Books Jesus Read

Chapter 4: Uncompromising Standards – Judith

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held aloft by his servants. At the sight of the Great Commander all fell silent, and Judith herself fell face down. Holofernes signaled to his servants who immediately lifted Judith up from the floor. “Take courage, woman,” said Holofernes, “you are in a safe place, for I have never harmed anyone who chose to serve Nebuchadnezzar, the king of all the earth. But why have you fled from your own people?” “Consider the testimony of your maidservant,” said Judith, “for you will hear no lies from my lips tonight. Follow my directions and God will accomplish something amazing, and you, my lord, will not fail to achieve your purpose! For as surely as Nebuchadnezzar, the king of the whole earth, lives, and as his power endures, he has commissioned you to shepherd every living soul, not only men but beasts of the field and birds of the air also—for all live by your permission, under the authority of the Great King and all his house. “O Holofernes,” continued Judith, “your great wisdom and your skill in military strategy is reported throughout the world, and throughout the empire there is no one equal to you! Know this, however: our people, Israel, will never be conquered unless our God permits you to do so, as punishment for our sin against him.” Hearing this, the crowd of soldiers laughed scornfully and looked at the Commander for his response. Holofernes did not laugh, and Judith continued her speech. “Sin has indeed arrested Israel,” she explained, “by which they have provoked their God to anger. And now their food supply has dwindled and their wells are dried up.