GetPassageurn:cts:pbc:bible.parallel.eng.kingjames:68urn:cts:pbc:bible.parallel.eng.kingjames:68In the twelfth year of the reign of Nabuchodonosor , who reigned in Nineve , the great city ; in the days of Arphaxad , which reigned over the Medes in Ecbatane , And built in Ecbatane walls round about of stones hewn three cubits broad and six cubits long , and made the height of the wall seventy cubits , and the breadth thereof fifty cubits : And set the towers thereof upon the gates of it an hundred cubits high , and the breadth thereof in the foundation threescore cubits : And he made the gates thereof , even gates that were raised to the height of seventy cubits , and the breadth of them was forty cubits , for the going forth of his mighty armies , and for the setting in array of his footmen : Even in those days king Nabuchodonosor made war with king Arphaxad in the great plain , which is the plain in the borders of Ragau . And there came unto him all they that dwelt in the hill country , and all that dwelt by Euphrates , and Tigris and Hydaspes , and the plain of Arioch the king of the Elymeans , and very many nations of the sons of Chelod , assembled themselves to the battle . Then Nabuchodonosor king of the Assyrians sent unto all that dwelt in Persia , and to all that dwelt westward , and to those that dwelt in Cilicia , and Damascus , and Libanus , and Antilibanus , and to all that dwelt upon the sea coast , And to those among the nations that were of Carmel , and Galaad , and the higher Galilee , and the great plain of Esdrelom , And to all that were in Samaria and the cities thereof , and beyond Jordan unto Jerusalem , and Betane , and Chelus , and Kades , and the river of Egypt , and Taphnes , and Ramesse , and all the land of Gesem , Until ye come beyond Tanis and Memphis , and to all the inhabitants of Egypt , until ye come to the borders of Ethiopia . But all the inhabitants of the land made light of the commandment of Nabuchodonosor king of the Assyrians , neither went they with him to the battle ; for they were not afraid of him : yea , he was before them as one man , and they sent away his ambassadors from them without effect , and with disgrace . Therefore Nabuchodonosor was very angry with all this country , and sware by his throne and kingdom , that he would surely be avenged upon all those coasts of Cilicia , and Damascus , and Syria , and that he would slay with the sword all the inhabitants of the land of Moab , and the children of Ammon , and all Judea , and all that were in Egypt , till ye come to the borders of the two seas . Then he marched in battle array with his power against king Arphaxad in the seventeenth year , and he prevailed in his battle : for he overthrew all the power of Arphaxad , and all his horsemen , and all his chariots , And became lord of his cities , and came unto Ecbatane , and took the towers , and spoiled the streets thereof , and turned the beauty thereof into shame . He took also Arphaxad in the mountains of Ragau , and smote him through with his darts , and destroyed him utterly that day . So he returned afterward to Nineve , both he and all his company of sundry nations being a very great multitude of men of war , and there he took his ease , and banqueted , both he and his army , an hundred and twenty days . And in the eighteenth year , the two and twentieth day of the first month , there was talk in the house of Nabuchodonosor king of the Assyrians that he should , as he said , avenge himself on all the earth . So he called unto him all his officers , and all his nobles , and communicated with them his secret counsel , and concluded the afflicting of the whole earth out of his own mouth . Then they decreed to destroy all flesh , that did not obey the commandment of his mouth . And when he had ended his counsel , Nabuchodonosor king of the Assyrians called Holofernes the chief captain of his army , which was next unto him , and said unto him . Thus saith the great king , the lord of the whole earth , Behold , thou shalt go forth from my presence , and take with thee men that trust in their own strength , of footmen an hundred and twenty thousand ; and the number of horses with their riders twelve thousand . And thou shalt go against all the west country , because they disobeyed my commandment . And thou shalt declare unto that they prepare for me earth and water : for I will go forth in my wrath against them and will cover the whole face of the earth with the feet of mine army , and I will give them for a spoil unto them : So that their slain shall fill their valleys and brooks and the river shall be filled with their dead , till it overflow : And I will lead them captives to the utmost parts of all the earth . Thou therefore shalt go forth . and take beforehand for me all their coasts : and if they will yield themselves unto thee , thou shalt reserve them for me till the day of their punishment . But concerning them that rebel , let not thine eye spare them ; but put them to the slaughter , and spoil them wheresoever thou goest . For as I live , and by the power of my kingdom , whatsoever I have spoken , that will I do by mine hand . And take thou heed that thou transgress none of the commandments of thy lord , but accomplish them fully , as I have commanded thee , and defer not to do them . Then Holofernes went forth from the presence of his lord , and called ail the governors and captains , and the officers of the army of Assur ; And he mustered the chosen men for the battle , as his lord had commanded him , unto an hundred and twenty thousand , and twelve thousand archers on horseback ; And he ranged them , as a great army is ordered for the war . And he took camels and asses for their carriages , a very great number ; and sheep and oxen and goats without number for their provision : And plenty of victual for every man of the army , and very much gold and silver out of the king's house . Then he went forth and all his power to go before king Nabuchodonosor in the voyage , and to cover all the face of the earth westward with their chariots , and horsemen , and their chosen footmen . A great number also sundry countries came with them like locusts , and like the sand of the earth : for the multitude was without number . And they went forth of Nineve three days' journey toward the plain of Bectileth , and pitched from Bectileth near the mountain which is at the left hand of the upper Cilicia . Then he took all his army , his footmen , and horsemen and chariots , and went from thence into the hill country ; And destroyed Phud and Lud , and spoiled all the children of Rasses , and the children of Israel , which were toward the wilderness at the south of the land of the Chellians . Then he went over Euphrates , and went through Mesopotamia , and destroyed all the high cities that were upon the river Arbonai , till ye come to the sea . And he took the borders of Cilicia , and killed all that resisted him , and came to the borders of Japheth , which were toward the south , over against Arabia . He compassed also all the children of Madian , and burned up their tabernacles , and spoiled their sheepcotes . Then he went down into the plain of Damascus in the time of wheat harvest , and burnt up all their fields , and destroyed their flocks and herds , also he spoiled their cities , and utterly wasted their countries , and smote all their young men with the edge of the sword . Therefore the fear and dread of him fell upon all the inhabitants of the sea coasts , which were in Sidon and Tyrus , and them that dwelt in Sur and Ocina , and all that dwelt in Jemnaan ; and they that dwelt in Azotus and Ascalon feared him greatly . So they sent ambassadors unto him to treat of peace , saying , Behold , we the servants of Nabuchodonosor the great king lie before thee ; use us as shall be good in thy sight . Behold , our houses , and all our places , and all our fields of wheat , and flocks , and herds , and all the lodges of our tents lie before thy face ; use them as it pleaseth thee . Behold , even our cities and the inhabitants thereof are thy servants ; come and deal with them as seemeth good unto thee . So the men came to Holofernes , and declared unto him after this manner . Then came he down toward the sea coast , both he and his army , and set garrisons in the high cities , and took out of them chosen men for aid . So they and all the country round about received them with garlands , with dances , and with timbrels . Yet he did cast down their frontiers , and cut down their groves : for he had decreed to destroy all the gods of the land , that all nations should worship Nabuchodonosor only , and that all tongues and tribes should call upon him as god . Also he came over against Esdraelon near unto Judea , over against the great strait of Judea . And he pitched between Geba and Scythopolis , and there he tarried a whole month , that he might gather together all the carriages of his army . Now the children of Israel , that dwelt in Judea , heard all that Holofernes the chief captain of Nabuchodonosor king of the Assyrians had done to the nations , and after what manner he had spoiled all their temples , and brought them to nought . Therefore they were exceedingly afraid of him , and were troubled for Jerusalem , and for the temple of the Lord their God : For they were newly returned from the captivity , and all the people of Judea were lately gathered together : and the vessels , and the altar , and the house , were sanctified after the profanation . Therefore they sent into all the coasts of Samaria , and the villages and to Bethoron , and Belmen , and Jericho , and to Choba , and Esora , and to the valley of Salem : And possessed themselves beforehand of all the tops of the high mountains , and fortified the villages that were in them , and laid up victuals for the provision of war : for their fields were of late reaped . Also Joacim the high priest , which was in those days in Jerusalem , wrote to them that dwelt in Bethulia , and Betomestham , which is over against Esdraelon toward the open country , near to Dothaim , Charging them to keep the passages of the hill country : for by them there was an entrance into Judea , and it was easy to stop them that would come up , because the passage was straight , for two men at the most . And the children of Israel did as Joacim the high priest had commanded them , with the ancients of all the people of Israel , which dwelt at Jerusalem . Then every man of Israel cried to God with great fervency , and with great vehemency did they humble their souls : Both they , and their wives and their children , and their cattle , and every stranger and hireling , and their servants bought with money , put sackcloth upon their loins . Thus every man and women , and the little children , and the inhabitants of Jerusalem , fell before the temple , and cast ashes upon their heads , and spread out their sackcloth before the face of the Lord : also they put sackcloth about the altar , And cried to the God of Israel all with one consent earnestly , that he would not give their children for a prey , and their wives for a spoil , and the cities of their inheritance to destruction , and the sanctuary to profanation and reproach , and for the nations to rejoice at . So God heard their prayers , and looked upon their afflictions : for the people fasted many days in all Judea and Jerusalem before the sanctuary of the Lord Almighty . And Joacim the high priest , and all the priests that stood before the Lord , and they which ministered unto the Lord , had their loins girt with sackcloth , and offered the daily burnt offerings , with the vows and free gifts of the people , And had ashes on their mitres , and cried unto the Lord with all their power , that he would look upon all the house of Israel graciously . Then was it declared to Holofernes , the chief captain of the army of Assur , that the children of Israel had prepared for war , and had shut up the passages of the hill country , and had fortified all the tops of the high hills and had laid impediments in the champaign countries : Wherewith he was very angry , and called all the princes of Moab , and the captains of Ammon , and all the governors of the sea coast , And he said unto them , Tell me now , ye sons of Chanaan , who this people is , that dwelleth in the hill country , and what are the cities that they inhabit , and what is the multitude of their army , and wherein is their power and strength , and what king is set over them , or captain of their army ; And why have they determined not to come and meet me , more than all the inhabitants of the west . Then said Achior , the captain of all the sons of Ammon , Let my lord now hear a word from the mouth of thy servant , and I will declare unto thee the truth concerning this people , which dwelleth near thee , and inhabiteth the hill countries : and there shall no lie come out of the mouth of thy servant . This people are descended of the Chaldeans : And they sojourned heretofore in Mesopotamia , because they would not follow the gods of their fathers , which were in the land of Chaldea . For they left the way of their ancestors , and worshipped the God of heaven , the God whom they knew : so they cast them out from the face of their gods , and they fled into Mesopotamia , and sojourned there many days . Then their God commanded them to depart from the place where they sojourned , and to go into the land of Chanaan : where they dwelt , and were increased with gold and silver , and with very much cattle . But when a famine covered all the land of Chanaan , they went down into Egypt , and sojourned there , while they were nourished , and became there a great multitude , so that one could not number their nation . Therefore the king of Egypt rose up against them , and dealt subtilly with them , and brought them low with labouring in brick , and made them slaves . Then they cried unto their God , and he smote all the land of Egypt with incurable plagues : so the Egyptians cast them out of their sight . And God dried the Red sea before them , And brought them to mount Sina , and Cades- Barne , and cast forth all that dwelt in the wilderness . So they dwelt in the land of the Amorites , and they destroyed by their strength all them of Esebon , and passing over Jordan they possessed all the hill country . And they cast forth before them the Chanaanite , the Pherezite , the Jebusite , and the Sychemite , and all the Gergesites , and they dwelt in that country many days . And whilst they sinned not before their God , they prospered , because the God that hateth iniquity was with them . But when they departed from the way which he appointed them , they were destroyed in many battles very sore , and were led captives into a land that was not their's , and the temple of their God was cast to the ground , and their cities were taken by the enemies . But now are they returned to their God , and are come up from the places where they were scattered , and have possessed Jerusalem , where their sanctuary is , and are seated in the hill country ; for it was desolate . Now therefore , my lord and governor , if there be any error against this people , and they sin against their God , let us consider that this shall be their ruin , and let us go up , and we shall overcome them . But if there be no iniquity in their nation , let my lord now pass by , lest their Lord defend them , and their God be for them , and we become a reproach before all the world . And when Achior had finished these sayings , all the people standing round about the tent murmured , and the chief men of Holofernes , and all that dwelt by the sea side , and in Moab , spake that he should kill him . For , say they , we will not be afraid of the face of the children of Israel : for , lo , it is a people that have no strength nor power for a strong battle Now therefore , lord Holofernes , we will go up , and they shall be a prey to be devoured of all thine army . And when the tumult of men that were about the council was ceased , Holofernes the chief captain of the army of Assur said unto Achior and all the Moabites before all the company of other nations , And who art thou , Achior , and the hirelings of Ephraim , that thou hast prophesied against us as to day , and hast said , that we should not make war with the people of Israel , because their God will defend them ? and who is God but Nabuchodonosor ? He will send his power , and will destroy them from the face of the earth , and their God shall not deliver them : but we his servants will destroy them as one man ; for they are not able to sustain the power of our horses . For with them we will tread them under foot , and their mountains shall be drunken with their blood , and their fields shall be filled with their dead bodies , and their footsteps shall not be able to stand before us , for they shall utterly perish , saith king Nabuchodonosor , lord of all the earth : for he said , None of my words shall be in vain . And thou , Achior , an hireling of Ammon , which hast spoken these words in the day of thine iniquity , shalt see my face no more from this day , until I take vengeance of this nation that came out of Egypt . And then shall the sword of mine army , and the multitude of them that serve me , pass through thy sides , and thou shalt fall among their slain , when I return . Now therefore my servants shall bring thee back into the hill country , and shall set thee in one of the cities of the passages : And thou shalt not perish , till thou be destroyed with them . And if thou persuade thyself in thy mind that they shall be taken , let not thy countenance fall : I have spoken it , and none of my words shall be in vain . Then Holofernes commanded his servants , that waited in his tent , to take Achior , and bring him to Bethulia , and deliver him into the hands of the children of Israel . So his servants took him , and brought him out of the camp into the plain , and they went from the midst of the plain into the hill country , and came unto the fountains that were under Bethulia . And when the men of the city saw them , they took up their weapons , and went out of the city to the top of the hill : and every man that used a sling kept them from coming up by casting of stones against them . Nevertheless having gotten privily under the hill , they bound Achior , and cast him down , and left him at the foot of the hill , and returned to their lord . But the Israelites descended from their city , and came unto him , and loosed him , and brought him to Bethulia , and presented him to the governors of the city : Which were in those days Ozias the son of Micha , of the tribe of Simeon , and Chabris the son of Gothoniel , and Charmis the son of Melchiel . And they called together all the ancients of the city , and all their youth ran together , and their women , to the assembly , and they set Achior in the midst of all their people . Then Ozias asked him of that which was done . And he answered and declared unto them the words of the council of Holofernes , and all the words that he had spoken in the midst of the princes of Assur , and whatsoever Holofernes had spoken proudly against the house of Israel . Then the people fell down and worshipped God , and cried unto God . saying , O Lord God of heaven , behold their pride , and pity the low estate of our nation , and look upon the face of those that are sanctified unto thee this day . Then they comforted Achior , and praised him greatly . And Ozias took him out of the assembly unto his house , and made a feast to the elders ; and they called on the God of Israel all that night for help . The next day Holofernes commanded all his army , and all his people which were come to take his part , that they should remove their camp against Bethulia , to take aforehand the ascents of the hill country , and to make war against the children of Israel . Then their strong men removed their camps in that day , and the army of the men of war was an hundred and seventy thousand footmen , and twelve thousand horsemen , beside the baggage , and other men that were afoot among them , a very great multitude . And they camped in the valley near unto Bethulia , by the fountain , and they spread themselves in breadth over Dothaim even to Belmaim , and in length from Bethulia unto Cynamon , which is over against Esdraelon . Now the children of Israel , when they saw the multitude of them , were greatly troubled , and said every one to his neighbour , Now will these men lick up the face of the earth ; for neither the high mountains , nor the valleys , nor the hills , are able to bear their weight . Then every man took up his weapons of war , and when they had kindled fires upon their towers , they remained and watched all that night . But in the second day Holofernes brought forth all his horsemen in the sight of the children of Israel which were in Bethulia , And viewed the passages up to the city , and came to the fountains of their waters , and took them , and set garrisons of men of war over them , and he himself removed toward his people . Then came unto him all the chief of the children of Esau , and all the governors of the people of Moab , and the captains of the sea coast , and said , Let our lord now hear a word , that there be not an overthrow in thine army . For this people of the children of Israel do not trust in their spears , but in the height of the mountains wherein they dwell , because it is not easy to come up to the tops of their mountains . Now therefore , my lord , fight not against them in battle array , and there shall not so much as one man of thy people perish . Remain in thy camp , and keep all the men of thine army , and let thy servants get into their hands the fountain of water , which issueth forth of the foot of the mountain : For all the inhabitants of Bethulia have their water thence ; so shall thirst kill them , and they shall give up their city , and we and our people shall go up to the tops of the mountains that are near , and will camp upon them , to watch that none go out of the city . So they and their wives and their children shall be consumed with fire , and before the sword come against them , they shall be overthrown in the streets where they dwell . Thus shalt thou render them an evil reward ; because they rebelled , and met not thy person peaceably . And these words pleased Holofernes and all his servants , and he appointed to do as they had spoken . So the camp of the