Bethulia City

Bethulia is the Israelite hill town at the centre of the book of Judith, guarding the passes toward Judea near Dothaim and the plain of Esdraelon. Besieged by Holofernes and cut off from its springs, it was about to surrender when Judith went down to the Assyrian camp and returned with the general's head. Its site is unknown: it is commonly placed in the hills of Samaria near Dothan, and the position shown on the map is only approximate.

1. Guarding the PassesUndated

   Joacim the high priest writes to the people of Bethulia, over against Esdraelon near Dothaim, to hold the mountain passes that lead into Judea.

   JDT 4:6-7

2. Achior ReceivedUndated

   Achior the Ammonite, left bound at the foot of the hill by Holofernes' servants, is brought into the town and received by Ozias.

   JDT 6:10-21

3. Siege and ThirstUndated

   The Assyrian army camps in the valley, seizes the springs, and after thirty-four days the town's cisterns run dry.

   JDT 7:1-22

4. Five DaysUndated

   The people cry for surrender; Ozias persuades them to hold out five more days for God's mercy.

   JDT 7:23-32

5. Judith's RebukeUndated

   Judith summons the elders, reproaches them for tempting God and announces that she will act before the five days are over.

   JDT 8:9-36

6. The Head on the WallUndated

   Judith returns by night with Holofernes' head; it is hung on the walls, and at dawn the men of Bethulia go out against the camp.

   JDT 14:1-11

7. The Enemy FleesUndated

   The leaderless Assyrians flee, those camped in the mountains around Bethulia with them, and Israel pursues them.

   JDT 15:1-7

8. Judith's TombUndated

   Judith ends her days in Bethulia and is buried there in the cave of her husband Manasses.

   JDT 16:21-25