Judith
Judith has 16 chapters. Read Judith in the World English Bible (Catholic), chapter by chapter, free and without an account.
Judith tells how a devout widow acts to save her people when an invading army threatens them. As Bethulia runs short of water, Judith challenges its leaders’ willingness to surrender, prays, and enters the enemy camp. She kills Holofernes, returns with evidence of his death, and helps turn the siege into a victory celebrated with praise.
In Catholic and Orthodox Bibles, Judith is among the Historical Books of the Old Testament, one of the deuterocanonical books. Protestant Bibles place it in the Apocrypha or leave it out, and it is not part of the Jewish Tanakh. See it on the shelf.
Judith 1 recounts Nebuchadnezzar's victory over Arphaxad and his vow to punish every western nation that rejected his summons.
Judith 2 follows Holofernes as he musters Nebuchadnezzar's vast army and begins a devastating campaign across the western lands.
Judith 3 shows frightened nations surrendering to Holofernes, only to face occupation and the destruction of their worship.
Judith 4 joins Israel's fortification of the hill country with fasting and prayer for protection of Jerusalem and the temple.
Judith 5 records Achior's courageous account of Israel's history and warning that their God may defend them from Holofernes.
Judith 6 tells how Holofernes rejected Achior, while Bethulia rescued him, heard his warning, and prayed for help.
Judith 7 portrays Bethulia's desperate thirst after Holofernes controls its springs and the city's leaders ask for five more days.
Judith 8 introduces the wise widow who challenges Bethulia's leaders to trust God and announces that she will act.
Judith 9 records the widow's fervent prayer for God to use her words and actions to defend the weak from arrogant power.
Judith 10 follows Judith and her maid from Bethulia's gate into Holofernes's camp under an Assyrian escort.
Judith 11 shows Judith using disciplined and artful speech to win the confidence of Holofernes and his commanders.
Judith 12 contrasts Judith's prayerful discipline and faithful provisions with Holofernes's increasingly reckless banquet.
Judith 13 recounts Judith's defeat of Holofernes and safe return to Bethulia, where the people praise God for deliverance.
Judith 14 follows Judith's dawn strategy, Achior's conversion, and the panic that overtakes the leaderless Assyrian army.
Judith 15 celebrates the flight of the Assyrian army, Israel's recovery, and the joyful honor given to Judith.
Judith 16 records Israel's thanksgiving song and Judith's long, honorable life of humility, generosity, and peace.