CHAPTER1
1InthetwelfthyearofthereignofNabuchodonosor, whoreignedinNineve,thegreatcity;inthedaysof Arphaxad,whichreignedovertheMedesinEcbatane, 2AndbuiltinEcbatanewallsroundaboutofstones hewnthreecubitsbroadandsixcubitslong,andmade theheightofthewallseventycubits,andthebreadth thereoffiftycubits:
3Andsetthetowersthereofuponthegatesofitan hundredcubitshigh,andthebreadththereofinthe foundationthreescorecubits:
4Andhemadethegatesthereof,evengatesthatwere raisedtotheheightofseventycubits,andthebreadthof themwasfortycubits,forthegoingforthofhismighty armies,andforthesettinginarrayofhisfootmen:
5EveninthosedayskingNabuchodonosormadewar withkingArphaxadinthegreatplain,whichistheplain inthebordersofRagau.
6Andtherecameuntohimalltheythatdweltinthehill country,andallthatdweltbyEuphrates,andTigrisand Hydaspes,andtheplainofAriochthekingofthe Elymeans,andverymanynationsofthesonsofChelod, assembledthemselvestothebattle
7ThenNabuchodonosorkingoftheAssyrianssentunto allthatdweltinPersia,andtoallthatdweltwestward, andtothosethatdweltinCilicia,andDamascus,and Libanus,andAntilibanus,andtoallthatdweltuponthe seacoast,
8AndtothoseamongthenationsthatwereofCarmel, andGalaad,andthehigherGalilee,andthegreatplain ofEsdrelom,
9AndtoallthatwereinSamariaandthecitiesthereof, andbeyondJordanuntoJerusalem,andBetane,and Chelus,andKades,andtheriverofEgypt,andTaphnes, andRamesse,andallthelandofGesem,
10UntilyecomebeyondTanisandMemphis,andtoall theinhabitantsofEgypt,untilyecometothebordersof Ethiopia
11Butalltheinhabitantsofthelandmadelightofthe commandmentofNabuchodonosorkingofthe Assyrians,neitherwenttheywithhimtothebattle;for theywerenotafraidofhim:yea,hewasbeforethemas oneman,andtheysentawayhisambassadorsfromthem withouteffect,andwithdisgrace.
12ThereforeNabuchodonosorwasveryangrywithall thiscountry,andswarebyhisthroneandkingdom,that hewouldsurelybeavengeduponallthosecoastsof Cilicia,andDamascus,andSyria,andthathewouldslay withtheswordalltheinhabitantsofthelandofMoab, andthechildrenofAmmon,andallJudea,andallthat wereinEgypt,tillyecometothebordersofthetwoseas.
13Thenhemarchedinbattlearraywithhispower againstkingArphaxadintheseventeenthyear,andhe prevailedinhisbattle:forheoverthrewallthepowerof Arphaxad,andallhishorsemen,andallhischariots, 14Andbecamelordofhiscities,andcameunto Ecbatane,andtookthetowers,andspoiledthestreets thereof,andturnedthebeautythereofintoshame.
15HetookalsoArphaxadinthemountainsofRagau, andsmotehimthroughwithhisdarts,anddestroyedhim utterlythatday 16SohereturnedafterwardtoNineve,bothheandall hiscompanyofsundrynationsbeingaverygreat multitudeofmenofwar,andtherehetookhisease,and banqueted,bothheandhisarmy,anhundredandtwenty days.
CHAPTER2
1Andintheeighteenthyear,thetwoandtwentiethday ofthefirstmonth,therewastalkinthehouseof NabuchodonosorkingoftheAssyriansthatheshould,as hesaid,avengehimselfonalltheearth.
2Sohecalleduntohimallhisofficers,andallhis nobles,andcommunicatedwiththemhissecretcounsel, andconcludedtheafflictingofthewholeearthoutofhis ownmouth.
3Thentheydecreedtodestroyallflesh,thatdidnot obeythecommandmentofhismouth
4Andwhenhehadendedhiscounsel,Nabuchodonosor kingoftheAssyrianscalledHolofernesthechiefcaptain ofhisarmy,whichwasnextuntohim,andsaiduntohim 5Thussaiththegreatking,thelordofthewholeearth, Behold,thoushaltgoforthfrommypresence,andtake withtheementhattrustintheirownstrength,of footmenanhundredandtwentythousand;andthe numberofhorseswiththeirriderstwelvethousand 6Andthoushaltgoagainstallthewestcountry,because theydisobeyedmycommandment
7Andthoushaltdeclareuntothattheyprepareforme earthandwater:forIwillgoforthinmywrathagainst themandwillcoverthewholefaceoftheearthwiththe feetofminearmy,andIwillgivethemforaspoilunto them:
8Sothattheirslainshallfilltheirvalleysandbrooks andtherivershallbefilledwiththeirdead,tillit overflow:
9AndIwillleadthemcaptivestotheutmostpartsofall theearth
10Thouthereforeshaltgoforth.andtakebeforehand formealltheircoasts:andiftheywillyieldthemselves untothee,thoushaltreservethemformetillthedayof theirpunishment.
11Butconcerningthemthatrebel,letnotthineeye sparethem;butputthemtotheslaughter,andspoilthem wheresoeverthougoest.
12ForasIlive,andbythepowerofmykingdom, whatsoeverIhavespoken,thatwillIdobyminehand.
13Andtakethouheedthatthoutransgressnoneofthe commandmentsofthylord,butaccomplishthemfully, asIhavecommandedthee,anddefernottodothem.
14ThenHoloferneswentforthfromthepresenceofhis lord,andcalledallthegovernorsandcaptains,andthe officersofthearmyofAssur;
15Andhemusteredthechosenmenforthebattle,ashis lordhadcommandedhim,untoanhundredandtwenty thousand,andtwelvethousandarchersonhorseback;
16Andherangedthem,asagreatarmyisorderedfor thewar.
17Andhetookcamelsandassesfortheircarriages,a verygreatnumber;andsheepandoxenandgoats withoutnumberfortheirprovision:
18Andplentyofvictualforeverymanofthearmy,and verymuchgoldandsilveroutoftheking'shouse.
19Thenhewentforthandallhispowertogobefore kingNabuchodonosorinthevoyage,andtocoverallthe faceoftheearthwestwardwiththeirchariots,and horsemen,andtheirchosenfootmen.
20Agreatnumberalsosundrycountriescamewith themlikelocusts,andlikethesandoftheearth:forthe multitudewaswithoutnumber.
21AndtheywentforthofNinevethreedays'journey towardtheplainofBectileth,andpitchedfromBectileth nearthemountainwhichisatthelefthandoftheupper Cilicia
22Thenhetookallhisarmy,hisfootmen,and horsemenandchariots,andwentfromthenceintothe hillcountry;
23AnddestroyedPhudandLud,andspoiledallthe childrenofRasses,andthechildrenofIsrael,which weretowardthewildernessatthesouthofthelandof theChellians
24ThenhewentoverEuphrates,andwentthrough Mesopotamia,anddestroyedallthehighcitiesthatwere upontheriverArbonai,tillyecometothesea
25AndhetookthebordersofCilicia,andkilledallthat resistedhim,andcametothebordersofJapheth,which weretowardthesouth,overagainstArabia
26HecompassedalsoallthechildrenofMadian,and burneduptheirtabernacles,andspoiledtheirsheepcotes
27ThenhewentdownintotheplainofDamascusinthe timeofwheatharvest,andburntupalltheirfields,and destroyedtheirflocksandherds,alsohespoiledtheir cities,andutterlywastedtheircountries,andsmoteall theiryoungmenwiththeedgeofthesword
28Thereforethefearanddreadofhimfelluponallthe inhabitantsoftheseacoasts,whichwereinSidonand Tyrus,andthemthatdweltinSurandOcina,andallthat dweltinJemnaan;andtheythatdweltinAzotusand Ascalonfearedhimgreatly.
