Amazon Ads
 
 
◄◄◄
 
 
Judith
(fl c. 5th century BC)

Biographical

Judith, from the tribe of Reuben, was known for her beauty and for saving Bethulia when it was under siege by Holofernes. When she learned that Ozias had promised to surrender the town to Holofernes within five days, she called for Chabris and Carmis, two of the elders, and shared her plan with them, though she did not explain how she would carry it out. She then prayed, dressed in her finest clothes, and pretending to have escaped from the city, went to Holofernes' camp, where she bowed before him. Upon seeing her, Holofernes was immediately taken with her, ordered her to be raised up, and promised her protection. Judith stayed with him but was allowed to leave the camp at night. On the fourth day, Holofernes sent his eunuch, Bagoas, to invite her to spend the night with him. Judith went, adorned with her jewellery, and Holofernes, completely captivated, drank heavily. When evening came, his servants retired, and Bagoas closed the chamber doors and left. Overcome with drink, Holofernes fell into a deep sleep. Judith then placed her maid on watch, prayed to God for help, took Holofernes' sword, and, with two strikes, cut off his head. She wrapped it in the curtains of his bed, gave it to her maid, and directed her back to Bethulia. When the head of Holofernes was displayed on the city walls, his army was thrown into panic, and their defeat was so complete that the entire region benefited from the spoils. The high priest Jehoiakim came from Jerusalem to Bethulia to praise Judith, and everything belonging to Holofernes was given to her and later consecrated to the Lord. Judith lived to be 105, freed her maid, and was buried with her husband. The Book of Judith, one of the apocryphal books of the Old Testament, is named after her. It was likely written during the time of the Hasmonean ruler and high priest John Hyrcanus I (134–104 BC).

Daughter of Merari, she was married to Manasseh.