Today is not the first time your wisdom has been shown, but from the beginning of your life all the people have recognized your understanding, for your heart’s disposition is right.

“You have saved your life by hurrying down to see our lord. Go at once to his tent; some of us will escort you and hand you over to him.

By the life of Nebuchadnezzar, king of the whole earth, and by the power of him who has sent you to direct every living being! Not only do humans serve him because of you, but also the animals of the field and the cattle and the birds of the air will live because of your power, under Nebuchadnezzar and all his house.

Judith said, “I will gladly drink, my lord, because today is the greatest day in my whole life.”

May God grant this to be a perpetual honor to you, and may he reward you with blessings because you risked your own life when our people was brought low, and you averted our ruin, walking in the straight path before our God.” And all the people said, “Amen. Amen.”

The Renown and Death of Judith

After this they all returned home to their own inheritances. Judith went to Bethulia and remained on her estate. For the rest of her life she was honored throughout the whole country.

Many desired to marry her, but she gave herself to no man all the days of her life after her husband Manasseh died and was gathered to his people.

No one ever again spread terror among the Israelites during the lifetime of Judith or for a long time after her death.