Judith: Meaning & Summary

The Book of Judith is the story of a brave widow who saves her people from a mighty enemy army. Nebuchadnezzar, king of Assyria in the story, sends his general Holofernes to punish the nations that refused to help him in war. Holofernes marches west with a huge army and destroys everything in his path. When he reaches the Jewish town of Bethulia, he cuts off the water supply and waits for the people to give up.

Judith is a beautiful and devout widow who is known for her wisdom and piety. She is angry that the town's leaders are ready to surrender. She forms a daring plan and prays to God for courage. Dressed in fine clothing, she enters the enemy camp with her servant. She gains Holofernes's trust over several days. On the fourth night, when he is drunk and alone, she cuts off his head with his own sword and carries it back to her town in a bag.

The next morning the Israelites attack, and when the enemy soldiers find Holofernes dead in his tent, they panic and flee. The people of Israel celebrate Judith as a hero. The book ends with her long life, her refusal to remarry, and a hymn of praise to God. The book teaches that God can use unexpected people to save his people, and that pride leads to defeat.