Books Jesus Read

Chapter 4: Uncompromising Standards – Judith

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“Are you having a good time?” he asked Judith. “This is the best day of my life!” she replied. “I know!” said Holofernes, falling over with drunken laughter. The private party went on until very late. When Bagoas began cleaning up, his fellow servants left quickly. Finally, Bagoas himself left Judith alone with Holofernes just as the Commander had prearranged, but now he was passed out drunk on his bed. Judith prayed quietly as her maid waited outside the tent. “Almighty Lord God,” Judith whispered, “now has the hour come for you to exalt your inheritance, Jerusalem, through the work of my hands. Strengthen these arms, therefore, for the destruction of the enemy who has risen up against us.” Judith took hold of the sword which was slung over the bedpost of Holofernes’ bed, and drew it out of its sheath. Then she clenched the hair of Holofernes, stretching out his neck. “Give me your strength, O Lord God of Israel!” she cried, dropping the full weight of the sword directly onto the neck of her enemy. The blow brought instant death, but she wielded the sword again, lifting it aloft and bringing down on the neck a second time, severing the head from its body. Quickly, Judith tore off the canopy covering the bed, and used it to roll up the bloody head of Holofernes. At the door of the tent, the maid was waiting to conceal the prize in her supply basket. The two of them walked