JUDITH

JUDITH
Is there life after the death of a loved one? Judith shows how a Jewish widow took off her mourning clothes and single-handedly delivered the Jews from being killed.


What Makes JUDITH Special
Read the book of Judith in one sitting --- and discover the wisdom, courage and faith of Judith. Judith, a daring and beautiful widow from whom the book takes its name, got out of her mourning because she was upset that her countrymen did not trust God to deliver them from their foreign conquerors.

The book of Judith is divided into two parts. The first part, chapters 1-7, provides background events relating to the military struggle between Assyria and the neighboring nations. God’s sovereignty over Israel was being challenged by Nebuchadnezzar’s political sovereignty over all nations. Achior the Ammonites testified that the Jews cannot be conquered unless they sin against God. And yet, the Jewish elders were willing to compromise God’s sovereign and surrender to Nebuchadnezzar’s army.

Part two, chapters 8-16, highlights Judith’s faith in God and her bravery. She challenged the five day compromise. Judith used her charms to enter the tent of Holofernes, the Assyrian general sent to destroy Judith’s hometown. Overcome with drunkenness, he passed out and was beheaded by Judith. Judith carried his head in a basket and presented this to the elders of her village.

Why Was JUDITH Written?
The book of Judith has a place in the Roman Catholic and Orthodox canons of Scripture not only because of its intrinsic merit as a story but because of its religious teaching and its patriotism.

The only way Israel was able to uphold God’s sovereignty was in the faithful adherence to the Law.

The theology of Judith is rather simple: God is all-powerful, the defender of the down-trodden (especially the Jews, and the Creator of the world).

Famous Verse:
“May God give you everlasting honor for what you have done. May he reward you with blessings, because you remained faithful to him and did not hesitate to risk your own life to relieve the oppression of your people.” Judith 13:20