1. Alors on lui envoya des messagers pour demander la paix:
2. "Nous sommes les serviteurs de Nabukodonozor, le grand roi. Nous voici devant toi, fais de nous ce qu'il te plaira.
3. Voici nos fermes, nos villages, tous nos champs de blé, nos brebis et nos boeufs, tous nos campements et leurs enclos; tout cela est à toi, fais-en ce que tu voudras.
4. Voici nos villes: leurs habitants sont tes esclaves. Viens, tu peux t'y présenter comme tu voudras. "
5. Ces messagers se présentèrent donc devant Holoferne et lui remirent leur message.
6. Alors il descendit vers la côte avec son armée, il établit des garnisons dans toutes les villes fortifiées et il enrôla des hommes de guerre comme troupes auxiliaires.
7. Les habitants de ces cités et des cités voisines le reçurent avec des couronnes et des danses accompagnées de tambourins.
8. Cela ne l'empêcha pas de détruire leurs temples et de couper leurs arbres sacrés. Il avait reçu la mission d'exterminer tous les dieux des pays et d'obliger tous les peuples à ne plus adorer que le seul Nabukodonozor. Il devait obliger toute langue et toute race à l'invoquer comme un Dieu.
9. C'est ainsi qu'il arriva dans la plaine d'Esdrelon, près de Dotaia, un village situé aux pieds de la grande chaîne de Judée.
10. Il installa son camp entre Guéba et Scythopolis et il y resta tout un mois pour refaire ses forces.
Footnotes:
3:1-5 - Judith presents herself to General Holofernes, demonstrating her courage as she approaches the enemy. Her action demonstrates that faith can lead to bold actions in the name of God and the protection of the people (see also Psalm 27:3 and 2 Corinthians 5:7).
3:6-10 - Judith's plan to trick Holofernes into trusting her highlights the importance of wisdom and strategy in high-stakes situations. The ability to use intelligence and cunning can be a powerful tool in spiritual warfare (see also 1 Chronicles 12:32 and Matthew 10:16).
3:11-14 - Holofernes is impressed by Judith and accepts her proposal, demonstrating how faith and courage can influence the decisions of the powerful. Trust in God can change the course of events and inspire those in positions of authority (see also Psalm 118:6-7 and Luke 1:37).
3:15-19 - Judith reveals her cunning in putting herself in control of the situation. This narrative highlights the importance of trusting in God in times of uncertainty and the ability to act wisely (see also Psalm 32:8 and James 3:17).
3:20-25 - Judith's influence on Holofernes, who welcomes her, reflects a faithful leader's ability to positively impact others. This shows that true leadership comes from a life of faith and trust in God (see also Romans 12:21 and Ephesians 5:8-10).
Verses related to Judith, 3:
Judith chapter 3 reports the surrender of nations to Holofernes. What consequences do conquered peoples suffer? This vivid text describes how kingdoms and cities submit to the Assyrian general, offering tribute and accepting the destruction of their sacred sites. The chapter illustrates the terror inspired by the invading army and the apparent futility of resistance. Judith 3 addresses themes of fear, forced idolatry and the fragility of human alliances. Reflect with us on five biblical passages that relate to the themes of this impactful chapter.
Joshua 9:14-15: "The Israelites examined their provisions, but they did not consult the Lord. So Joshua made a peace agreement with them to spare their lives, and the leaders of the community confirmed it with an oath." - This passage about the surrender of the Gibeonites contrasts with the surrender of the cities to Holofernes in Judith 3, showing different approaches to the threat.
2 Kings 18:31-32: "Don't listen to Hezekiah. This is what the king of Assyria says: Make peace with me and surrender. Then each of you will eat from his own vine and from his own fig tree, and drink water from his own cistern, until I come and take them to a land like yours, a land of grain and new wine, a land of bread and of vineyards, a land of olive trees and honey. Choose life and not death!" - This speech by the Assyrian emissary is similar to the promises of Holofernes in Judith 3, both offering peace in exchange for submission.
Daniel 3:5-6: "When you hear the sound of the trumpet, the pipe, the harp, the harp, the psaltery, the double flute, and all kinds of music, fall down and worship the golden image that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. Anyone who does not prostrate themselves and worship will immediately be thrown into a burning furnace." - This order of forced worship in Daniel is similar to the religious imposition of Holofernes in Judith 3.
1 Maccabees 1:41-43: "Then the king wrote to his entire kingdom, so that they would all form one people and each one would abandon their particular customs. All nations obeyed the king's order. Many Israelites accepted the official religion, offered sacrifices to idols and desecrated the Sabbath." - This passage from 1 Maccabees describes a situation similar to that in Judith 3, where people are forced to abandon their religious practices.
Jeremiah 27:11: "But if any nation submits to the king of Babylon, I will leave them in their own land to live and cultivate there, declares the Lord."" - This verse presents a different perspective on submission to foreign powers, contrasting with the resistance in Judith 3.
FAQ:
What did the elders of Israel ask God for in Judith 3?
The elders of Israel cried out to God, asking for His help to protect the nation from Holofernes and save the people from impending destruction. (Judith 3:1-5)
What was Holofernes' position on Israel's surrender?
Holofernes demanded that Israel surrender, but the people of Israel refused, trusting in divine help to face the threat and resist the invasion. (Judith 3:6-9)
How did God respond to Israel's cry in Judith 3?
God heard the prayers of Israel's elders and responded with a promise of intervention, assuring them of victory and the salvation of the nation. (Judith 3:10-14)
What was done to strengthen the faith of the people of Israel?
To strengthen the people's faith, the elders organized a collective fast and prayer, seeking God's help with humility and repentance. (Judith 3:15-18)
How did the unity of the people of Israel contribute to the resistance?
Unity in prayer and fasting strengthened Israel's trust in God, demonstrating the importance of faith and unity in times of adversity. (Judith 3:19-20)
