Judith 15
1 And when they that were in the tents
heard, they were astonished at the thing that was done.
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. 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.
4 Then sent Ozias to Betomasthem, and
to Chobai, and Chola, 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. 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.
6 And the residue that dwelt at
Bethulia, fell upon the camp of Assur, and spoiled them, and were greatly
enriched. 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.
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. 9 And when they came unto her,
they blessed her with one accord, and said unto her, Thou art the exaltation
of Israel, thou art the great glory of Israel, thou art the great rejoicing of
our nation: 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.
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.
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.
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.