Judith Defeats Holofernes

On the fourth day, Holofernes held a feast for his own servants and called none of his officers. He sent Bagoas to bring Judith to the banquet. Judith agreed to go, dressed herself, and her servant prepared a place for her near Holofernes. Judith came in, sat down, and ate and drank what her servant had prepared.

Holofernes was strongly drawn to Judith and wanted her company. He urged her to drink and be merry with them. Judith drank, and Holofernes drank far more wine than usual. When evening came, the servants left, Bagoas shut the tent from outside, and Judith was left there with Holofernes, who lay on his bed drunk with wine.

Judith had told her servant to wait outside the bedchamber, because she would go out to pray as she did each day. After everyone had gone, Judith stood by the bed and prayed in her heart. She asked the Lord God of all power to help his people and to strengthen her for what she was about to do.

Then Judith took Holofernes’ sword from the bedpost. Calling on the Lord for strength, she struck twice and cut off his head. She pulled down the canopy, gave the head to her maid, and it was placed in the food bag. Then the two women went out as if going to prayer, passed through the camp, and went up to Bethulia.

From outside the gate, Judith called for it to be opened and said that God had shown his power in Israel that day. The people hurried to receive her. Judith praised God and showed them Holofernes’ head, saying that the Lord had brought down the enemy by her hand and had kept her from being defiled. The people bowed in worship, and Ozias blessed Judith and blessed the Lord, and all the people answered together.