CHAPTER3
1Sotheysentambassadorsuntohimtotreatofpeace, saying,
2Behold,wetheservantsofNabuchodonosorthegreat kingliebeforethee;useusasshallbegoodinthysight.
3Behold,ourhouses,andallourplaces,andallour fieldsofwheat,andflocks,andherds,andallthelodges ofourtentsliebeforethyface;usethemasitpleaseth thee.
4Behold,evenourcitiesandtheinhabitantsthereofare thyservants;comeanddealwiththemasseemethgood untothee.
5SothemencametoHolofernes,anddeclareduntohim afterthismanner.
6Thencamehedowntowardtheseacoast,bothheand hisarmy,andsetgarrisonsinthehighcities,andtook outofthemchosenmenforaid
7Sotheyandallthecountryroundaboutreceivedthem withgarlands,withdances,andwithtimbrels.
8Yethedidcastdowntheirfrontiers,andcutdown theirgroves:forhehaddecreedtodestroyallthegods oftheland,thatallnationsshouldworship Nabuchodonosoronly,andthatalltonguesandtribes shouldcalluponhimasgod.
9AlsohecameoveragainstEsdraelonnearuntoJudea, overagainstthegreatstraitofJudea.
10AndhepitchedbetweenGebaandScythopolis,and therehetarriedawholemonth,thathemightgather togetherallthecarriagesofhisarmy.
CHAPTER4
1NowthechildrenofIsrael,thatdweltinJudea,heard allthatHolofernesthechiefcaptainofNabuchodonosor kingoftheAssyrianshaddonetothenations,andafter whatmannerhehadspoiledalltheirtemples,and broughtthemtonought
2Thereforetheywereexceedinglyafraidofhim,and weretroubledforJerusalem,andforthetempleofthe LordtheirGod:
3Fortheywerenewlyreturnedfromthecaptivity,and allthepeopleofJudeawerelatelygatheredtogether: andthevessels,andthealtar,andthehouse,were sanctifiedaftertheprofanation
4ThereforetheysentintoallthecoastsofSamaria,and thevillagesandtoBethoron,andBelmen,andJericho, andtoChoba,andEsora,andtothevalleyofSalem:
5Andpossessedthemselvesbeforehandofallthetops ofthehighmountains,andfortifiedthevillagesthat wereinthem,andlaidupvictualsfortheprovisionof war:fortheirfieldswereoflatereaped
6AlsoJoacimthehighpriest,whichwasinthosedays inJerusalem,wrotetothemthatdweltinBethulia,and Betomestham,whichisoveragainstEsdraelontoward theopencountry,neartoDothaim,
7Chargingthemtokeepthepassagesofthehillcountry: forbythemtherewasanentranceintoJudea,anditwas easytostopthemthatwouldcomeup,becausethe passagewasstraight,fortwomenatthemost.
8AndthechildrenofIsraeldidasJoacimthehighpriest hadcommandedthem,withtheancientsofallthe peopleofIsrael,whichdweltatJerusalem.
9TheneverymanofIsraelcriedtoGodwithgreat fervency,andwithgreatvehemencydidtheyhumble theirsouls:
10Boththey,andtheirwivesandtheirchildren,and theircattle,andeverystrangerandhireling,andtheir servantsboughtwithmoney,putsackclothupontheir loins.
11Thuseverymanandwomen,andthelittlechildren, andtheinhabitantsofJerusalem,fellbeforethetemple, andcastashesupontheirheads,andspreadouttheir sackclothbeforethefaceoftheLord:alsotheyput sackclothaboutthealtar,
12AndcriedtotheGodofIsraelallwithoneconsent earnestly,thathewouldnotgivetheirchildrenforaprey, andtheirwivesforaspoil,andthecitiesoftheir inheritancetodestruction,andthesanctuaryto profanationandreproach,andforthenationstorejoice at.
13SoGodheardtheirprayers,andlookedupontheir afflictions:forthepeoplefastedmanydaysinallJudea andJerusalembeforethesanctuaryoftheLord Almighty.
14AndJoacimthehighpriest,andalltheprieststhat stoodbeforetheLord,andtheywhichministeredunto theLord,hadtheirloinsgirtwithsackcloth,andoffered thedailyburntofferings,withthevowsandfreegiftsof thepeople,
15Andhadashesontheirmitres,andcrieduntothe Lordwithalltheirpower,thathewouldlookuponall thehouseofIsraelgraciously
CHAPTER5
1ThenwasitdeclaredtoHolofernes,thechiefcaptain ofthearmyofAssur,thatthechildrenofIsraelhad preparedforwar,andhadshutupthepassagesofthe hillcountry,andhadfortifiedallthetopsofthehigh hillsandhadlaidimpedimentsinthechampaign countries:
2Wherewithhewasveryangry,andcalledallthe princesofMoab,andthecaptainsofAmmon,andallthe governorsoftheseacoast,
3Andhesaiduntothem,Tellmenow,yesonsof Chanaan,whothispeopleis,thatdwellethinthehill country,andwhatarethecitiesthattheyinhabit,and whatisthemultitudeoftheirarmy,andwhereinistheir powerandstrength,andwhatkingissetoverthem,or captainoftheirarmy;
4Andwhyhavetheydeterminednottocomeandmeet me,morethanalltheinhabitantsofthewest
5ThensaidAchior,thecaptainofallthesonsof Ammon,Letmylordnowhearawordfromthemouth ofthyservant,andIwilldeclareuntotheethetruth concerningthispeople,whichdwellethnearthee,and inhabiteththehillcountries:andthereshallnoliecome outofthemouthofthyservant.
6ThispeoplearedescendedoftheChaldeans:
7AndtheysojournedheretoforeinMesopotamia, becausetheywouldnotfollowthegodsoftheirfathers, whichwereinthelandofChaldea.
8Fortheyleftthewayoftheirancestors,and worshippedtheGodofheaven,theGodwhomthey knew:sotheycastthemoutfromthefaceoftheirgods, andtheyfledintoMesopotamia,andsojournedthere manydays.
9ThentheirGodcommandedthemtodepartfromthe placewheretheysojourned,andtogointothelandof Chanaan:wheretheydwelt,andwereincreasedwith goldandsilver,andwithverymuchcattle.
10ButwhenafaminecoveredallthelandofChanaan, theywentdownintoEgypt,andsojournedthere,while
theywerenourished,andbecamethereagreatmultitude, sothatonecouldnotnumbertheirnation.
11ThereforethekingofEgyptroseupagainstthem, anddealtsubtillywiththem,andbroughtthemlowwith labouringinbrick,andmadethemslaves.
12ThentheycrieduntotheirGod,andhesmoteallthe landofEgyptwithincurableplagues:sotheEgyptians castthemoutoftheirsight.
13AndGoddriedtheRedseabeforethem, 14AndbroughtthemtomountSina,andCades-Barne, andcastforthallthatdweltinthewilderness.
15SotheydweltinthelandoftheAmorites,andthey destroyedbytheirstrengthallthemofEsebon,and passingoverJordantheypossessedallthehillcountry. 16AndtheycastforthbeforethemtheChanaanite,the Pherezite,theJebusite,andtheSychemite,andallthe Gergesites,andtheydweltinthatcountrymanydays. 17AndwhilsttheysinnednotbeforetheirGod,they prospered,becausetheGodthathatethiniquitywaswith them.
