The Assyrian Army Is Decimated
Judith 15, verse 1. When those in their tents heard the wailing, they were utterly astounded at what had happened. Judith 15, verse 2. Fear and trembling came over them, and not waiting for each other, they all impulsively ran out of the camp and fled in every direction through the valley and the hill country. Judith 15, verse 3. Even those who had been camping in the hill country outside Bethulia arose and fled. Then every warrior amongst the Israelites rushed out against them. Judith 15, verse 4. Uzziah dispatched his men to Betomasthem, and to Bebai and Choba and Kola and to all the regions of Israel to report on what had happened, in order that they would all hurry out to face their enemies and destroy them. Judith 15, verse 5. So when word came to the Israelites, they came upon them with one accord and smote them as far away as Choba. Likewise, when told what had happened in the enemy camp, even those from Jerusalem and the surrounding hill country came out. And those from Gilead and Galilee outflanked them, inflicting massive slaughter, well beyond Damascus and its boundaries. Judith 15, verse 6. The inhabitants of Bethulia who remained there descended on the Assyrian camp, plundering it, and were greatly enriched. Judith 15, verse 7. Soon the Israelite forces came back from the slaughter, taking possession of the spoils, as did those in the villages and towns of the hill country and the plain. They took much of the plunder, for it was there in great quantity. Judith 15, verse 8. Then Joakim the high priest and the elders of Israel dwelling in Jerusalem came to observe the great things the Lord had done for His people, and to see Judith and to greet her. Judith 15, verse 9. When they met with her, with one accord they blessed her and told her, “You are the glory of Jerusalem, the heroine of Israel, the pride of our people! Judith 15, verse 10. You accomplished all these things by your own hand. You brought about good things for Israel, and God is well pleased with them. May you be eternally blessed by the Almighty Lord.” And the people all said, “Amen!” Judith 15, verse 11. The people pillaged the camp for thirty days, giving Judith Holofernes’ tent, all his silver service, his couches, his bowls, and all his furnishings. Some of these she loaded on her mules, and she harnessed them to her wagons and stacked the rest on them. Judith 15, verse 12. Then all the women of Israel assembled to see her. They blessed her and performed a dance to honor her. And she took woven branches in her hands, and presented them to these women. Judith 15, verse 13. And she and those with her crowned themselves with garlands of olive wreaths. She stepped out before all the dancers, leading all the women. At the same time, the men of Israel followed, bearing their weapons, clothed with garlands and singing songs of praise. Judith 15, verse 14. Then Judith began singing a hymn of thanks before all Israel, and the people responded heartily with this song of praise.