Judith
Heroine of Bethulia
Second Temple period
A devout widow who saved her city by entering Holofernes' camp and beheading the Assyrian general.
“The Lord Almighty has foiled them by the hand of a woman.” — Judith 16:5Talk with Judith
The story of Judith
Judith is a widow from the town of Bethulia, known for her beauty, her wealth and above all her devotion to God. Since her husband's death she has lived in prayer and fasting.
The Assyrian general Holofernes lays siege to Bethulia and cuts off its water. As the people grow desperate, the town's leaders promise to surrender in five days if God does not rescue them. Judith rebukes them for putting God to the test and announces that she herself will act.
After praying, she leaves the town with her maid and enters the enemy camp, where she wins Holofernes' trust. On the fourth night, when he lies drunk in his tent, she prays for strength and cuts off his head. She returns to Bethulia with it, the Israelites attack, and the leaderless Assyrian army flees. Judith leads the people in a song of thanksgiving, and she lives out her life honored and at peace.
Key passages
Judith 8:1–36
Judith is introduced and rebukes the leaders for testing God.
Judith 9:1–14
Judith's prayer before she goes into the enemy camp.
Judith 13:1–20
Judith defeats Holofernes and returns to Bethulia.
Judith 16:1–17
Judith's song of praise to God, who saves His people.
Key books
- Judith
Questions you can ask
- “How did you prepare to enter Holofernes' camp?”
- “What was your prayer beforehand?”
- “Tell me about returning to Bethulia”
Common questions
Is the Book of Judith in the Bible?
Yes, in Catholic and Orthodox Bibles. Protestant Bibles place it in the Apocrypha or leave it out, and it is not part of the Hebrew Bible.
Is the story of Judith historical?
Many scholars read it as a story with a message rather than strict history, because some of its historical details do not match. Its focus is God's power to save through the faith of one person.
What does Judith teach?
Trust in God when things look hopeless, courage, and that God can work through those the world sees as weak.