18Butwhentheydepartedfromthewaywhichhe appointedthem,theyweredestroyedinmanybattles verysore,andwereledcaptivesintoalandthatwasnot their's,andthetempleoftheirGodwascasttothe ground,andtheircitiesweretakenbytheenemies
19ButnowaretheyreturnedtotheirGod,andarecome upfromtheplaceswheretheywerescattered,andhave possessedJerusalem,wheretheirsanctuaryis,andare seatedinthehillcountry;foritwasdesolate
20Nowtherefore,mylordandgovernor,iftherebeany erroragainstthispeople,andtheysinagainsttheirGod, letusconsiderthatthisshallbetheirruin,andletusgo up,andweshallovercomethem
21Butiftherebenoiniquityintheirnation,letmylord nowpassby,lesttheirLorddefendthem,andtheirGod beforthem,andwebecomeareproachbeforeallthe world 22AndwhenAchiorhadfinishedthesesayings,allthe peoplestandingroundaboutthetentmurmured,andthe chiefmenofHolofernes,andallthatdweltbythesea side,andinMoab,spakethatheshouldkillhim 23For,saythey,wewillnotbeafraidofthefaceofthe childrenofIsrael:for,lo,itisapeoplethathaveno strengthnorpowerforastrongbattle 24Nowtherefore,lordHolofernes,wewillgoup,and theyshallbeapreytobedevouredofallthinearmy.
CHAPTER6
1Andwhenthetumultofmenthatwereaboutthe councilwasceased,Holofernesthechiefcaptainofthe armyofAssursaiduntoAchiorandalltheMoabites beforeallthecompanyofothernations,
2Andwhoartthou,Achior,andthehirelingsof Ephraim,thatthouhastprophesiedagainstusastoday, andhastsaid,thatweshouldnotmakewarwiththe peopleofIsrael,becausetheirGodwilldefendthem? andwhoisGodbutNabuchodonosor?
3Hewillsendhispower,andwilldestroythemfrom thefaceoftheearth,andtheirGodshallnotdeliver
them:butwehisservantswilldestroythemasoneman; fortheyarenotabletosustainthepowerofourhorses.
4Forwiththemwewilltreadthemunderfoot,andtheir mountainsshallbedrunkenwiththeirblood,andtheir fieldsshallbefilledwiththeirdeadbodies,andtheir footstepsshallnotbeabletostandbeforeus,forthey shallutterlyperish,saithkingNabuchodonosor,lordof alltheearth:forhesaid,Noneofmywordsshallbein vain.
5Andthou,Achior,anhirelingofAmmon,whichhast spokenthesewordsinthedayofthineiniquity,shaltsee myfacenomorefromthisday,untilItakevengeanceof thisnationthatcameoutofEgypt.
6Andthenshalltheswordofminearmy,andthe multitudeofthemthatserveme,passthroughthysides, andthoushaltfallamongtheirslain,whenIreturn.
7Nowthereforemyservantsshallbringtheebackinto thehillcountry,andshallsettheeinoneofthecitiesof thepassages:
8Andthoushaltnotperish,tillthoubedestroyedwith them
9Andifthoupersuadethyselfinthymindthatthey shallbetaken,letnotthycountenancefall:Ihave spokenit,andnoneofmywordsshallbeinvain
10ThenHolofernescommandedhisservants,that waitedinhistent,totakeAchior,andbringhimto Bethulia,anddeliverhimintothehandsofthechildren ofIsrael
11Sohisservantstookhim,andbroughthimoutofthe campintotheplain,andtheywentfromthemidstofthe plainintothehillcountry,andcameuntothefountains thatwereunderBethulia
12Andwhenthemenofthecitysawthem,theytookup theirweapons,andwentoutofthecitytothetopofthe hill:andeverymanthatusedaslingkeptthemfrom comingupbycastingofstonesagainstthem
13Neverthelesshavinggottenprivilyunderthehill, theyboundAchior,andcasthimdown,andlefthimat thefootofthehill,andreturnedtotheirlord
14ButtheIsraelitesdescendedfromtheircity,andcame untohim,andloosedhim,andbroughthimtoBethulia, andpresentedhimtothegovernorsofthecity:
15WhichwereinthosedaysOziasthesonofMicha,of thetribeofSimeon,andChabristhesonofGothoniel, andCharmisthesonofMelchiel.
16Andtheycalledtogetheralltheancientsofthecity, andalltheiryouthrantogether,andtheirwomen,tothe assembly,andtheysetAchiorinthemidstofalltheir people.ThenOziasaskedhimofthatwhichwasdone.
17Andheansweredanddeclareduntothemthewords ofthecouncilofHolofernes,andallthewordsthathe hadspokeninthemidstoftheprincesofAssur,and whatsoeverHoloferneshadspokenproudlyagainstthe houseofIsrael.
18ThenthepeoplefelldownandworshippedGod,and crieduntoGod.saying,
19OLordGodofheaven,beholdtheirpride,andpity thelowestateofournation,andlookuponthefaceof thosethataresanctifieduntotheethisday.
20ThentheycomfortedAchior,andpraisedhimgreatly
21AndOziastookhimoutoftheassemblyuntohis house,andmadeafeasttotheelders;andtheycalledon theGodofIsraelallthatnightforhelp
CHAPTER7
1ThenextdayHolofernescommandedallhisarmy,and allhispeoplewhichwerecometotakehispart,thatthey shouldremovetheircampagainstBethulia,totake aforehandtheascentsofthehillcountry,andtomake waragainstthechildrenofIsrael.
2Thentheirstrongmenremovedtheircampsinthatday, andthearmyofthemenofwarwasanhundredand seventythousandfootmen,andtwelvethousand horsemen,besidethebaggage,andothermenthatwere afootamongthem,averygreatmultitude.
3AndtheycampedinthevalleynearuntoBethulia,by thefountain,andtheyspreadthemselvesinbreadthover DothaimeventoBelmaim,andinlengthfromBethulia untoCynamon,whichisoveragainstEsdraelon.
4NowthechildrenofIsrael,whentheysawthe multitudeofthem,weregreatlytroubled,andsaidevery onetohisneighbour,Nowwillthesemenlickupthe faceoftheearth;forneitherthehighmountains,northe valleys,northehills,areabletobeartheirweight
5Theneverymantookuphisweaponsofwar,and whentheyhadkindledfiresupontheirtowers,they remainedandwatchedallthatnight
6ButintheseconddayHolofernesbroughtforthallhis horsemeninthesightofthechildrenofIsraelwhich wereinBethulia,
7Andviewedthepassagesuptothecity,andcameto thefountainsoftheirwaters,andtookthem,andset garrisonsofmenofwaroverthem,andhehimself removedtowardhispeople
8Thencameuntohimallthechiefofthechildrenof Esau,andallthegovernorsofthepeopleofMoab,and thecaptainsoftheseacoast,andsaid,
9Letourlordnowhearaword,thattherebenotan overthrowinthinearmy
10ForthispeopleofthechildrenofIsraeldonottrustin theirspears,butintheheightofthemountainswherein theydwell,becauseitisnoteasytocomeuptothetops oftheirmountains.
11Nowtherefore,mylord,fightnotagainstthemin battlearray,andthereshallnotsomuchasonemanof thypeopleperish.
12Remaininthycamp,andkeepallthemenofthine army,andletthyservantsgetintotheirhandsthe fountainofwater,whichissuethforthofthefootofthe mountain:
13ForalltheinhabitantsofBethuliahavetheirwater thence;soshallthirstkillthem,andtheyshallgiveup theircity,andweandourpeopleshallgouptothetops ofthemountainsthatarenear,andwillcampuponthem, towatchthatnonegooutofthecity.
14Sotheyandtheirwivesandtheirchildrenshallbe consumedwithfire,andbeforetheswordcomeagainst them,theyshallbeoverthrowninthestreetswherethey dwell
15Thusshaltthourenderthemanevilreward;because theyrebelled,andmetnotthypersonpeaceably.
