Judith, the Warrior

When all had departed, and no one, small or great, was left in the bedroom, Judith stood by Holofernes’ bed and said within herself: “O Lord, God of all might, in this hour look graciously on my undertaking for the exaltation of Jerusalem…” (Jud.13: 4)

 

When I was a young woman,

I obeyed the law, kept silent.

As a widow, I prayed and wore

my black mourning attire.

 

When the Assyrians threatened

to attack the Israelites, I knew

I had to do something to save

My people from their violence.

 

No one would believe that I

could carry out such a bold deed,

but I was determined to stop

the enemy from their evil.

 

They would either die of thirst

or be slain. So I devised a scheme,

pretended to betray my clan

and then, arrayed in silk finery,

boldly went to seduce Holofernes,

the formidable Assyrian leader.

 

But would he see through my trickery,

My plot to besot him with wine?.

Would I have the courage to slay him,

or would my plan go awry?

 

God quelled my doubts and strengthened

my resolve. Gruesome as it was, I wielded

his sword while the leader slept.

 

Whack! Whack! Whack!

Holofernes’ bloody head came off

and I handed it to my maid to carry

back, throwing the Assyrians into disarray.

 

My people proclaimed God’s greatness--

our enemies were amazed at my clever ruse.

After that no one dared defy or lay siege

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