Judith Deliverer of Bethulia

Judith was a devout and wealthy widow of Bethulia, daughter of Merari. When the Assyrian army under Holofernes cut off the town's water and the elders agreed to surrender within five days, she rebuked them for putting God to the test. After praying, she went down to the enemy camp, won Holofernes' trust and, on the fourth night, beheaded him while he lay drunk. She led Israel in a song of thanksgiving and died in honour at the age of 105.

1. Widow of BethuliaUndated

   Judith, daughter of Merari, has been a widow three years and four months since Manasses died in the barley harvest; she fasts, is wealthy and beautiful, and fears God greatly.

   JDT 8:1-8

2. Rebuking the EldersUndated

   Hearing that the town will surrender in five days unless God helps, she summons the elders and tells them they have tempted God by setting him a deadline.

   JDT 8:9-27

3. Her PrayerUndated

   In sackcloth and ashes, at the hour of the evening incense, she prays to the God of the afflicted, whose power does not stand in numbers.

   JDT 9:1-14

4. Into the Enemy CampUndated

   She puts off her widow's garments, adorns herself and goes down with her maid to the Assyrian outposts, asking to be brought to Holofernes.

   JDT 10:1-23

5. The Night in the TentUndated

   On the fourth day, left alone with Holofernes, drunk on his bed, she prays for strength, takes his sword and cuts off his head.

   JDT 13:1-10

6. Return to the TownUndated

   She shows the head to the people, who praise God, and Ozias blesses her above all the women on earth.

   JDT 13:11-20

7. Song in JerusalemUndated

   She leads Israel in a song of thanksgiving and, in Jerusalem, dedicates to God the spoil of Holofernes that the people had given her.

   JDT 16:1-20

8. Old Age and DeathUndated

   Back in Bethulia she lives honoured, never remarries, frees her maid and dies aged 105; no one troubles Israel in her days.

   JDT 16:21-25