16AndthesewordspleasedHolofernesandallhis servants,andheappointedtodoastheyhadspoken.
17SothecampofthechildrenofAmmondeparted,and withthemfivethousandoftheAssyrians,andthey pitchedinthevalley,andtookthewaters,andthe fountainsofthewatersofthechildrenofIsrael.
18ThenthechildrenofEsauwentupwiththechildren ofAmmon,andcampedinthehillcountryoveragainst Dothaim:andtheysentsomeofthemtowardthesouth, andtowardtheeastoveragainstEkrebel,whichisnear untoChusi,thatisuponthebrookMochmur;andthe restofthearmyoftheAssyrianscampedintheplain, andcoveredthefaceofthewholeland;andtheirtents andcarriageswerepitchedtoaverygreatmultitude.
19ThenthechildrenofIsraelcrieduntotheLordtheir God,becausetheirheartfailed,foralltheirenemieshad compassedthemroundabout,andtherewasnowayto escapeoutfromamongthem.
20ThusallthecompanyofAssurremainedaboutthem, boththeirfootmen,chariots,andhorsemen,fourand thirtydays,sothatalltheirvesselsofwaterfailedallthe inhibitantsofBethulia
21Andthecisternswereemptied,andtheyhadnot watertodrinktheirfillforoneday;fortheygavethem drinkbymeasure
22Thereforetheiryoungchildrenwereoutofheart,and theirwomenandyoungmenfaintedforthirst,andfell downinthestreetsofthecity,andbythepassagesofthe gates,andtherewasnolongeranystrengthinthem
23ThenallthepeopleassembledtoOzias,andtothe chiefofthecity,bothyoungmen,andwomen,and children,andcriedwithaloudvoice,andsaidbeforeall theelders,
24Godbejudgebetweenusandyou:foryehavedone usgreatinjury,inthatyehavenotrequiredpeaceofthe childrenofAssur
25Fornowwehavenohelper:butGodhathsoldusinto theirhands,thatweshouldbethrowndownbeforethem withthirstandgreatdestruction
26Nowthereforecallthemuntoyou,anddeliverthe wholecityforaspoiltothepeopleofHolofernes,andto allhisarmy.
27Foritisbetterforustobemadeaspoiluntothem, thantodieforthirst:forwewillbehisservants,thatour soulsmaylive,andnotseethedeathofourinfants beforeoureyes,norourwivesnorourchildrentodie.
28Wetaketowitnessagainstyoutheheavenandthe earth,andourGodandLordofourfathers,which punishethusaccordingtooursinsandthesinsofour fathers,thathedonotaccordingaswehavesaidthisday.
29Thentherewasgreatweepingwithoneconsentinthe midstoftheassembly;andtheycrieduntotheLordGod withaloudvoice.
30ThensaidOziastothem,Brethren,beofgood courage,letusyetendurefivedays,inthewhichspace theLordourGodmayturnhismercytowardus;forhe willnotforsakeusutterly.
31Andifthesedayspass,andtherecomenohelpunto us,Iwilldoaccordingtoyourword.
32Andhedispersedthepeople,everyonetotheirown charge;andtheywentuntothewallsandtowersoftheir city,andsentthewomenandchildrenintotheirhouses: andtheywereverylowbroughtinthecity.
CHAPTER8
1NowatthattimeJudithheardthereof,whichwasthe daughterofMerari,thesonofOx,thesonofJoseph,the sonofOzel,thesonofElcia,thesonofAnanias,theson ofGedeon,thesonofRaphaim,thesonofAcitho,the sonofEliu,thesonofEliab,thesonofNathanael,the sonofSamael,thesonofSalasadal,thesonofIsrael.
2AndManasseswasherhusband,ofhertribeand kindred,whodiedinthebarleyharvest.
3Forashestoodoverseeingthemthatboundsheavesin thefield,theheatcameuponhishead,andhefellonhis bed,anddiedinthecityofBethulia:andtheyburied himwithhisfathersinthefieldbetweenDothaimand Balamo
4SoJudithwasawidowinherhousethreeyearsand fourmonths
5Andshemadeheratentuponthetopofherhouse, andputonsackclothuponherloinsandwareher widow'sapparel
6Andshefastedallthedaysofherwidowhood,save theevesofthesabbaths,andthesabbaths,andtheeves ofthenewmoons,andthenewmoonsandthefeastsand solemndaysofthehouseofIsrael
7Shewasalsoofagoodlycountenance,andvery beautifultobehold:andherhusbandManasseshadleft hergold,andsilver,andmenservantsandmaidservants, andcattle,andlands;andsheremaineduponthem
8Andtherewasnonethatgaveheranillword;asshe fearedGodgreatly
9Nowwhensheheardtheevilwordsofthepeople againstthegovernor,thattheyfaintedforlackofwater; forJudithhadheardallthewordsthatOziashadspoken untothem,andthathehadsworntodeliverthecityunto theAssyriansafterfivedays;
10Thenshesentherwaitingwoman,thathadthe governmentofallthingsthatshehad,tocallOziasand ChabrisandCharmis,theancientsofthecity.
11Andtheycameuntoher,andshesaiduntothem, Hearmenow,Oyegovernorsoftheinhabitantsof Bethulia:foryourwordsthatyehavespokenbeforethe peoplethisdayarenotright,touchingthisoathwhichye madeandpronouncedbetweenGodandyou,andhave promisedtodeliverthecitytoourenemies,unless withinthesedaystheLordturntohelpyou.
12AndnowwhoareyethathavetemptedGodthisday, andstandinsteadofGodamongthechildrenofmen?
13AndnowtrytheLordAlmighty,butyeshallnever knowanything.
14Foryecannotfindthedepthoftheheartofman, neithercanyeperceivethethingsthathethinketh:then howcanyesearchoutGod,thathathmadeallthese things,andknowhismind,orcomprehendhispurpose?
Nay,mybrethren,provokenottheLordourGodto anger.
15Forifhewillnothelpuswithinthesefivedays,he hathpowertodefenduswhenhewill,eveneveryday, ortodestroyusbeforeourenemies.
16DonotbindthecounselsoftheLordourGod:for Godisnotasman,thathemaybethreatened;neitheris heasthesonofman,thatheshouldbewavering.
17Thereforeletuswaitforsalvationofhim,andcall uponhimtohelpus,andhewillhearourvoice,ifit pleasehim.
18Fortherearosenoneinourage,neitheristhereany nowinthesedaysneithertribe,norfamily,norpeople, norcityamongus,whichworshipgodsmadewithhands, ashathbeenaforetime.
19Forthewhichcauseourfathersweregiventothe sword,andforaspoil,andhadagreatfallbeforeour enemies
20Butweknownoneothergod,thereforewetrustthat hewillnotdespiseus,noranyofournation.
21Forifwebetakenso,allJudeashallliewaste,and oursanctuaryshallbespoiled;andhewillrequirethe profanationthereofatourmouth
22Andtheslaughterofourbrethren,andthecaptivity ofthecountry,andthedesolationofourinheritance,will heturnuponourheadsamongtheGentiles,wheresoever weshallbeinbondage;andweshallbeanoffenceanda reproachtoallthemthatpossessus
23Forourservitudeshallnotbedirectedtofavour:but theLordourGodshallturnittodishonour
24Nowtherefore,Obrethren,letusshewanexampleto ourbrethren,becausetheirheartsdependuponus,and thesanctuary,andthehouse,andthealtar,restuponus
25MoreoverletusgivethankstotheLordourGod, whichtriethus,evenashedidourfathers
26RememberwhatthingshedidtoAbraham,andhow hetriedIsaac,andwhathappenedtoJacobin MesopotamiaofSyria,whenhekeptthesheepofLaban hismother'sbrother
27Forhehathnottriedusinthefire,ashedidthem,for theexaminationoftheirhearts,neitherhathhetaken vengeanceonus:buttheLorddothscourgethemthat comenearuntohim,toadmonishthem.
