Judith

Judith 

from Praying with the Women of the Bible

by Bridget Mary Meehan

T he Book of Judith tells the story of how God delivered

the Jewish people through a strong woman. Scholars think it was written in Hebrew at the end of the second or at the beginning of the first century b.c. Some writers question Judith’s existence. Others, like Miriam Therese Winter, believe the Judith story could be based on historical fact. The question is, asks Winter,



Was there a Judith? It seems more appropriate to ask why wouldn’t there be? Her story is well within the realm of possibility…. Then why would a world, hungry for heroines, be so quick to dismiss her? Maybe because we fear she already exists in spirit in far too many women, and maybe because the violence of her act triggers a primal terror in males, that to succumb to a woman is to be vulnerable to death.1



The story of Judith is not found in the Hebrew Bible or the Protestant canon, but is part of the Catholic and Greek Church canons, which derive from the Septuagint, the canon of the Jews of the Dispersion. Like the Exodus story in which God delivered the Israelites from oppression through Moses, Miriam, and Aaron, so God delivered the Jews through Judith. The Judith narrative appears to be a reflection on the significance of the Passover celebration. It is the same literary genre as the books of Ruth and Esther.

According to the Book of Judith, Nebuchadnezzar is the king of the Assyrians and





Holofernes is his general. At that time Holofernes controls many cities who worship the king as God. In one of his military attacks, Holofernes and his army, on his way to Jerusalem, surrounded the town of Bethulia and captured the water supply. The Jewish people after resisting for thirty-four days become desperate.

At this point in the story, Judith, an attractive, wealthy widow steps forward, with a daring plan to defeat the Assyrians and liberate the people (Jdt 8). After prayer and fasting (Jdt 9), Judith dresses in her most beautiful clothes and accompanied by her maid, travels to the Assyrian camp (Jdt 10) where she convinces Holofernes that she has fled from the Israelites (Jdt 11). On the fourth day, Holofernes invited Judith to a banquet (Jdt 12). Then, when he is under the influence of alcohol, she cuts off his head, and returns to Bethulia with the head in her bag (Jdt 13). As soon as the Assyrians discover the murder, they are overcome with panic and flee in every direction. The Jews kill a large number of them (Jdt 15). The high priest Joakim and the Israelites come from Jerusalem to congratulate Judith for slaughtering the abusive Holofernes and liberating the Israelites. The Bethulians conduct a festive celebration at which they proclaim Judith their heroine:



All the women of Israel gathered to see her; and they blessed her and performed a dance in her honor. She took branches in her hands and distributed them to the women around her, and she and the other women crowned themselves with garlands of olive leaves. At the head of all the people, she led the women in the dance, while the men of Israel followed in their armor, wearing garlands and singing hymns (Jdt 15:12–13, New American Bible).



Judith preserves traditions inspired by the Exodus event. By her example, she reminds the community of God’s faithful presence which will deliver them from bondage. David-like, she, the weak one in the eyes of the male world, confronts the mighty enemy and defeats him through the power of God, who puts down the mighty from their seats and exalts the lowly. The complacent Bethulian leaders falter, but Judith assumes the responsibility for the community. She shows by her example the meaning of trust in God. Although her methods are unorthodox and confrontational—criticizing the religious establishment for their lack of faith, lying to the Assyrians, cutting off Holofernes’ head, and refusing to marry

—Judith is a model of faith and a Hebrew heroine.

Like Esther and Ruth, Judith demonstrates tradition undergoing change through reinterpretation. Each woman makes a contribution in a male world. No set of rules regulating females keeps them from being faithful to the covenant, and in the process they bring about the transformation of the tradition. Scholar Toni Craven observes:



This woman (Judith) unequivocally declares the theology of the establishment invalid. Like Ruth, Judith knows a God who acts in hidden ways; unlike Ruth, she speaks openly and directly about this God. Like Esther, Judith uses her sexuality to her own advantage; but unlike Esther, Judith preserves her purity while still winning the favor of those whom she schemes to beguile. Of all women in scripture, Judith alone says that theological misrepresentations cannot be tolerated.2



Judith is an independent woman of means and a competent manager of a large household: “Her husband Manasseh had left her gold and silver, men and women slaves,





livestock, and fields; and she maintained this estate” (Jdt 8:7). Judith is also an assertive leader who speaks out for the public good. She addresses the leaders of Bethulia as equal partners in the covenant community: “Let us set an example for our kindred, for their lives depend upon us, and the sanctuary—both the temple and the altar—rests upon us” (Jdt

8:24).

