Books Jesus Read

Chapter 4: Uncompromising Standards – Judith

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Judith’s Plan Unfolding Then Holofernes commanded his servants to prepare a feast for Judith. “I cannot partake of it my lord,” said Judith, “for it would be a sin for me to eat it. But with your permission, I have brought my own food.” “And when your food runs out, what then?” he asked. “As your soul lives, O Great Commander, my supply will last until my God carries out by my hand what he has determined to do.” Then the servants of Holofernes showed her to a tent, where she slept until midnight. Judith rose before the morning watch and sent a message to Holofernes, “My lord, may your prisoner leave the camp in order to pray?” Holofernes commanded his guards not to stop her, and so her plan unfolded. For three days Judith stayed in her tent in the enemy camp during the day and ate her own food. Then each night she left camp in order to bathe and to pray for the Lord to raise up her people. Thus, Judith remained pure through her sojourn among the enemy. On the fourth day Holofernes gave a party for his inner circle of servants, but none of the officers of his army who had seen Judith were invited. He also commanded Bagoas, the eunuch in charge of all his personal affairs, as follows. “Go persuade our Hebrew guest to come eat and drink with us,” he whispered, “for when will I have another