28ThensaidOziastoher,Allthatthouhastspokenhast thouspokenwithagoodheart,andthereisnonethat maygainsaythywords.
29Forthisisnotthefirstdaywhereinthywisdomis manifested;butfromthebeginningofthydaysallthe peoplehaveknownthyunderstanding,becausethe dispositionofthineheartisgood.
30Butthepeoplewereverythirsty,andcompelledusto dountothemaswehavespoken,andtobringanoath uponourselves,whichwewillnotbreak.
31Thereforenowpraythouforus,becausethouarta godlywoman,andtheLordwillsendusraintofillour cisterns,andweshallfaintnomore.
32ThensaidJudithuntothem,Hearme,andIwilldoa thing,whichshallgothroughoutallgenerationstothe childrenofournation.
33Yeshallstandthisnightinthegate,andIwillgo forthwithmywaitingwoman:andwithinthedaysthat yehavepromisedtodeliverthecitytoourenemiesthe LordwillvisitIsraelbyminehand.
34Butenquirenotyeofmineact:forIwillnotdeclare ituntoyou,tillthethingsbefinishedthatIdo.
35ThensaidOziasandtheprincesuntoher,Goin peace,andtheLordGodbebeforethee,totake vengeanceonourenemies.
36Sotheyreturnedfromthetent,andwenttotheir wards.
CHAPTER9
1Judithfelluponherface,andputashesuponherhead, anduncoveredthesackclothwherewithshewasclothed; andaboutthetimethattheincenseofthateveningwas offeredinJerusaleminthehouseoftheLordJudith criedwithaloudvoice,andsaid,
2OLordGodofmyfatherSimeon,towhomthou gavestaswordtotakevengeanceofthestrangers,who loosenedthegirdleofamaidtodefileher,and discoveredthethightohershame,andpollutedher virginitytoherreproach;forthousaidst,Itshallnotbe so;andyettheydidso:
3Whereforethougavesttheirrulerstobeslain,sothat theydyedtheirbedinblood,beingdeceived,and smotesttheservantswiththeirlords,andthelordsupon theirthrones;
4Andhastgiventheirwivesforaprey,andtheir daughterstobecaptives,andalltheirspoilstobe dividedamongthydearchildren;whichweremoved withthyzeal,andabhorredthepollutionoftheirblood, andcalledupontheeforaid:OGod,OmyGod,hearme alsoawidow
5Forthouhastwroughtnotonlythosethings,butalso thethingswhichfelloutbefore,andwhichensuedafter; thouhastthoughtuponthethingswhicharenow,and whicharetocome
6Yea,whatthingsthoudidstdeterminewerereadyat hand,andsaid,Lo,wearehere:forallthywaysare prepared,andthyjudgmentsareinthyforeknowledge.
7For,behold,theAssyriansaremultipliedintheir power;theyareexaltedwithhorseandman;theyglory inthestrengthoftheirfootmen;theytrustinshield,and spear,andbow,andsling;andknownotthatthouartthe Lordthatbreakestthebattles:theLordisthyname.
8Throwdowntheirstrengthinthypower,andbring downtheirforceinthywrath:fortheyhavepurposedto defilethysanctuary,andtopollutethetabernaclewhere thygloriousnamerestethandtocastdownwithsword thehornofthyaltar.
9Beholdtheirpride,andsendthywrathupontheir heads:giveintominehand,whichamawidow,the powerthatIhaveconceived.
10Smitebythedeceitofmylipstheservantwiththe prince,andtheprincewiththeservant:breakdowntheir statelinessbythehandofawoman.
11Forthypowerstandethnotinmultitudenorthy mightinstrongmen:forthouartaGodoftheafflicted,
anhelperoftheoppressed,anupholderoftheweak,a protectoroftheforlorn,asaviourofthemthatare withouthope
12Ipraythee,Ipraythee,OGodofmyfather,andGod oftheinheritanceofIsrael,Lordoftheheavensand earth,Creatorofthewaters,kingofeverycreature,hear thoumyprayer:
13Andmakemyspeechanddeceittobetheirwound andstripe,whohavepurposedcruelthingsagainstthy covenant,andthyhallowedhouse,andagainstthetopof Sion,andagainstthehouseofthepossessionofthy children.
14Andmakeeverynationandtribetoacknowledgethat thouarttheGodofallpowerandmight,andthatthereis noneotherthatprotecteththepeopleofIsraelbutthou.
CHAPTER10
1NowafterthatshehadceasedtocryuntotheGodof Israel,andhadmadeanendofallthesewords.
2Sherosewhereshehadfallendown,andcalledher maid,andwentdownintothehouseinthewhichshe abodeinthesabbathdays,andinherfeastdays, 3Andpulledoffthesackclothwhichshehadon,and putoffthegarmentsofherwidowhood,andwashedher bodyalloverwithwater,andanointedherselfwith preciousointment,andbraidedthehairofherhead,and putonatireuponit,andputonhergarmentsofgladness, wherewithshewascladduringthelifeofManassesher husband
4Andshetooksandalsuponherfeet,andputabouther herbracelets,andherchains,andherrings,andher earrings,andallherornaments,anddeckedherself bravely,toalluretheeyesofallmenthatshouldseeher
5Thenshegavehermaidabottleofwine,andacruse ofoil,andfilledabagwithparchedcorn,andlumpsof figs,andwithfinebread;soshefoldedallthesethings together,andlaidthemuponher
6ThustheywentforthtothegateofthecityofBethulia, andfoundstandingthereOziasandtheancientsofthe city,ChabrisandCharmis
7Andwhentheysawher,thathercountenancewas altered,andherapparelwaschanged,theywonderedat herbeautyverygreatly,andsaiduntoher.
8TheGod,theGodofourfathersgivetheefavour,and accomplishthineenterprizestothegloryofthechildren ofIsrael,andtotheexaltationofJerusalem.Thenthey worshippedGod.
9Andshesaiduntothem,Commandthegatesofthe citytobeopeneduntome,thatImaygoforthto accomplishthethingswhereofyehavespokenwithme. Sotheycommandedtheyoungmentoopenuntoher,as shehadspoken.
10Andwhentheyhaddoneso,Judithwentout,she, andhermaidwithher;andthemenofthecitylooked afterher,untilshewasgonedownthemountain,andtill shehadpassedthevalley,andcouldseehernomore.
11Thustheywentstraightforthinthevalley:andthe firstwatchoftheAssyriansmether,
12Andtookher,andaskedher,Ofwhatpeopleartthou? andwhencecomestthou?andwhithergoestthou?And shesaid,IamawomanoftheHebrews,andamfled fromthem:fortheyshallbegivenyoutobeconsumed: 13AndIamcomingbeforeHolofernesthechiefcaptain ofyourarmy,todeclarewordsoftruth;andIwillshew himaway,wherebyheshallgo,andwinallthehill country,withoutlosingthebodyorlifeofanyoneofhis men.
14Nowwhenthemenheardherwords,andbeheldher countenance,theywonderedgreatlyatherbeauty,and saiduntoher,
15Thouhastsavedthylife,inthatthouhasthastedto comedowntothepresenceofourlord:nowtherefore cometohistent,andsomeofusshallconductthee,until theyhavedeliveredtheetohishands.
16Andwhenthoustandestbeforehim,benotafraidin thineheart,butshewuntohimaccordingtothyword; andhewillentreattheewell.
