1. cumque omnis exercitus decollatum Holofernem audisset fugit mens et consilium ab eis et solo tremore et metu agitati fugæ præsidium sumunt
2. ita ut nullus loqueretur cum proximo suo sed inclinato capite relictis omnibus evadere Hebræos quos armatos venire super se audierant fugientes per vias camporum et semitas collium
3. videntes itaque filii Israël fugientes illos descenderunt clangentes tubis et ululantes post ipsos
4. et quoniam Assyrii non adunati in fuga ibant præcipites filii autem Israël uno agmine persequentes debilitabant omnes quos invenire potuissent
5. misitque Ozias nuntios per omnes civitates et regiones Israël
6. omnis itaque regio omnisque urbs electam juventutem misit armatam post eos et persecuti sunt eos in ore gladii quousque pervenirent ad extremitatem finium suarum
7. reliqui autem qui erant in Bethulia ingressi sunt castra Assyriorum et prædam quam fugientes Assyrii reliquerant abstulerunt et honestati sunt valde
8. hii vero qui victores reversi sunt ad Bethuliam omnia quæque erant illorum abstulerunt secum ita ut non esset numerus in pecoribus in jumentis et universis mobilibus eorum ut a minimo usque ad magnum omnes divites fierent de prædationibus eorum
9. Joachim autem summus pontifex de Hierusalem venit in Bethuliam cum universis presbyteris suis ut videret Judith
10. quæ cum exisset ad illum benedixerunt illam omnes una voce dicentes tu gloria Hierusalem tu lætitia Israël tu honorificentia populi nostri
11. quia fecisti viriliter et confortatum est cor tuum eo quod castitatem amaveris et post virum tuum alterum non scieris ideo et manus Domini confortavit te et ideo eris benedicta in æternum
12. et dixit omnis populus fiat fiat
13. per dies autem triginta vix collecta est spolia Assyriorum a populo Israël
14. porro autem universa quæ Holofernis peculiaria fuisse probata sunt dederunt Judith in auro et argento et vestibus et gemmis et omni supellectile et tradita sunt illi omnia a populo
15. et omnes populi gaudebant cum mulieribus et virginibus et juvenibus in organis et citharis
Footnotes:
15:1-3 - News of Holofernes' death spreads throughout the Assyrian camp, causing panic and confusion. The army's reaction demonstrates the impact a leader can have on the morale of his troops (see also Proverbs 29:2 and 1 Corinthians 15:33).
15:4-9 - The Assyrian army, now demoralized, prepares to flee, evidencing God's providence in protecting His people. This moment emphasizes that victory belongs to the Lord (see also Psalm 3:8 and 2 Chronicles 20:15).
15:10-13 - The flight from the Assyrians illustrates God's power to defeat enemies far greater than the Israelites. Judith's story is a testament to God's power working through faith (see also Romans 16:20 and Revelation 12:11).
15:14-16 - Judith and her people celebrate their victory, recognizing God's hand in their salvation. Gratitude is an essential response to God's action, and it is a model for corporate worship (see also Psalm 100:4 and Colossians 3:15-17).
15:17-20 - Judith's story spreads, increasing her fame and the people's reverence. Recognition of God as protector and deliverer is central to the narrative (see also Psalm 118:14 and Ephesians 3:20).
Verses related to Liber Iudith, 15:
Judith chapter 15 reports the final defeat of the Assyrians. How does Israel celebrate its liberation? This jubilant text describes the flight of the Assyrians, the pillage of their camp, and the honors bestowed upon Judith. The chapter emphasizes the magnitude of the victory and the recognition of Judith's role. Judith 15 addresses themes of national gratitude, the reward of virtue, and the celebration of divine intervention. Reflect with us on five biblical passages that echo the themes of this triumphant chapter.
Exodus 15:20-21: "The prophetess Miriam, Aaron's sister, took a tambourine, and all the women followed her, playing tambourines and dancing. And Miriam sang to them: 'Sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously. He threw the horse and its rider into the sea.'" - Just as Judith leads the people in celebration after victory, Miriam leads the women in a song of victory after crossing the Red Sea.
1 Samuel 18:6-7: "When the soldiers returned home after David had killed the Philistine, the women of all the cities of Israel came out to meet King Saul with songs and dances, with tambourines, with merry music and three-stringed instruments. As they danced, they sang: 'Saul killed thousands, and David tens of thousands.'" - This excerpt recalls the people's celebration after Judith's victory, with women leading the songs of praise.
Psalms 68:11-12: "The Lord has announced the word, and great is the army of those who proclaim the good news: 'Kings and armies flee in stampede; In the camps, those who remained divide the spoils'." - This psalm reflects the theme of Judith 15, where the enemies flee and the people of Israel collect the spoils.
Proverbs 31:31: "Give him the reward he deserves, and let his works be praised at the city gate." - This verse relates to the public recognition given to Judith for her courage and wisdom.
Isaiah 54:4: "Don't be afraid; you will not suffer shame. Don't fear embarrassment; you will not be humiliated. You will forget the shame of your youth and will no longer remember the humiliation of your widowhood." - This verse reflects Judith's transformation from a reclusive widow to a celebrated national heroine.
FAQ:
What happened when the Assyrians realized their soldiers were fleeing?
The Assyrians were confused, and without a leader, the army’s morale plummeted, causing many to desert and others to surrender. (Judith 15:1-5)
How did the Israelites react to their victory over the Assyrians?
The Israelites celebrated with great joy and gave thanks to God for their salvation. They also captured the Assyrians' possessions as a sign of triumph. (Judith 15:6-10)
How was Judith received by the people after the victory?
Judith was received as a heroine, with great respect and adoration, and the people praised God for her courage and faithfulness. (Judith 15:11-13)
What happened to the Assyrians' possessions after Israel's victory?
The goods plundered from the Assyrians were distributed among the Israelites as a sign of victory and a reward for their faithfulness to God. (Judith 15:14-16)
How important was Judith to Israel's victory?
Judith was instrumental in Israel's victory, not only because of her killing of Holofernes, but also because of her courage, faith in God, and leadership at decisive moments. (Judith 15:17-20)
