Judith is preparing herself to meet Holofernes. She removes her modest widow’s garments, which she has worn for years, and I imagine to be plain, ordinary, and dull in color. Nothing exciting or fancy.
Read MoreThis entire chapter is, by far, one of my favorite prayers. Judith, with great humility and reverence, asks the Lord for help in defeating the enemy. She praises God and His strength and power. She vows to bring Him glory by bringing all the nations and tribes to understand and know that He is God.
Read MoreJudith does not waste a single second and cuts right to the chase, telling Uzziah and the elders what’s on her mind.
“Who are you that have put God to the test this day?” (v.12)
And she is absolutely right. We have no right to do that, yet we do every day.
Read MoreFinally we learn about Judith!
Every Christian woman is familiar with Proverbs 31 and strives to be a Proverbs 31 Woman.But here is Judith who embodies what it means to be a God-fearing woman!
Read More“The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak…” (Matt 26:41)
Eventually, the Israelites went to the rulers of the city and begged for peace with the Assyrians. They had already endured so much, and they needed relief. After all they had been through, who could blame them?
Read MoreThe plan for siege at Bethulia to completely surround the Israelites is absolutely heartwrenching, and cutting off the water supply at Bethulia is ruthless. I cannot fathom how is it that people can allow themselves to partake in creating such evil for others.
Read MoreThere is great arrogance on the part of Holofernes in promising death for Alchior, who shall “fall among [the] wounded” of the Israelites. Alchior is seized by Holofernes’ servants who leave him lying in the middle of hill country as punishment for his “moment of perversity.”
Read MoreI am saddened by Holofernes’ answer to Alchior’s speech because although he has heard the truth, it does not speak to him.Sometimes, people hear the truth when it is spoken to them, but they choose not to listen to or act upon it. Conversely, people hear the truth and choose to listen and act upon it. Other times, people cannot even hear the truth even when it is spoken to them, like Holofernes.
Read MoreToday’s reflection is on the same chapter as yesterday’s, but I would like to illuminate a different area of significance.
Read MoreMost of what constitutes Alchior’s speech is pure description of the Israelites: their ancestral history, their reliance on the God of heaven during adversity, and their strength.
The last part of Alchior’s speech is an interpretation of this description and how it is relevant to Holofernes’ attack on the Israelites.
Read MoreIn this short passage, you’ll notice that before the Israelites make fervent pleas to God to save them from ruin and seizure, they all do one thing in common: drape themselves in sackcloth. The sackcloth is a sign of penitence or mourning.
What’s so important about what the Israelites cover themselves with?
This tradition speaks to a few things.
When I read how Israel prepares for war in this chapter, I think of the preparation we need to do to arm ourselves against the destruction of the devil. In 1 Peter 5:8, we are advised to “Be sober and vigilant. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for [someone] to devour.”
Read MoreWe can learn a great deal from the servants of King Neb. The first thing they say to Holofernes is to “do with us as you will.” They offer him everything that they have for him to do as he sees fit, all because of being of service to their King. Already there is so much about service in the beginning chapter of Judith.
Read MoreSo far in our study, we’ve learned what bad leadership looks like. From Luther’s changing of the Bible and omitting books, to King Neb abusing his power and authority for selfish reasons.King Neb meets in secret with his advisors + officers and forms a plan to destroy anyone who didn’t obey his command.
Read MoreKing Nebuchadnezzar wages war against King Arphaxad. He orders people to fight for him, but they refuse.They’re not afraid of him and sent back his messengers empty-handed.King Neb is, obviously, outraged + furious. How dare they turn down a king. How DARE they!
Read MoreWelcome to the book of Judith! This book is one of seven that has been omitted from the Old Testament in several translations.Maybe you’re new to Bible studies (or the Bible, period), and you had no idea about this.
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