1. Et miserunt ad eum legatos verbis pacificis dicentes:
2. “Ecce nos pueri Nabuchodonosor regis magni adstamus coram te; utere nobis, quemadmodum placet faciei tuae.
3. Ecce villae nostrae et omnis locus noster et omnis campus frumenti et greges et armenta et omnia stabula iumentorum nostrorum adstant ante faciem tuam; utere, quemadmodum placet tibi.
4. Ecce et civitates nostrae et, qui inhabitant in eis, servi tui sunt; veniens occurre eis, sicut est bonum in oculis tuis”.
5. Et venerunt viri ad Holofernen et nuntiaverunt ei secundum verba haec.
6. Et descendit ad maritimam ipse et virtus eius et custodivit civitates excelsas et accepit ex eis in auxilium viros electos.
7. Et exceperunt eum ipsi et omnis circumregio eorum cum coronis et choris et tympanis.
8. Et destruxit omnes fines eorum et lucos eorum excidit, et datum ei erat omnes deos terrae exterminare, ut ipsi soli Nabuchodonosor servirent omnes gentes, et omnes linguae et omnes tribus eorum invocarent eum deum.
9. Et venit contra faciem Esdrelon prope Dothain, quae est contra descensum magnum Iudaeae,
10. et castra posuerunt inter Gabaa et Scytharum civitatem. Et erat ibi mensem dierum, ut colligeret omnia utensilia virtutis suae.
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 Liber Iudith, 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)
