Sacred Scripture · Old Testament

Judith

16 Chapters · Douay-Rheims Bible · Old Testament

About This Book

The sacred writer of this book is generally believed to be the high priest Eliachim (called also Joachim). The transactions herein related, most probably happened in his days, and in the reign of Manasses, after his repentance and return from captivity. It takes its name from that illustrious woman, by whose virtue and fortitude, and armed with prayer, the children of Israel were preserved from the destruction threatened them by Holofernes and his great army. It finishes with her canticle of thanksgiving to God. (For more information, see the article JUDITH in the Catholic Encyclopedia.)

Chapter Directory

  1. Chapter 1Nebuchadnezzer king of the Assyrians overcomes Arphaxad king of the Medes.
  2. Chapter 2Nebuchadnezzer sends Holofernes to destroy the countries of the west.
  3. Chapter 3Many submit themselves to Holofernes. He destroys their cities, and their gods, that Nebuchadnezzer only might be called God.
  4. Chapter 4The children of Israel prepare themselves to resist Holofernes. They cry to the Lord for help.
  5. Chapter 5Achior gives Holofernes an account of the people of Israel.
  6. Chapter 6Holofernes in great rage sends Achior to Bethulia, there to be slain with the Israelites.
  7. Chapter 7Holofernes besieges Bethulia. The distress of the besieged.
  8. Chapter 8The character of Judith, and her discourse to the ancients.
  9. Chapter 9Judith's prayer, to beg of God to fortify her in her undertaking.
  10. Chapter 10Judith goes out towards the camp, and is taken, and brought to Holofernes.
  11. Chapter 11Judith's speech to Holofernes.
  12. Chapter 12Judith goes out in the night to pray: she is invited to a banquet with Holofernes.
  13. Chapter 13Judith cuts off the head of Holofernes, and returns to Bethulia.
  14. Chapter 14The Israelites assault the Assyrians, who finding their general slain, are seized with a panic fear.
  15. Chapter 15The Assyrians flee: the Hebrews pursue after them, and are enriched by their spoils.
  16. Chapter 16The canticle of Judith: her virtuous life and death.

Edition Record

Book
Judith
Translation
Douay-Rheims Bible
Old Testament
First published at Douay in 1609
New Testament
First published at Rheims in 1582
Revision and Notes
Bishop Richard Challoner, 1749
Historical Imprimatur
James Cardinal Gibbons, Archbishop of Baltimore, 1 September 1899