Patricia Montley describes Judith as the androgynous person who uses both feminine and masculine strategies to achieve her goals. Judith combines elements of both seductress and soldier, attributes which are labeled in the West as feminine and masculine, respectively. The same Judith who so impressed Holofernes with her beauty and wisdom did not hesitate to chop off his head and carry it back with her to her besieged town in her food bag! (Jdt 11–13). Montley concludes: “Judith embodies, yet somehow transcends, the male/female dichotomy.”3

As a new type of woman, Judith is subversive by demonstrating that a woman can be both hero and leader. She symbolizes all the biblical women that preceded her, yet she is a new creation. She does not require masculine protection. When the male elders shrink from their responsibility to come up with a plan for their besieged town, Judith has a daring plan to save Bethulia from destruction. Judith substitutes herself for the male leaders who are unable to fulfill their responsibility. Writer Andre La Cocque writes: “Judith substitutes herself, as a propitiatory sacrifice, to an establishment that has lost its head, much before Holofernes loses his for other reasons.”4 She is willing to risk her life and go where few would ever imagine. Just as Judith carried back the head of Holofernes and dedicated it to God, so had David done with Goliath. Thus, La Cocque reasons: “Judith is David in the feminine….At the time of the composition of Judith, it was surely not a trivial feat to feminize the hero of the day.”5

A model for all people today, Judith challenges conventions and traditions that need to be changed. Like Ruth and Esther, she breaks the stereotype of appropriate female behavior so that the covenant community could prosper. Like Miriam, she leads the community in a ritual dance of rejoicing. She is self-sacrificing, risking everything for the liberation of her people. She chooses a path that no one else has ever envisioned. As Alice Ogden Bellis notes, “Judith is a model, not just for women, but for everyone who would like to make an impact on the world. She teaches us courage, disregard for petty conventions and vision. Where these three abide, hope for a better world cannot die.”6 Judith is a woman of cunning, utilized for the freeing of her people from bondage. Surely, there are visionary women today, who, like Judith, are courageous leaders, clever and creative, who preserve the community, challenge the establishment, change outdated traditions, lead the worship, and risk everything to free God’s people from structures, institutions, and laws that oppress . Maybe you know a few of these women. Maybe you are one.















Now in those days Judith of Bethulia suffered all these things.

She was the daughter of Merari… She was beautiful in appearance, really lovely to behold.


Reflection





Her husband had left her silver and gold, slaves, fields, and livestock,

and she managed a large estate. No one spoke ill of Judith.

She was devoted to God.

When Judith heard the harsh words of the people who were desperate for water;

and Uzziah’s oath to surrender in five days if God did not come through,

she sent her maid to summon Uzziah and the elders of the town,

and they came to her and she said,

“Rulers of Bethulia, what you said today is not right. Who are you to put God to the test?

Do not anger God.

If God does not help us within five days, God can help us another time…

While we wait for our deliverance, let us call on God to help us.

God will answer when God will…” Then Uzziah said to Judith,

“All that you say is true, None can deny your words,

for your wisdom and understanding

have been apparent throughout your life, But the people were so thirsty,

they compelled us to make that promise and now we cannot break our oath.

Since you are a God-fearing woman, pray to God for us, for rain to fill our cisterns

so that we will no longer thirst.”

Then Judith said to them, “Listen to me, for I have come up with a plan.

What I will do will be spoken of throughout all generations.

Stand tonight at the gate of the town so that I might go out with my maid.

Within those days which you have promised, God will deliver us by my hand.

Do not ask what I am doing,

I can only tell you when I am through.” Uzziah and the rulers said,

“Go in peace, and may God go before you…”



Judith, in sackcloth and ashes, cried out aloud to God:





“O God of my ancestor Simeon,

to whom you gave an avenging sword for the evils accorded to your people; they called on for help, O God,

hear me too, a widow.

