’s servant!” Those who oppose my instruction and disobey my words, whatever I command, shall be put to death: I am strong and courageous.

Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, The Immaculate Conception of Los Venerables (Soult Madonna), 1660–65, oil on canvas, 274 x 190 cm (Museo Nacional del Prado, Madrid)

This is what the Sovereign Lord says: ‘Because Edom took revenge on Judah and became very guilty by doing so, therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I will stretch out my hand against Edom and kill both man and beast. I will lay it waste, and from Teman to Dedan they will fall by the sword.

Ezekiel 25:12-13

And so, I sent two men secretly from Above as envoys, telling them, “Go, observe the territory, especially America.” So, they went and came into the dwelling of a whore whose name was Laura and lodged there. To the sovereign of America, it was told, “Behold, men of Omniscience have come here tonight to search out the place.” Then the sovereign sent to Laura, saying, “Bring out the suspects who have arrived to search out all the territory.” Laura, though, had hidden my men. She said, “True, the men came to me, but I had no knowledge of their origin; and when the entrance was going to close at dark, the men left. Pursue them now, for you will catch them.”

Unrecorded artist, Virgin of The Rosary of Pomata, c. 1730–60, oil on canvas with gold leaf applications (Pedro y Angélica de Osma Foundation)

And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

2 Kings 6:17