children of Ammon departed , and with them five thousand of the Assyrians , and they pitched in the valley , and took the waters , and the fountains of the waters of the children of Israel . Then the children of Esau went up with the children of Ammon , and camped in the hill country over against Dothaim : and they sent some of them toward the south , and toward the east over against Ekrebel , which is near unto Chusi , that is upon the brook Mochmur ; and the rest of the army of the Assyrians camped in the plain , and covered the face of the whole land ; and their tents and carriages were pitched to a very great multitude . Then the children of Israel cried unto the Lord their God , because their heart failed , for all their enemies had compassed them round about , and there was no way to escape out from among them . Thus all the company of Assur remained about them , both their footmen , chariots , and horsemen , four and thirty days , so that all their vessels of water failed all the inhibitants of Bethulia . And the cisterns were emptied , and they had not water to drink their fill for one day ; for they gave them drink by measure . Therefore their young children were out of heart , and their women and young men fainted for thirst , and fell down in the streets of the city , and by the passages of the gates , and there was no longer any strength in them . Then all the people assembled to Ozias , and to the chief of the city , both young men , and women , and children , and cried with a loud voice , and said before all the elders , God be judge between us and you : for ye have done us great injury , in that ye have not required peace of the children of Assur . For now we have no helper : but God hath sold us into their hands , that we should be thrown down before them with thirst and great destruction . Now therefore call them unto you , and deliver the whole city for a spoil to the people of Holofernes , and to all his army . For it is better for us to be made a spoil unto them , than to die for thirst : for we will be his servants , that our souls may live , and not see the death of our infants before our eyes , nor our wives nor our children to die . We take to witness against you the heaven and the earth , and our God and Lord of our fathers , which punisheth us according to our sins and the sins of our fathers , that he do not according as we have said this day . Then there was great weeping with one consent in the midst of the assembly ; and they cried unto the Lord God with a loud voice . Then said Ozias to them , Brethren , be of good courage , let us yet endure five days , in the which space the Lord our God may turn his mercy toward us ; for he will not forsake us utterly . And if these days pass , and there come no help unto us , I will do according to your word . And he dispersed the people , every one to their own charge ; and they went unto the walls and towers of their city , and sent the women and children into their houses : and they were very low brought in the city . Now at that time Judith heard thereof , which was the daughter of Merari , the son of Ox , the son of Joseph , the son of Ozel , the son of Elcia , the son of Ananias , the son of Gedeon , the son of Raphaim , the son of Acitho , the son of Eliu , the son of Eliab , the son of Nathanael , the son of Samael , the son of Salasadal , the son of Israel . And Manasses was her husband , of her tribe and kindred , who died in the barley harvest . For as he stood overseeing them that bound sheaves in the field , the heat came upon his head , and he fell on his bed , and died in the city of Bethulia : and they buried him with his fathers in the field between Dothaim and Balamo . So Judith was a widow in her house three years and four months . And she made her a tent upon the top of her house , and put on sackcloth upon her loins and ware her widow's apparel . And she fasted all the days of her widowhood , save the eves of the sabbaths , and the sabbaths , and the eves of the new moons , and the new moons and the feasts and solemn days of the house of Israel . She was also of a goodly countenance , and very beautiful to behold : and her husband Manasses had left her gold , and silver , and menservants and maidservants , and cattle , and lands ; and she remained upon them . And there was none that gave her an ill word ; ar she feared God greatly . Now when she heard the evil words of the people against the governor , that they fainted for lack of water ; for Judith had heard all the words that Ozias had spoken unto them , and that he had sworn to deliver the city unto the Assyrians after five days ; Then she sent her waitingwoman , that had the government of all things that she had , to call Ozias and Chabris and Charmis , the ancients of the city . And they came unto her , and she said unto them , Hear me now , O ye governors of the inhabitants of Bethulia : for your words that ye have spoken before the people this day are not right , touching this oath which ye made and pronounced between God and you , and have promised to deliver the city to our enemies , unless within these days the Lord turn to help you . And now who are ye that have tempted God this day , and stand instead of God among the children of men ? And now try the Lord Almighty , but ye shall never know any thing . For ye cannot find the depth of the heart of man , neither can ye perceive the things that he thinketh : then how can ye search out God , that hath made all these things , and know his mind , or comprehend his purpose ? Nay , my brethren , provoke not the Lord our God to anger . For if he will not help us within these five days , he hath power to defend us when he will , even every day , or to destroy us before our enemies . Do not bind the counsels of the Lord our God : for God is not as man , that he may be threatened ; neither is he as the son of man , that he should be wavering . Therefore let us wait for salvation of him , and call upon him to help us , and he will hear our voice , if it please him . For there arose none in our age , neither is there any now in these days neither tribe , nor family , nor people , nor city among us , which worship gods made with hands , as hath been aforetime . For the which cause our fathers were given to the sword , and for a spoil , and had a great fall before our enemies . But we know none other god , therefore we trust that he will not dispise us , nor any of our nation . For if we be taken so , all Judea shall lie waste , and our sanctuary shall be spoiled ; and he will require the profanation thereof at our mouth . And the slaughter of our brethren , and the captivity of the country , and the desolation of our inheritance , will he turn upon our heads among the Gentiles , wheresoever we shall be in bondage ; and we shall be an offence and a reproach to all them that possess us . For our servitude shall not be directed to favour : but the Lord our God shall turn it to dishonour . Now therefore , O brethren , let us shew an example to our brethren , because their hearts depend upon us , and the sanctuary , and the house , and the altar , rest upon us . Moreover let us give thanks to the Lord our God , which trieth us , even as he did our fathers . Remember what things he did to Abraham , and how he tried Isaac , and what happened to Jacob in Mesopotamia of Syria , when he kept the sheep of Laban his mother's brother . For he hath not tried us in the fire , as he did them , for the examination of their hearts , neither hath he taken vengeance on us : but the Lord doth scourge them that come near unto him , to admonish them . Then said Ozias to her , All that thou hast spoken hast thou spoken with a good heart , and there is none that may gainsay thy words . For this is not the first day wherein thy wisdom is manifested ; but from the beginning of thy days all the people have known thy understanding , because the disposition of thine heart is good . But the people were very thirsty , and compelled us to do unto them as we have spoken , and to bring an oath upon ourselves , which we will not break . Therefore now pray thou for us , because thou art a godly woman , and the Lord will send us rain to fill our cisterns , and we shall faint no more . Then said Judith unto them , Hear me , and I will do a thing , which shall go throughout all generations to the children of our nation . Ye shall stand this night in the gate , and I will go forth with my waitingwoman : and within the days that ye have promised to deliver the city to our enemies the Lord will visit Israel by mine hand . But enquire not ye of mine act : for I will not declare it unto you , till the things be finished that I do . Then said Ozias and the princes unto her , Go in peace , and the Lord God be before thee , to take vengeance on our enemies . So they returned from the tent , and went to their wards . Judith fell upon her face , and put ashes upon her head , and uncovered the sackcloth wherewith she was clothed ; and about the time that the incense of that evening was offered in Jerusalem in the house of the Lord Judith cried with a loud voice , and said , O Lord God of my father Simeon , to whom thou gavest a sword to take vengeance of the strangers , who loosened the girdle of a maid to defile her , and discovered the thigh to her shame , and polluted her virginity to her reproach ; for thou saidst , It shall not be so ; and yet they did so : Wherefore thou gavest their rulers to be slain , so that they dyed their bed in blood , being deceived , and smotest the servants with their lords , and the lords upon their thrones ; And hast given their wives for a prey , and their daughters to be captives , and all their spoils to be divided among thy dear children ; which were moved with thy zeal , and abhorred the pollution of their blood , and called upon thee for aid : O God , O my God , hear me also a widow . For thou hast wrought not only those things , but also the things which fell out before , and which ensued after ; thou hast thought upon the things which are now , and which are to come . Yea , what things thou didst determine were ready at hand , and said , Lo , we are here : for all thy ways are prepared , and thy judgments are in thy foreknowledge . For , behold , the Assyrians are multiplied in their power ; they are exalted with horse and man ; they glory in the strength of their footmen ; they trust in shield , and spear , and bow , and sling ; and know not that thou art the Lord that breakest the battles : the Lord is thy name . Throw down their strength in thy power , and bring down their force in thy wrath : for they have purposed to defile thy sanctuary , and to pollute the tabernacle where thy glorious name resteth and to cast down with sword the horn of thy altar . Behold their pride , and send thy wrath upon their heads : give into mine hand , which am a widow , the power that I have conceived . Smite by the deceit of my lips the servant with the prince , and the prince with the servant : break down their stateliness by the hand of a woman . For thy power standeth not in multitude nor thy might in strong men : for thou art a God of the afflicted , an helper of the oppressed , an upholder of the weak , a protector of the forlorn , a saviour of them that are without hope . I pray thee , I pray thee , O God of my father , and God of the inheritance of Israel , Lord of the heavens and earth , Creator of the waters , king of every creature , hear thou my prayer : And make my speech and deceit to be their wound and stripe , who have purposed cruel things against thy covenant , and thy hallowed house , and against the top of Sion , and against the house of the possession of thy children . And make every nation and tribe to acknowledge that thou art the God of all power and might , and that there is none other that protecteth the people of Israel but thou . Now after that she had ceased to cry unto the God of Israel , and bad made an end of all these words . She rose where she had fallen down , and called her maid , and went down into the house in the which she abode in the sabbath days , and in her feast days , And pulled off the sackcloth which she had on , and put off the garments of her widowhood , and washed her body all over with water , and anointed herself with precious ointment , and braided the hair of her head , and put on a tire upon it , and put on her garments of gladness , wherewith she was clad during the life of Manasses her husband . And she took sandals upon her feet , and put about her her bracelets , and her chains , and her rings , and her earrings , and all her ornaments , and decked herself bravely , to allure the eyes of all men that should see her . Then she gave her maid a bottle of wine , and a cruse of oil , and filled a bag with parched corn , and lumps of figs , and with fine bread ; so she folded all these things together , and laid them upon her . Thus they went forth to the gate of the city of Bethulia , and found standing there Ozias and the ancients of the city , Chabris and Charmis . And when they saw her , that her countenance was altered , and her apparel was changed , they wondered at her beauty very greatly , and said unto her . The God , the God of our fathers give thee favour , and accomplish thine enterprizes to the glory of the children of Israel , and to the exaltation of Jerusalem . Then they worshipped God . And she said unto them , Command the gates of the city to be opened unto me , that I may go forth to accomplish the things whereof ye have spoken with me . So they commanded the young men to open unto her , as she had spoken . And when they had done so , Judith went out , she , and her maid with her ; and the men of the city looked after her , until she was gone down the mountain , and till she had passed the valley , and could see her no more . Thus they went straight forth in the valley : and the first watch of the Assyrians met her , And took her , and asked her , Of what people art thou ? and whence comest thou ? and whither goest thou ? And she said , I am a woman of the Hebrews , and am fled from them : for they shall be given you to be consumed : And I am coming before Holofernes the chief captain of your army , to declare words of truth ; and I will shew him a way , whereby he shall go , and win all the hill country , without losing the body or life of any one of his men . Now when the men heard her words , and beheld her countenance , they wondered greatly at her beauty , and said unto her , Thou hast saved thy life , in that thou hast hasted to come down to the presence of our lord : now therefore come to his tent , and some of us shall conduct thee , until they have delivered thee to his hands . And when thou standest before him , be not afraid in thine heart , but shew unto him according to thy word ; and he will entreat thee well . Then they chose out of them an hundred men to accompany her and her maid ; and they brought her to the tent of Holofernes . Then was there a concourse