1 Holofernes said to Judith, "Have confidence, woman, have no fear in your heart, I do not harm any person who has chosen to serve Nebuchadnezzar, king of all the earth.
2 And, if those of your people who dwell on the mountain had not ignored me, I should not have raised my sword against them; but they have brought this upon themselves.
3 Now, tell me why you have fled from their midst and have come to us. Are you doing this to save yourself? Have confidence, your life is safe tonight and also in the future.
4 No one will harm you, you will be well-treated as are all the servants of my lord, King Nebuchadnezzar."
5 Judith replied, "Listen to the words of your servant, so that I may speak freely in your presence and I will not lie to my lord tonight.
6 And if you follow the advice of your servant, everything will be accomplished by the hand of God and my lord will not fail in his undertakings.
7 For just as truly as Nebuchadnezzar is king of all the earth and his presence is felt, and he has sent you for the correction of others, it is thanks to your power that not only do men serve him but also wild beasts, animals and the birds of the air live for Nebuchadnezzar and all his house.
8 We have heard of your wisdom and prudence of mind and it is said throughout the world that you alone are the bravest man in the kingdom, powerful because of your knowledge and outstanding in military strategy.
9 We have heard about the discourse delivered in your council by Achior, and of its terms, because the men of Bethulia took him in and he reported to them all that he had said in your presence.
10 Now all-powerful lord, do not dismiss what he said but keep it in mind because it is true. Our nation will never be punished nor the sword used against it unless its people sin against their God.
11 Yet my lord will not be driven back and fail. Death will overtake them, for they have fallen into the sin that arouses the anger of God every time they commit it.
12 As a result of the shortage of food and water, they have decided to lay hands on their animals. They have resolved to eat those things which God in his laws forbade them to eat, including the first fruits of the harvest and the tithes of wine and oil which, after their consecration, had been put aside for the priests who minister before the face of our God in Jerusalem.
13 They have decided to consume these things completely, although it is not lawful for any of the people even to touch them with their hands.
14 They have sent messengers to Jerusalem - for those who dwell there have also done this - and they have charged these men to bring back this permission from the Council of the Elders.
15 Now it will come to pass that when this permission arrives and the people will have acted upon it, on that same day they will be delivered over to you for their destruction.
16 That is why I, your servant, having understood all this, have fled far from them. God has sent me to bring about, along with you, deeds that will strike terror throughout the whole world and cause those who hear them to talk.
17 For your servant is a pious woman who serves God night and day. From now on I will remain near you, my lord. Each evening I will go out towards the ravine and I will pray to God and he will tell me when they have fallen into sin.
18 Then I will report this to you, so that you will go forth with your whole army and there will be no man able to withstand you.
19 Then I will lead you through Judea until I arrive in Jerusalem where I will set up your tent. You will lead them like sheep without a shepherd and not one dog will growl at you. I have been given a premonition of these things. It has been revealed to me, and I have been sent to make it known to you."
20 Her words pleased Holofernes and all his officers. They admired her wisdom and said,
21 "From one end of the earth to the other there is no woman like her for the beauty of her face and the wisdom of her words."
22 Holofernes said to her, "God has done well to send you ahead of this people to show them that the power is in my hands and that destruction is the fate of those who despised my lord.
23 You are beautiful to look at and prudent in your words: if you do as you have said, your God shall be my God and you will live in the house of King Nebuchadnezzar, and be famous throughout all the world."
Versículos relacionados com Judith, 11:
Judite 11 tells the story of when Judite presents himself before Holofernes, the Assyrian army commander, and persuades him to allow her to go at night to seek groceries for her people. While she is out, Holofernes begins to fall into deep sleep, and Judite takes the opportunity to behead. The main themes of the chapter are cunning, courage and divine justice.
Proverbs 21:30: "There is no wisdom, no intelligence, no advice that may oppose the Lord." This verse highlights the superiority of Divine Wisdom on Human Wisdom, which is illustrated by Judite's cunning and strategy to defeat Holofernes.
Proverbs 2:6: "For the Lord gives wisdom, and knowledge comes from his mouth and understanding." This verse shows that Judith's wisdom and intelligence were a divine gift, allowing her to act with cunning and determination.
Proverbs 11:3: "The integrity of the righteous guides them, but the perversity of the infidels destroys them." Judith's integrity is a central theme in Judite 11, as it acts fairly and bravely, following its own ethical and religious principles rather than manipulated by the expectations of others.
Psalm 34:19: "There are many afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him from all." This verse shows how Judite's courage and justice are rewarded by God, which protects her from her enemies and helps her to accomplish her mission.
Proverbs 29:23: "Man's pride slaughter him, but the humble of spirit will obtain honor." Judite is a humble and courageous character who does not boast of his cunning or skill, but recognizes that he is an instrument in the hands of God. This verse highlights the importance of humility and modesty in contrast to arrogance and pride.
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