17Thentheychoseoutofthemanhundredmento accompanyherandhermaid;andtheybroughtherto thetentofHolofernes
18Thenwasthereaconcoursethroughoutallthecamp: forhercomingwasnoisedamongthetents,andthey cameabouther,asshestoodwithoutthetentof Holofernes,tilltheytoldhimofher
19Andtheywonderedatherbeauty,andadmiredthe childrenofIsraelbecauseofher,andeveryonesaidto hisneighbour,Whowoulddespisethispeople,thathave amongthemsuchwomen?surelyitisnotgoodthatone manofthembeleftwhobeingletgomightdeceivethe wholeearth
20AndtheythatlaynearHoloferneswentout,andall hisservantsandtheybroughtherintothetent
21NowHolofernesresteduponhisbedunderacanopy, whichwaswovenwithpurple,andgold,andemeralds, andpreciousstones 22Sotheyshewedhimofher;andhecameoutbefore histentwithsilverlampsgoingbeforehim 23AndwhenJudithwascomebeforehimandhis servantstheyallmarvelledatthebeautyofher countenance;andshefelldownuponherface,anddid reverenceuntohim:andhisservantstookherup.
CHAPTER11
1ThensaidHolofernesuntoher,Woman,beofgood comfort,fearnotinthineheart:forIneverhurtanythat waswillingtoserveNabuchodonosor,thekingofallthe earth.
2Nowtherefore,ifthypeoplethatdwellethinthe mountainshadnotsetlightbyme,Iwouldnothave liftedupmyspearagainstthem:buttheyhavedone thesethingstothemselves.
3Butnowtellmewhereforethouartfledfromthem, andartcomeuntous:forthouartcomeforsafeguard;be ofgoodcomfort,thoushaltlivethisnight,andhereafter: 4Fornoneshallhurtthee,butentreattheewell,asthey dotheservantsofkingNabuchodonosormylord.
5ThenJudithsaiduntohim,Receivethewordsofthy servant,andsufferthinehandmaidtospeakinthy presence,andIwilldeclarenolietomylordthisnight
6Andifthouwiltfollowthewordsofthinehandmaid, Godwillbringthethingperfectlytopassbythee;and mylordshallnotfailofhispurposes.
7AsNabuchodonosorkingofalltheearthliveth,andas hispowerliveth,whohathsenttheefortheupholdingof everylivingthing:fornotonlymenshallservehimby thee,butalsothebeastsofthefield,andthecattle,and thefowlsoftheair,shalllivebythypowerunder Nabuchodonosorandallhishouse.
8Forwehaveheardofthywisdomandthypolicies,and itisreportedinalltheearth,thatthouonlyartexcellent inallthekingdom,andmightyinknowledge,and wonderfulinfeatsofwar.
9Nowasconcerningthematter,whichAchiordidspeak inthycouncil,wehaveheardhiswords;forthemenof Bethuliasavedhim,andhedeclareduntothemallthat hehadspokenuntothee.
10Therefore,Olordandgovernor,respectnothisword; butlayitupinthineheart,foritistrue:forournation shallnotbepunished,neithercanswordprevailagainst them,excepttheysinagainsttheirGod
11Andnow,thatmylordbenotdefeatedandfrustrate ofhispurpose,evendeathisnowfallenuponthem,and theirsinhathovertakenthem,wherewiththeywill provoketheirGodtoangerwhensoevertheyshalldo thatwhichisnotfittobedone:
12Fortheirvictualsfailthem,andalltheirwateris scant,andtheyhavedeterminedtolayhandsupontheir cattle,andpurposedtoconsumeallthosethings,that Godhathforbiddenthemtoeatbyhislaws:
13Andareresolvedtospendthefirstfruitsofthetenths ofwineandoil,whichtheyhadsanctified,andreserved fortheprieststhatserveinJerusalembeforethefaceof ourGod;thewhichthingsitisnotlawfulforanyofthe peoplesomuchastotouchwiththeirhands
14FortheyhavesentsometoJerusalem,becausethey alsothatdwelltherehavedonethelike,tobringthema licencefromthesenate
15Nowwhentheyshallbringthemword,theywill forthwithdoit,andtheyshallbegiventotheetobe destroyedthesameday.
16WhereforeIthinehandmaid,knowingallthis,am fledfromtheirpresence;andGodhathsentmetowork thingswiththee,whereatalltheearthshallbe astonished,andwhosoevershallhearit.
17Forthyservantisreligious,andserveththeGodof heavendayandnight:nowtherefore,mylord,Iwill remainwiththee,andthyservantwillgooutbynight intothevalley,andIwillprayuntoGod,andhewilltell mewhentheyhavecommittedtheirsins:
18AndIwillcomeandshewituntothee:thenthou shaltgoforthwithallthinearmy,andthereshallbe noneofthemthatshallresistthee.
19AndIwillleadtheethroughthemidstofJudea,until thoucomebeforeJerusalem;andIwillsetthythronein themidstthereof;andthoushaltdrivethemassheep thathavenoshepherd,andadogshallnotsomuchas
openhismouthatthee:forthesethingsweretoldme accordingtomyforeknowledge,andtheyweredeclared untome,andIamsenttotellthee
20ThenherwordspleasedHolofernesandallhis servants;andtheymarvelledatherwisdom,andsaid, 21Thereisnotsuchawomanfromoneendoftheearth totheother,bothforbeautyofface,andwisdomof words.
22LikewiseHolofernessaiduntoher.Godhathdone welltosendtheebeforethepeople,thatstrengthmight beinourhandsanddestructionuponthemthatlightly regardmylord.
23Andnowthouartbothbeautifulinthycountenance, andwittyinthywords:surelyifthoudoasthouhast spokenthyGodshallbemyGod,andthoushaltdwellin thehouseofkingNabuchodonosor,andshaltbe renownedthroughthewholeearth.
CHAPTER12
1Thenhecommandedtobringherinwherehisplate wasset;andbadethattheyshouldprepareforherofhis ownmeats,andthatsheshoulddrinkofhisownwine 2AndJudithsaid,Iwillnoteatthereof,lesttherebean offence:butprovisionshallbemadeformeofthethings thatIhavebrought
3ThenHolofernessaiduntoher,Ifthyprovisionshould fail,howshouldwegivetheethelike?fortherebenone withusofthynation
4ThensaidJudithuntohimAsthysoulliveth,mylord, thinehandmaidshallnotspendthosethingsthatIhave, beforetheLordworkbyminehandthethingsthathe hathdetermined
5ThentheservantsofHolofernesbroughtherintothe tent,andsheslepttillmidnight,andshearosewhenit wastowardthemorningwatch,
6AndsenttoHolofernes,saving,Letmylordnow commandthatthinehandmaidmaygoforthuntoprayer 7ThenHolofernescommandedhisguardthatthey shouldnotstayher:thussheabodeinthecampthree days,andwentoutinthenightintothevalleyof Bethulia,andwashedherselfinafountainofwaterby thecamp.
8Andwhenshecameout,shebesoughttheLordGodof Israeltodirectherwaytotheraisingupofthechildren ofherpeople.
9Soshecameinclean,andremainedinthetent,until shedideathermeatatevening.
10AndinthefourthdayHolofernesmadeafeasttohis ownservantsonly,andcallednoneoftheofficerstothe banquet.
11ThensaidhetoBagoastheeunuch,whohadcharge overallthathehad,Gonow,andpersuadethisHebrew womanwhichiswiththee,thatshecomeuntous,and eatanddrinkwithus.
12For,lo,itwillbeashameforourperson,ifweshall letsuchawomango,nothavinghadhercompany;forif wedrawhernotuntous,shewilllaughustoscorn.
13ThenwentBagoasfromthepresenceofHolofernes, andcametoher,andhesaid,Letnotthisfairdamsel
feartocometomylord,andtobehonouredinhis presence,anddrinkwine,andbemerrywithusandbe madethisdayasoneofthedaughtersoftheAssyrians, whichserveinthehouseofNabuchodonosor.