You have been maker of miracles to those who have gone before

and for those who have followed after, well, here now are the Assyrians

who boast in horse and rider, trust shield and spear, unaware

that you are the God who crushes war. Break their strength by your power

and pour your wrath upon their heads and give to me, a widow,

the strength to do what I plan

so that by the hand of a woman

their arrogance may be destroyed… You are the God of the lowly,

helper of the oppressed,

strength of those who are weak and fearful, protector of the forsaken,

savior of those without hope

God of our ancestors,

God of our heritage, have pity and hear my prayer.”7







Discussion Starters



1. Judith is a rich, attractive woman. She is an independent woman of means and a competent manager of a large household. Judith wanted her people to be free of intimidation and threat. Violence against women is prevalent today. Statistics claim that a woman in this country is beaten every eighteen seconds and raped every three minutes. How is Judith’s agenda of personal security and freedom relevant for contemporary woman?

2. Judith uses both feminine and masculine strategies to achieve her goals. Patricia Montley describes Judith as the androgynous person who combines elements of seductress and soldier which are labeled in the West as feminine and masculine characteristics. Do you agree with her assessment of Judith? Why? Why not? Do you agree that there are feminine and masculine characteristics that women and men exhibit? Why? Why not?

3. Judith is a new kind of woman. She symbolizes all the biblical women that preceded her, yet she is a new creation. She is independent, not in need of masculine protection. She uses masculine and feminine strategies. She is subversive, a woman who is a leader, while the male elders shrink from their responsibilities. How do you feel about the kind of woman Judith is? Do you see similarities and differences between Judith and Deborah?





Judith and Miriam? Judith and Esther? Judith and Ruth?

4. Judith is a heroine with a vision and a plan to save her town from destruction. She confronts the elders and, finding incompetency, is willing to risk her life to preserve the community. Judith’s maid accompanies her on her journey. What opportunities do women have to support other women in changing traditions and conventions that are no longer life-giving in our times? Who are the contemporary Judiths, “the new women,” that preserve the community, challenge the establishment, change outdated traditions, and risk everything for God’s people? Do you know any women like this? Are you one?







Prayer Experience



1. In the stillness immerse yourself in the presence of the Holy One. Open yourself to the fullness of divine love. Be aware of any images that may come to you.

2. Find a picture of yourself and place it close to your prayer place…. See yourself as a strong, courageous, reflection of the Holy One…as a new woman/man…. Imagine yourself “acting as if” the Holy One dwells within you in everything you think…say…do…. The Holy One is acting powerfully through you in ways beyond your imagination…. You see yourself growing spiritually…naming and celebrating sacred traditions…choosing ancient truths… helping others…celebrating community….

3. Read the reflection on Judith slowly and prayerfully…. Be aware of people today in your life and in our world who are suffering from hunger…neglect…violence…

homelessness… fear…poverty…. Fast and pray for their deliverance…. Join with others, if possible, to alleviate their sufferings in some way.

4. Imagine that you are Judith…. You die…go to heaven… encounter the Holy One…play with angels…and meet several women whom you have wanted to talk with for years… Miriam…Deborah…Ruth…Esther…. All of you sit in a circle…and have a conversation…. Each of you shares her own story…listens to the other women…asks questions…offers insights…makes connections…smiles

…laughs…cries…dances joyfully…. Each of you expresses your own feelings about the most challenging…risky…and loving moments of your life…. As each woman shares, the group experiences a wonderful intimacy…and a deep solidarity with women of all ages…. You celebrate your new relationships in a beautiful ritual celebration…. Great rejoicing…occurs in heaven…and on earth…that day.

5. Be aware of the similarities and differences you experienced between Judith and Miriam… Judith and Deborah…

Judith and Ruth…Judith and Esther…. Be aware of any images, thoughts, feelings, insights that emerge…. Record these in a journal, poetry, art, song, dance, or in some other creative way. Create your own ritual and/or celebration to celebrate your relationship with these women.

6. Get in touch with the “heroine” within you…. Reflect on the ways you have saved others from destruction…. Offer thanks for these opportunities. Remember with love the “heroines” of your life…. Offer thanks for them…. If possible, write a note thanking them for what they have done for you….

7. See yourself as a contemporary Judith…. Ask the Holy One to reveal to you how you are being called to be a heroic model of faith now…. Be conscious of how you, like Judith,




can preserve the family and/or community in which you live from destruction…. Challenge the establishment that puts rules before people’s needs…change outdated traditions that create obstacles for people on their spiritual journey…and risk everything to love and serve God’s people now beginning with those closest to you…in your home…community…church…world….