Introduction

Yehudit (Judith) tells how a Jewish widow helps to rescue her people from an invading army. The story opens with the conquests of King Nevukadnetsar (Nebuchadnezzar), who is presented here as ruling the Assyrians from Nineveh. His commander Holofernes demands submission from the surrounding nations, but the people of Yisrael (Israel) prepare to resist and ask God to protect them and their temple.

When Holofernes surrounds Betulia and cuts off its water supply, the people begin to lose hope. Their leaders agree to surrender unless help comes within five days. Yehudit challenges them for setting a deadline for God, then prays and carries out a dangerous plan of her own. She enters the enemy camp and uses Holofernes’ confidence in her to bring about his downfall.

The account emphasises trusting God when the odds seem overwhelming, and shows how courage and wisdom can overturn military power. Yehudit’s prayers and the final song of thanks direct the credit for the rescue to God.

Yehudit is recognised as deuterocanonical scripture by the Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox, and Russian Orthodox Churches.

This is still an early look into the unpolished text of the Open English Translation of the Bible. Please double-check the text in advance before using in public.