throughout all the camp : for her coming was noised among the tents , and they came about her , as she stood without the tent of Holofernes , till they told him of her . And they wondered at her beauty , and admired the children of Israel because of her , and every one said to his neighbour , Who would despise this people , that have among them such women ? surely it is not good that one man of them be left who being let go might deceive the whole earth . And they that lay near Holofernes went out , and all his servants and they brought her into the tent . Now Holofernes rested upon his bed under a canopy , which was woven with purple , and gold , and emeralds , and precious stones . So they shewed him of her ; and he came out before his tent with silver lamps going before him . And when Judith was come before him and his servants they all marvelled at the beauty of her countenance ; and she fell down upon her face , and did reverence unto him : and his servants took her up . Then said Holofernes unto her , Woman , be of good comfort , fear not in thine heart : for I never hurt any that was willing to serve Nabuchodonosor , the king of all the earth . Now therefore , if thy people that dwelleth in the mountains had not set light by me , I would not have lifted up my spear against them : but they have done these things to themselves . But now tell me wherefore thou art fled from them , and art come unto us : for thou art come for safeguard ; be of good comfort , thou shalt live this night , and hereafter : For none shall hurt thee , but entreat thee well , as they do the servants of king Nabuchodonosor my lord . Then Judith said unto him , Receive the words of thy servant , and suffer thine handmaid to speak in thy presence , and I will declare no lie to my lord this night . And if thou wilt follow the words of thine handmaid , God will bring the thing perfectly to pass by thee ; and my lord shall not fail of his purposes . As Nabuchodonosor king of all the earth liveth , and as his power liveth , who hath sent thee for the upholding of every living thing : for not only men shall serve him by thee , but also the beasts of the field , and the cattle , and the fowls of the air , shall live by thy power under Nabuchodonosor and all his house . For we have heard of thy wisdom and thy policies , and it is reported in all the earth , that thou only art excellent in all the kingdom , and mighty in knowledge , and wonderful in feats of war . Now as concerning the matter , which Achior did speak in thy council , we have heard his words ; for the men of Bethulia saved him , and he declared unto them all that he had spoken unto thee . Therefore , O lord and governor , respect not his word ; but lay it up in thine heart , for it is true : for our nation shall not be punished , neither can sword prevail against them , except they sin against their God . And now , that my lord be not defeated and frustrate of his purpose , even death is now fallen upon them , and their sin hath overtaken them , wherewith they will provoke their God to anger whensoever they shall do that which is not fit to be done : For their victuals fail them , and all their water is scant , and they have determined to lay hands upon their cattle , and purposed to consume all those things , that God hath forbidden them to eat by his laws : And are resolved to spend the firstfruits of the the tenths of wine and oil , which they had sanctified , and reserved for the priests that serve in Jerusalem before the face of our God ; the which things it is not lawful for any of the people so much as to touch with their hands . For they have sent some to Jerusalem , because they also that dwell there have done the like , to bring them a licence from the senate . Now when they shall bring them word , they will forthwith do it , and they shall be given to thee to be destroyed the same day . Wherefore I thine handmaid , knowing all this , am fled from their presence ; and God hath sent me to work things with thee , whereat all the earth shall be astonished , and whosoever shall hear it . For thy servant is religious , and serveth the God of heaven day and night : now therefore , my lord , I will remain with thee , and thy servant will go out by night into the valley , and I will pray unto God , and he will tell me when they have committed their sins : And I will come and shew it unto thee : then thou shalt go forth with all thine army , and there shall be none of them that shall resist thee . And I will lead thee through the midst of Judea , until thou come before Jerusalem ; and I will set thy throne in the midst thereof ; and thou shalt drive them as sheep that have no shepherd , and a dog shall not so much as open his mouth at thee : for these things were told me according to my foreknowledge , and they were declared unto me , and I am sent to tell thee . Then her words pleased Holofernes and all his servants ; and they marvelled at her wisdom , and said , There is not such a woman from one end of the earth to the other , both for beauty of face , and wisdom of words . Likewise Holofernes said unto her . God hath done well to send thee before the people , that strength might be in our hands and destruction upon them that lightly regard my lord . And now thou art both beautiful in thy countenance , and witty in thy words : surely if thou do as thou hast spoken thy God shall be my God , and thou shalt dwell in the house of king Nabuchodonosor , and shalt be renowned through the whole earth . Then he commanded to bring her in where his plate was set ; and bade that they should prepare for her of his own meats , and that she should drink of his own wine . And Judith said , I will not eat thereof , lest there be an offence : but provision shall be made for me of the things that I have brought . Then Holofernes said unto her , If thy provision should fail , how should we give thee the like ? for there be none with us of thy nation . Then said Judith unto him As thy soul liveth , my lord , thine handmaid shall not spend those things that I have , before the Lord work by mine hand the things that he hath determined . Then the servants of Holofernes brought her into the tent , and she slept till midnight , and she arose when it was toward the morning watch , And sent to Holofernes , saving , Let my lord now command that thine handmaid may go forth unto prayer . Then Holofernes commanded his guard that they should not stay her : thus she abode in the camp three days , and went out in the night into the valley of Bethulia , and washed herself in a fountain of water by the camp . And when she came out , she besought the Lord God of Israel to direct her way to the raising up of the children of her people . So she came in clean , and remained in the tent , until she did eat her meat at evening . And in the fourth day Holofernes made a feast to his own servants only , and called none of the officers to the banquet . Then said he to Bagoas the eunuch , who had charge over all that he had , Go now , and persuade this Hebrew woman which is with thee , that she come unto us , and eat and drink with us . For , lo , it will be a shame for our person , if we shall let such a woman go , not having had her company ; for if we draw her not unto us , she will laugh us to scorn . Then went Bagoas from the presence of Holofernes , and came to her , and he said , Let not this fair damsel fear to come to my lord , and to be honoured in his presence , and drink wine , and be merry with