Judith
15:1 And when they that were in the tents heard, they were astonished at the
thing that was done.
15:2 And fear and trembling fell upon them, so that there was no man that
durst abide in the sight of his neighbour, but rushing out all together,
they fled into every way of the plain, and of the hill country.
15:3 They also that had camped in the mountains round about Bethulia fled
away. Then the children of Israel, every one that was a warrior among
them, rushed out upon them.
15:4 Then sent Ozias to Betomasthem, and to Bebai, and Chobai, and Cola and
to all the coasts of Israel, such as should tell the things that were
done, and that all should rush forth upon their enemies to destroy them.
15:5 Now when the children of Israel heard it, they all fell upon them with
one consent, and slew them unto Chobai: likewise also they that came
from Jerusalem, and from all the hill country, (for men had told them
what things were done in the camp of their enemies) and they that were
in Galaad, and in Galilee, chased them with a great slaughter, until
they were past Damascus and the borders thereof.
15:6 And the residue that dwelt at Bethulia, fell upon the camp of Assur, and
spoiled them, and were greatly enriched.
15:7 And the children of Israel that returned from the slaughter had that
which remained; and the villages and the cities, that were in the
mountains and in the plain, gat many spoils: for the multitude was very
great.
15:8 Then Joacim the high priest, and the ancients of the children of Israel
that dwelt in Jerusalem, came to behold the good things that God had
shewed to Israel, and to see Judith, and to salute her.
15:9 And when they came unto her, they blessed her with one accord, and said
unto her, Thou art the exaltation of Jerusalem, thou art the great glory
of Israel, thou art the great rejoicing of our nation:
15:10 Thou hast done all these things by thine hand: thou hast done much good
to Israel, and God is pleased therewith: blessed be thou of the Almighty
Lord for evermore. And all the people said, So be it.
15:11 And the people spoiled the camp the space of thirty days: and they gave
unto Judith Holofernes his tent, and all his plate, and beds, and
vessels, and all his stuff: and she took it and laid it on her mule; and
made ready her carts, and laid them thereon.
15:12 Then all the women of Israel ran together to see her, and blessed her,
and made a dance among them for her: and she took branches in her hand,
and gave also to the women that were with her.
15:13 And they put a garland of olive upon her and her maid that was with her,
and she went before all the people in the dance, leading all the women:
and all the men of Israel followed in their armour with garlands, and
with songs in their mouths.