14ThensaidJudithuntohim,WhoamInow,thatI shouldgainsaymylord?surelywhatsoeverpleasethhim Iwilldospeedily,anditshallbemyjoyuntothedayof mydeath.
15Soshearose,anddeckedherselfwithherappareland allherwoman'sattire,andhermaidwentandlaidsoft skinsonthegroundforheroveragainstHolofernes, whichshehadreceivedofBagoasforherdailyuse,that shemightsitandeatuponthem.
16NowwhenJudithcameinandsatdown,Holofernes hisheartwasravishedwithher,andhismindwas moved,andhedesiredgreatlyhercompany;forhe waitedatimetodeceiveher,fromthedaythathehad seenher
17ThensaidHolofernesuntoher,Drinknow,andbe merrywithus.
18SoJudithsaid,Iwilldrinknow,mylord,becausemy lifeismagnifiedinmethisdaymorethanallthedays sinceIwasborn
19Thenshetookandateanddrankbeforehimwhather maidhadprepared
20AndHolofernestookgreatdelightinher,anddrank morewinethanhehaddrunkatanytimeinoneday sincehewasborn
CHAPTER13
1Nowwhentheeveningwascome,hisservantsmade hastetodepart,andBagoasshuthistentwithout,and dismissedthewaitersfromthepresenceofhislord;and theywenttotheirbeds:fortheywereallweary,because thefeasthadbeenlong
2AndJudithwasleftaloneinthetent,andHolofernes lyingaloneuponhisbed:forhewasfilledwithwine
3NowJudithhadcommandedhermaidtostandwithout herbedchamber,andtowaitforhercomingforth,as shediddaily:forshesaidshewouldgoforthtoher prayers,andshespaketoBagoasaccordingtothesame purpose.
4Soallwentforthandnonewasleftinthebedchamber, neitherlittlenorgreat.ThenJudith,standingbyhisbed, saidinherheart,OLordGodofallpower,lookatthis presentupontheworksofminehandsfortheexaltation ofJerusalem.
5Fornowisthetimetohelpthineinheritance,andto executethineenterprizestothedestructionofthe enemieswhicharerisenagainstus.
6Thenshecametothepillarofthebed,whichwasat Holofernes'head,andtookdownhisfauchionfrom thence,
7Andapproachedtohisbed,andtookholdofthehair ofhishead,andsaid,Strengthenme,OLordGodof Israel,thisday.
8Andshesmotetwiceuponhisneckwithallhermight, andshetookawayhisheadfromhim.
9Andtumbledhisbodydownfromthebed,andpulled downthecanopyfromthepillars;andanonaftershe wentforth,andgaveHoloferneshisheadtohermaid; 10Andsheputitinherbagofmeat:sotheytwainwent togetheraccordingtotheircustomuntoprayer:and whentheypassedthecamp,theycompassedthevalley, andwentupthemountainofBethulia,andcametothe gatesthereof.
11ThensaidJudithafaroff,tothewatchmenatthegate, Open,opennowthegate:God,evenourGod,iswithus, toshewhispoweryetinJerusalem,andhisforces againsttheenemy,ashehathevendonethisday.
12Nowwhenthemenofhercityheardhervoice,they madehastetogodowntothegateoftheircity,andthey calledtheeldersofthecity.
13Andthentheyranalltogether,bothsmallandgreat, foritwasstrangeuntothemthatshewascome:sothey openedthegate,andreceivedthem,andmadeafirefor alight,andstoodroundaboutthem.
14Thenshesaidtothemwithaloudvoice,Praise, praiseGod,praiseGod,Isay,forhehathnottakenaway hismercyfromthehouseofIsrael,buthathdestroyed ourenemiesbyminehandsthisnight
15Soshetooktheheadoutofthebag,andshewedit, andsaiduntothem,beholdtheheadofHolofernes,the chiefcaptainofthearmyofAssur,andbeholdthe canopy,whereinhedidlieinhisdrunkenness;andthe Lordhathsmittenhimbythehandofawoman
16AstheLordliveth,whohathkeptmeinmywaythat Iwent,mycountenancehathdeceivedhimtohis destruction,andyethathhenotcommittedsinwithme, todefileandshameme
17Thenallthepeoplewerewonderfullyastonished,and bowedthemselvesandworshippedGod,andsaidwith oneaccord,Blessedbethou,OourGod,whichhastthis daybroughttonoughttheenemiesofthypeople
18ThensaidOziasuntoher,Odaughter,blessedart thouofthemosthighGodaboveallthewomenuponthe earth;andblessedbetheLordGod,whichhathcreated theheavensandtheearth,whichhathdirectedtheeto thecuttingoffoftheheadofthechiefofourenemies 19Forthisthyconfidenceshallnotdepartfromthe heartofmen,whichrememberthepowerofGodfor ever.
20AndGodturnthesethingstotheeforaperpetual praise,tovisittheeingoodthingsbecausethouhastnot sparedthylifefortheafflictionofournation,buthast revengedourruin,walkingastraightwaybeforeour God.Andallthepeoplesaid;Sobeit,sobeit.
CHAPTER14
1ThensaidJudithuntothem,Hearmenow,my brethren,andtakethishead,andhangituponthe highestplaceofyourwalls.
2Andsosoonasthemorningshallappear,andthesun shallcomeforthupontheearth,takeyeeveryonehis weapons,andgofortheveryvaliantmanoutofthecity, andsetyeacaptainoverthem,asthoughyewouldgo
downintothefieldtowardthewatchoftheAssyrians; butgonotdown.
3Thentheyshalltaketheirarmour,andshallgointo theircamp,andraiseupthecaptainsofthearmyof Assur,andshallruntothetentofHolofernes,butshall notfindhim:thenfearshallfalluponthem,andthey shallfleebeforeyourface.
4Soye,andallthatinhabitthecoastofIsrael,shall pursuethem,andoverthrowthemastheygo.
5Butbeforeyedothesethings,callmeAchiorthe Ammonite,thathemayseeandknowhimthatdespised thehouseofIsrael,andthatsenthimtousasitwereto hisdeath.
6ThentheycalledAchioroutofthehouseofOzias;and whenhewascome,andsawtheheadofHolofernesina man'shandintheassemblyofthepeople,hefelldown onhisface,andhisspiritfailed.
7Butwhentheyhadrecoveredhim,hefellatJudith's feet,andreverencedher,andsaid,Blessedartthouinall thetabernaclesofJuda,andinallnations,whichhearing thynameshallbeastonished
8Nowthereforetellmeallthethingsthatthouhastdone inthesedaysThenJudithdeclareduntohiminthe midstofthepeopleallthatshehaddone,fromtheday thatshewentforthuntilthathourshespakeuntothem
9Andwhenshehadleftoffspeaking,thepeople shoutedwithaloudvoice,andmadeajoyfulnoisein theircity
10AndwhenAchiorhadseenallthattheGodofIsrael haddone,hebelievedinGodgreatly,andcircumcised thefleshofhisforeskin,andwasjoineduntothehouse ofIsraeluntothisday
11Andassoonasthemorningarose,theyhangedthe headofHolofernesuponthewall,andeverymantook hisweapons,andtheywentforthbybandsuntothe straitsofthemountain
12ButwhentheAssyrianssawthem,theysenttotheir leaders,whichcametotheircaptainsandtribunes,and toeveryoneoftheirrulers
13SotheycametoHolofernes'tent,andsaidtohimthat hadthechargeofallhisthings,Wakennowourlord:for theslaveshavebeenboldtocomedownagainstusto battle,thattheymaybeutterlydestroyed.
14ThenwentinBagoas,andknockedatthedoorofthe tent;forhethoughtthathehadsleptwithJudith.