us and be made this day as one of the daughters of the Assyrians , which serve in the house of Nabuchodonosor . Then said Judith unto him , Who am I now , that I should gainsay my lord ? surely whatsoever pleaseth him I will do speedily , and it shall be my joy unto the day of my death . So she arose , and decked herself with her apparel and all her woman's attire , and her maid went and laid soft skins on the ground for her over against Holofernes , which she had received of Bagoas far her daily use , that she might sit and eat upon them . Now when Judith came in and sat down , Holofernes his heart was ravished with her , and his mind was moved , and he desired greatly her company ; for he waited a time to deceive her , from the day that he had seen her . Then said Holofernes unto her , Drink now , and be merry with us . So Judith said , I will drink now , my lord , because my life is magnified in me this day more than all the days since I was born . Then she took and ate and drank before him what her maid had prepared . And Holofernes took great delight in her , and drank more wine than he had drunk at any time in one day since he was born . Now when the evening was come , his servants made haste to depart , and Bagoas shut his tent without , and dismissed the waiters from the presence of his lord ; and they went to their beds : for they were all weary , because the feast had been long . And Judith was left along in the tent , and Holofernes lying along upon his bed : for he was filled with wine . Now Judith had commanded her maid to stand without her bedchamber , and to wait for her . coming forth , as she did daily : for she said she would go forth to her prayers , and she spake to Bagoas according to the same purpose . So all went forth and none was left in the bedchamber , neither little nor great . Then Judith , standing by his bed , said in her heart , O Lord God of all power , look at this present upon the works of mine hands for the exaltation of Jerusalem . For now is the time to help thine inheritance , and to execute thine enterprizes to the destruction of the enemies which are risen against us . Then she came to the pillar of the bed , which was at Holofernes' head , and took down his fauchion from thence , And approached to his bed , and took hold of the hair of his head , and said , Strengthen me , O Lord God of Israel , this day . And she smote twice upon his neck with all her might , and she took away his head from him . And tumbled his body down from the bed , and pulled down the canopy from the pillars ; and anon after she went forth , and gave Holofernes his head to her maid ; And she put it in her bag of meat : so they twain went together according to their custom unto prayer : and when they passed the camp , they compassed the valley , and went up the mountain of Bethulia , and came to the gates thereof . Then said Judith afar off , to the watchmen at the gate , Open , open now the gate : God , even our God , is with us , to shew his power yet in Jerusalem , and his forces against the enemy , as he hath even done this day . Now when the men of her city heard her voice , they made haste to go down to the gate of their city , and they called the elders of the city . And then they ran all together , both small and great , for it was strange unto them that she was come : so they opened the gate , and received them , and made a fire for a light , and stood round about them . Then she said to them with a loud voice , Praise , praise God , praise God , I say , for he hath not taken away his mercy from the house of Israel , but hath destroyed our enemies by mine hands this night . So she took the head out of the bag , and shewed it , and said unto them , behold the head of Holofernes , the chief captain of the army of Assur , and behold the canopy , wherein he did lie in his drunkenness ; and the Lord hath smitten him by the hand of a woman . As the Lord liveth , who hath kept me in my way that I went , my countenance hath deceived him to his destruction , and yet hath he not committed sin with me , to defile and shame me . Then all the people were wonderfully astonished , and bowed themselves and worshipped God , and said with one accord , Blessed be thou , O our God , which hast this day brought to nought the enemies of thy people . Then said Ozias unto her , O daughter , blessed art thou of the most high God above all the women upon the earth ; and blessed be the Lord God , which hath created the heavens and the earth , which hath directed thee to the cutting off of the head of the chief of our enemies . For this thy confidence shall not depart from the heart of men , which remember the power of God for ever . And God turn these things to thee for a perpetual praise , to visit thee in good things because thou hast not spared thy life for the affliction of our nation , but hast revenged our ruin , walking a straight way before our God . And all the people said ; So be it , so be it . Then said Judith unto them , Hear me now , my brethren , and take this head , and hang it upon the highest place of your walls . And so soon as the morning shall appear , and the sun shall come forth upon the earth , take ye every one his weapons , and go forth every valiant man out of the city , and set ye a captain over them , as though ye would go down into the field toward the watch of the Assyrians ; but go not down . Then they shall take their armour , and shall go into their camp , and raise up the captains of the army of Assur , and shall run to the tent of Holofernes , but shall not find him : then fear shall fall upon them , and they shall flee before your face . So ye , and all that inhabit the coast of Israel , shall pursue them , and overthrow them as they go . But before ye do these things , call me Achior the Ammonite , that he may see and know him that despised the house of Israel , and that sent him to us as it were to his death . Then they called Achior out of the house of Ozias ; and when he was come , and saw the head of Holofernes in a man's hand in the assembly of the people , he fell down on his face , and his spirit failed . But when they had recovered him , he fell at Judith's feet , and reverenced her , and said , Blessed art thou in all the tabernacles of Juda , and in all nations , which hearing thy name shall be astonished . Now therefore tell me all the things that thou hast done in these days . Then Judith declared unto him in the midst of the people all that she had done , from the day that she went forth until that hour she spake unto them . And when she had left off speaking , the people shouted with a loud voice , and made a joyful noise in their city . And when Achior had seen all that the God of Israel had done , he believed in God greatly , and circumcised the flesh of his foreskin , and was joined unto the house of Israel unto this day . And as soon as the morning arose , they hanged the head of Holofernes upon the wall , and every man took his weapons , and they went forth by bands unto the straits of the mountain . But when the Assyrians saw them , they sent to their leaders , which came to their captains and tribunes , and to every one of their rulers . So they came to Holofernes' tent , and said to him that had the charge of all his things , Waken now our lord : for the slaves have been bold to come down against us to battle , that they may be utterly destroyed . Then went in Bagoas , and knocked at the door of the tent ; for he thought that he had slept with Judith . But because none answered , he opened it , and went into the bedchamber , and found him cast upon the floor dead , and his head was taken from him . Therefore he cried with a loud voice , with weeping , and sighing , and a mighty cry , and rent his garments . After he went into the tent where Judith lodged : and when he found her not , he leaped out to the people , and cried , These slaves have dealt treacherously ; one woman of the Hebrews hath brought shame upon the house of king Nabuchodonosor : for , behold , Holofernes lieth upon the ground without a head . When the captains of the Assyrians' army heard these words , they rent their coats and their minds were wonderfully troubled , and there was a cry and a very great noise throughout the camp . And when they that were in the tents heard , they were astonished at the thing that was done . And fear and trembling fell upon them , so that there was no man that durst abide in the sight of his neighbour , but rushing out all together , they fled into every way of the plain , and of the hill country . They also that had camped in the mountains round about Bethulia fled away . Then the children of Israel , every one that was a warrior among them , rushed out upon them . Then sent Ozias to Betomasthem , and to Bebai , and Chobai , and Cola and to all the coasts of Israel , such as should tell the things that were done , and that all should rush forth upon their enemies to destroy them . Now when the children of Israel heard it , they all fell upon them with one consent , and slew them unto Chobai : likewise also they that came from Jerusalem , and from all the hill country , ( for men had told them what things were done in the camp of their enemies ) and they that were in Galaad , and in Galilee , chased them with a great slaughter , until they were past Damascus and the borders thereof . And the residue that dwelt at Bethulia , fell upon the camp of Assur , and spoiled them , and were greatly enriched . And the children of Israel that returned from the slaughter had that which remained ; and the villages and the cities , that were in the mountains and in the plain , gat many spoils : for the multitude was very great . Then Joacim the high priest , and the ancients of the children of Israel that dwelt in Jerusalem , came to behold the good things that God had shewed to Israel , and to see Judith , and to salute her . And when they came unto her , they blessed her with one accord , and said unto her , Thou art the exaltation of Jerusalem , thou art the great glory of Israel , thou art the great rejoicing of our nation : Thou hast done all these things by thine hand : thou hast done much good to Israel , and God is pleased therewith : blessed be thou of the Almighty Lord for evermore . And all the people said , So be it . And the people spoiled the camp the space of thirty days : and they gave unto Judith Holofernes his tent , and all his plate , and beds , and vessels , and all his stuff : and she took it and laid it on her mule ; and made ready her carts , and laid them thereon . Then all the women of Israel ran together to see her , and blessed her , and made a dance among them for her : and she took branches in her hand , and gave also to the women that were with her . And they put a garland of olive upon her and her maid that was with her , and she went before all the people in the dance , leading all the women : and all the men of Israel followed in their armour with garlands , and with songs in their mouths . Then Judith began to sing this thanksgiving in all Israel , and all the people sang after her this song of praise . And Judith said , Begin unto my God with timbrels , sing unto my Lord with cymbals : tune unto him a new psalm : exalt him , and call upon his name . For God breaketh the battles : for among the camps in the midst of the people he hath delivered me out of the hands of them that persecuted me . Assur came out of the mountains from the north , he came with ten thousands of his army , the multitude whereof stopped the torrents , and their horsemen have covered the hills . He bragged that he would burn up my borders , and kill my young men with the sword , and dash the sucking children against the ground , and make mine infants as a prey , and my virgins as a spoil . But the Almighty Lord hath disappointed them by the hand of a woman . For the mighty one did not fall by the young men , neither did the sons of the Titans smite him , nor high giants set upon him : but Judith the daughter of Merari weakened him with the beauty of her countenance . For she put off the garment of her widowhood for the exaltation of those that were oppressed in Israel , and anointed her face with ointment , and bound her hair in a tire , and took a linen garment to deceive him . Her sandals ravished his eyes , her beauty took his mind prisoner , and the fauchion passed through his neck . The Persians quaked at her boldness , and the Medes were daunted at her hardiness . Then my afflicted shouted for joy , and my weak ones cried aloud ; but they were astonished : these lifted up their voices , but they were overthrown . The sons of the damsels have pierced them through , and wounded them as fugatives' children : they perished by the battle of the Lord . I will sing unto the Lord a new song : O Lord , thou art great and glorious , wonderful in strength , and invincible . Let all creatures serve thee : for thou spakest , and they were made , thou didst send forth thy spirit , and it created them , and there is none that can resist thy voice . For the mountains shall be moved from their foundations with the waters , the rocks shall melt as wax at thy presence : yet thou art merciful to them that fear thee . For all sacrifice is too little for a sweet savour unto thee , and all the fat is not sufficient for thy burnt offering : but he that feareth the Lord is great at all times . Woe to the nations that rise up against my kindred ! the Lord Almighty will take vengeance of them in the day of judgment , in putting fire and worms in their flesh ; and they shall feel them , and weep for ever . Now as soon as they entered into Jerusalem , they worshipped the Lord ; and as soon as the people were purified , they offered their burnt offerings , and their free offerings , and their gifts . Judith also dedicated all the stuff of Holofernes , which the people had given her , and gave the canopy , which she had taken out of his bedchamber , for a gift unto the Lord . So the people continued feasting in Jerusalem before the sanctuary for the space of three months and Judith remained with them . After this time every one returned to his own inheritance , and Judith went to Bethulia , and remained in her own possession , and was in her time honourable in all the country . And many desired her , but none knew her all the days of her life , after that Manasses her husband was dead , and was gathered to his people . But she increased more and more in honour , and waxed old in her husband's house , being an hundred and five years old , and made her maid free ; so she died in Bethulia : and they buried her in the cave of her husband Manasses . And the house of Israel lamented her seven days : and before she died , she did distribute her goods to all them that were nearest of kindred to Manasses her husband , and to them that were the nearest of her kindred . And there was none that made the children of Israel any more afraid in the days of Judith , nor a long time after her death . .