Judith Enters Holofernes' Camp

After Judith finished praying, she rose and called her maid. She took off her sackcloth and widow’s clothes, washed, put on ointment, braided her hair, and dressed in fine clothes and jewellery from the days when her husband Manasses was alive. She also packed wine, oil, grain, figs, and bread for her maid to carry.

Judith and her maid went to Bethulia’s gate, where Ozias and the elders, Chabris and Charmis, were standing. They were astonished at her changed appearance and prayed that God would give her favour for Israel’s good. Judith worshipped God, asked for the gate to be opened, and went out as the people watched until they could no longer see her.

In the valley the Assyrian watch stopped her and asked who she was and where she was going. Judith said she was a Hebrew woman fleeing her people because they were about to be handed over. She said she wanted to speak with Holofernes and show him how to take the hill country without losing his men. Then a hundred soldiers were appointed to escort her and her maid.

Her arrival caused great excitement through the camp, and people gathered around Holofernes’ tent to see her. When she was brought in, everyone marvelled at her beauty. Judith bowed low before Holofernes, and his servants raised her up. Holofernes told her not to be afraid and asked why she had left her people and come to him.

Judith answered with careful, flattering words. She spoke of Holofernes’ power, referred to what Achior had said, and claimed the people of Bethulia would soon sin against their God by what they planned to do. She said she would stay nearby, go out by night to pray, and then tell Holofernes the right moment to act. Holofernes and his servants admired both her beauty and her speech.

Holofernes ordered that Judith be brought to the place where his silver vessels were kept and that food and wine from his own table be prepared for her. Judith said she would eat only what she had brought. With Holofernes’ permission, she went out at night for three days into the valley of Bethulia, washed at the camp fountain, prayed to the Lord, and returned to eat her food toward evening.