Books Jesus Read

96

Books Jesus Read

“It appears that we have conquered you!” boasted the captain. Then Judith removed her veil, and a gasp was heard among the men of the patrol when they saw her face. “I seek the Great Commander,” said Judith plainly, “for I know the best route through these hills to Bethulia. If he trusts in me, I will show him how to capture this entire hill country without the loss of a single man.” The captain was speechless as he studied Judith’s face, especially her eyes, closely. “You have saved your life by mentioning him,” he replied, finally, “because Holofernes will certainly want to meet you!” He then ordered several of his soldiers to conduct Judith to the Commander without harm. Along the way, others saw Judith and began following to find out who she was. By the time they reached the Great Commander’s encampment, Judith and her maid were being led by an entourage of more than a hundred soldiers. An even larger crowd gathered as the patrol reported their capture. Word of Judith spread throughout the entire camp, which was aflame with the sight of her. “Do all Hebrew women look like you?” called a soldier from the midst of the crowd. “Let us conquer these Hebrews,” said another, “lest they ensnare the whole world!” Holofernes, the Great Commander, was resting on a bed of silk, beneath a canopy woven in purple and gold thread, and sequenced with emerald and other precious gem stones. He rose from his resting place as soon as his attendants informed him of Judith’s capture, and emerged from his inner sanctum, his face lit by the silver lamps