Judith, Book Of
TextsWhat is the meaning of Judith, Book Of in the Bible?
The narrative follows Judith, a pious Jewish widow from Bethulia, who infiltrates the camp of the Assyrian general Holofernes, decapitates him while he is intoxicated, and returns the head to her city, causing the Assyrian army to retreat in disarray. The text begins by establishing the geopolitical context of Nebuchadnezzar's campaign against Arphaxad, king of the Medes, and the subsequent siege of Bethulia.
TEXTUAL SIGNIFICANCE
This work provides insight into Jewish identity and resistance literature during the Hellenistic period, illustrating how theological themes of divine providence and loyalty to the Law were woven into historical fiction to encourage faithfulness among dispersed communities.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Judith, Book Of in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Judith, Book Of clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.