15Butbecausenoneanswered,heopenedit,andwent intothebedchamber,andfoundhimcastuponthefloor dead,andhisheadwastakenfromhim.
16Thereforehecriedwithaloudvoice,withweeping, andsighing,andamightycry,andrenthisgarments.
17AfterhewentintothetentwhereJudithlodged:and whenhefoundhernot,heleapedouttothepeople,and cried,
18Theseslaveshavedealttreacherously;onewomanof theHebrewshathbroughtshameuponthehouseofking Nabuchodonosor:for,behold,Holofernesliethuponthe groundwithoutahead.
19WhenthecaptainsoftheAssyrians'armyheardthese words,theyrenttheircoatsandtheirmindswere
wonderfullytroubled,andtherewasacryandavery greatnoisethroughoutthecamp.
CHAPTER15
1Andwhentheythatwereinthetentsheard,theywere astonishedatthethingthatwasdone.
2Andfearandtremblingfelluponthem,sothatthere wasnomanthatdurstabideinthesightofhisneighbour, butrushingoutalltogether,theyfledintoeverywayof theplain,andofthehillcountry.
3Theyalsothathadcampedinthemountainsround aboutBethuliafledaway.ThenthechildrenofIsrael, everyonethatwasawarrioramongthem,rushedout uponthem.
4ThensentOziastoBetomasthem,andtoBebai,and Chobai,andColaandtoallthecoastsofIsrael,suchas shouldtellthethingsthatweredone,andthatallshould rushforthupontheirenemiestodestroythem.
5NowwhenthechildrenofIsraelheardit,theyallfell uponthemwithoneconsent,andslewthemuntoChobai: likewisealsotheythatcamefromJerusalem,andfrom allthehillcountry,(formenhadtoldthemwhatthings weredoneinthecampoftheirenemies)andtheythat wereinGalaad,andinGalilee,chasedthemwithagreat slaughter,untiltheywerepastDamascusandtheborders thereof 6AndtheresiduethatdweltatBethulia,felluponthe campofAssur,andspoiledthem,andweregreatly enriched 7AndthechildrenofIsraelthatreturnedfromthe slaughterhadthatwhichremained;andthevillagesand thecities,thatwereinthemountainsandintheplain, gatmanyspoils:forthemultitudewasverygreat 8ThenJoacimthehighpriest,andtheancientsofthe childrenofIsraelthatdweltinJerusalem,cameto beholdthegoodthingsthatGodhadshewedtoIsrael, andtoseeJudith,andtosaluteher
9Andwhentheycameuntoher,theyblessedherwith oneaccord,andsaiduntoher,Thouarttheexaltationof Jerusalem,thouartthegreatgloryofIsrael,thouartthe greatrejoicingofournation:
10Thouhastdoneallthesethingsbythinehand:thou hastdonemuchgoodtoIsrael,andGodispleased therewith:blessedbethouoftheAlmightyLordfor evermore.Andallthepeoplesaid,Sobeit.
11Andthepeoplespoiledthecampthespaceofthirty days:andtheygaveuntoJudithHoloferneshistent,and allhisplate,andbeds,andvessels,andallhisstuff:and shetookitandlaiditonhermule;andmadereadyher carts,andlaidthemthereon.
12ThenallthewomenofIsraelrantogethertoseeher, andblessedher,andmadeadanceamongthemforher: andshetookbranchesinherhand,andgavealsotothe womenthatwerewithher.
13Andtheyputagarlandofoliveuponherandher maidthatwaswithher,andshewentbeforeallthe peopleinthedance,leadingallthewomen:andallthe menofIsraelfollowedintheirarmourwithgarlands, andwithsongsintheirmouths
CHAPTER16
1ThenJudithbegantosingthisthanksgivinginall Israel,andallthepeoplesangafterherthissongof praise.
2AndJudithsaid,BeginuntomyGodwithtimbrels, singuntomyLordwithcymbals:tuneuntohimanew psalm:exalthim,andcalluponhisname.
3ForGodbreakeththebattles:foramongthecampsin themidstofthepeoplehehathdeliveredmeoutofthe handsofthemthatpersecutedme.
4Assurcameoutofthemountainsfromthenorth,he camewithtenthousandsofhisarmy,themultitude whereofstoppedthetorrents,andtheirhorsemenhave coveredthehills.
5Hebraggedthathewouldburnupmyborders,andkill myyoungmenwiththesword,anddashthesucking childrenagainsttheground,andmakemineinfantsasa prey,andmyvirginsasaspoil.
6ButtheAlmightyLordhathdisappointedthembythe handofawoman
7Forthemightyonedidnotfallbytheyoungmen, neitherdidthesonsoftheTitanssmitehim,norhigh giantssetuponhim:butJudiththedaughterofMerari weakenedhimwiththebeautyofhercountenance
8Forsheputoffthegarmentofherwidowhoodforthe exaltationofthosethatwereoppressedinIsrael,and anointedherfacewithointment,andboundherhairina tire,andtookalinengarmenttodeceivehim
9Hersandalsravishedhiseyes,herbeautytookhis mindprisoner,andthefauchionpassedthroughhisneck
10ThePersiansquakedatherboldness,andtheMedes weredauntedatherhardiness
11Thenmyafflictedshoutedforjoy,andmyweakones criedaloud;buttheywereastonished:theseliftedup theirvoices,buttheywereoverthrown
12Thesonsofthedamselshavepiercedthemthrough, andwoundedthemasfugatives'children:theyperished bythebattleoftheLord
13IwillsinguntotheLordanewsong:OLord,thouart greatandglorious,wonderfulinstrength,andinvincible.
14Letallcreaturesservethee:forthouspakest,andthey weremade,thoudidstsendforththyspirit,andit createdthem,andthereisnonethatcanresistthyvoice.
15Forthemountainsshallbemovedfromtheir foundationswiththewaters,therocksshallmeltaswax atthypresence:yetthouartmercifultothemthatfear thee.
16Forallsacrificeistoolittleforasweetsavourunto thee,andallthefatisnotsufficientforthyburnt offering:buthethatfeareththeLordisgreatatalltimes.
17Woetothenationsthatriseupagainstmykindred! theLordAlmightywilltakevengeanceoftheminthe dayofjudgment,inputtingfireandwormsintheirflesh; andtheyshallfeelthem,andweepforever.
18NowassoonastheyenteredintoJerusalem,they worshippedtheLord;andassoonasthepeoplewere purified,theyofferedtheirburntofferings,andtheirfree offerings,andtheirgifts
19JudithalsodedicatedallthestuffofHolofernes, whichthepeoplehadgivenher,andgavethecanopy, whichshehadtakenoutofhisbedchamber,foragift untotheLord.
20SothepeoplecontinuedfeastinginJerusalembefore thesanctuaryforthespaceofthreemonthsandJudith remainedwiththem.
21Afterthistimeeveryonereturnedtohisown inheritance,andJudithwenttoBethulia,andremained inherownpossession,andwasinhertimehonourable inallthecountry.
22Andmanydesiredher,butnoneknewherallthe daysofherlife,afterthatManassesherhusbandwas dead,andwasgatheredtohispeople.
23Butsheincreasedmoreandmoreinhonour,and waxedoldinherhusband'shouse,beinganhundredand fiveyearsold,andmadehermaidfree;soshediedin Bethulia:andtheyburiedherinthecaveofherhusband Manasses.
24AndthehouseofIsraellamentedhersevendays:and beforeshedied,shediddistributehergoodstoallthem thatwerenearestofkindredtoManassesherhusband, andtothemthatwerethenearestofherkindred 25AndtherewasnonethatmadethechildrenofIsrael anymoreafraidinthedaysofJudith,noralongtime afterherdeath