Judith

16 chapters

Chapter summaries

The Douay-Rheims’ own argument for each chapter. Tap a number above to read.

1. 1Nabuchodonosor king of the Assyrians overcometh Arphaxad king of the Medes: 7. summoneth many other nations to submit themselves to his Empire: 11. which they refusing he threateneth revenge.
2. 2Nabuchodonosor sendeth Holofernes his General to waste all countries of the West. 7. with a great army, and abundant munition. 11. They subdue many places, and others are stricken with great fear.
3. 3Many kings and other princes submit themselves to Holofernes. 8. He receiveth them, and taketh of their chief men to reinforce his army, 11. nevertheless destroyeth their cities, and their gods, that Nabuchodonosor only might be called God.
4. 4The children of Israel exceedingly fearing Holofernes forces, 3. provide to resist him, by the exhortation of the High priest, using both human, 8. and divine means.
5. 5Holofernes hearing that the Israelites prepare to resist him, in great rage demandeth divers particulars concerning that people, 5. Achior an Ammonite telleth the marvellous works of God towards them. 22. adviseth him not to fight against them. 26. the chief captains are offended, and threaten Achior.
6. 6Holofernes in great rage sendeth Achior to Bethulia, that he may there be slain with the Israelites. 8. He is left bound to a tree, 10. from whence the Israelites taking him, he telleth them the cause. 14. They entertain him courteously and earnestly pray to God for help.
7. 7Holofernes besiegeth Bethulia, 6. cutteth their conduit of water, 9. keepeth their fountains, 12. the people murmur, and mutiny, 18. yet they pray to God, 23. and the high priest determineth, if aid come not within five days, to deliver the city to the Assyrians.
8. 8Judith a most virtuous, rich, fair, and renowned widow, 9. rebuketh the high priest and ancients, for their determination to deliver the city, if aid come not in five days, 14. exhorteth all to penance. 28. They all agree to her godly advice, 30. praying for good success of her intention, which they yet know not.
9. 9Judith in haircloth and ashes prayeth for the deliverance of the people, remembering like benefits of God. 12. craveth power to overthrow Holofernes.
10. 10Judith excellently adorned, and very beautiful goeth with her handmaid towards the camp, 11. is taken by the watch, 16. and brought to Holofernes.
11. 11Holofernes demanding Judith the cause of her coming: 4, she deceiveth him with a probable narration.
12. 12Judith is brought into Holofernes' treasurehouse, 2. hath leave to abstain from the Gentiles' meats, 5. and to go forth in the night to pray. 10. The fourth day she cometh to Holofernes' banquet; 16, he is taken with concupiscence, and drinketh very much wine.
13. 13Holofernes lying in a drunken sleep, Judith cutteth off his head, 12. so returneth with her maid through the guard, as it were to pray, cometh to Bethulia, 16. exhorteth all to thank God, and showeth them the head. 22. She is blessed of all. 27. Achior also praiseth God and Judith.
14. 14Holofernes' head is hanged on the wall: 6. Achior is circumcised, 7. The Israelites assault the Assyrians, 8. who going to awake their General, 14. find him slain, 17, and are all confounded with fear.
15. 15The Assyrians flee for fear, 3. the Hebrews pursue them, 7. and are enriched by the spoils. 9. The high priest with others come from Jerusalem and praise Judith. 14. The goods of Holofernes are given to her.
16. 16Judith singeth a canticle of thanksgiving to our Lord. 22. The people go to Jerusalem and offer sacrifices. 25. She in great honour liveth a widow till her death in good old age. 30. the people have long peace, and a festival-day is instituted in perpetual memory of her fact.