"And when they came to the gate of the city, they found Ozias, and the ancients of the city waiting. And when they saw her they were astonished, and admired her beauty exceedingly. But they asked her no question, only they let her pass, saying: The God of our fathers give thee grace, and may he strengthen all the counsel of thy heart with his power, that Jerusalem may glory in thee, and thy name may be in the number of the holy and just. And they that were there said, all with one voice: So be it, so be it. But Judith praying to the Lord, passed through the gates, she and her maid." Judith 10:6-10 DRA
<p>Judith adorns herself and passes through the city gates on her way to meet Holofernes, whom she beheads.

Judith Passes Through the City Gates

"And when they came to the gate of the city, they found Ozias, and the ancients of the city waiting.…

Judith, having just beheaded Holofernes, places his head in a bag with the help of her servant. She is holding a curved sword, or scimitar and is wrapped in robes that cover her head. Her servant is also clothed in voluminous robes. A shield and scabbard hang from the bedpost. Holofernes' body lies partially on the bed (left). Heavy curtains hang from the bed frame. A doorway in the background opens on to the city.

Judith Places the Head of Holofernes in a Bag

Judith, having just beheaded Holofernes, places his head in a bag with the help of her servant. She…

"But Holofernes lay on his bed, fast asleep, being exceedingly drunk. And Judith spoke to her maid to stand without before the chamber, and to watch: And Judith stood before the bed praying with tears, and the motion of her lips in silence, Saying: Strengthen me, O Lord God of Israel, and in this hour look on the works of my hands, that as thou hast promised, thou mayst raise up Jerusalem thy city: and that I may bring to pass that which I have purposed, having a belief that it might be done by thee. And when she had said this, she went to the pillar that was at his bed's head, and loosed his sword that hung tied upon it. And when she had drawn it out, she took him by the hair of his head, and said: Strengthen me, O Lord God, at this hour." Judith 13:4-9 DRA
<p>Having taken Holofernes' sword in hand, Judith stands by his bed before she beheads him. Her maid acts as lookout.

Judith Prepares to Behead Holofernes

"But Holofernes lay on his bed, fast asleep, being exceedingly drunk. And Judith spoke to her maid to…

"And all these words pleased Holofernes, and his servants, and they admired her wisdom, and they said one to another: There is not such another woman upon earth in look, in beauty, and in sense of words." Judith 11:18-19 DRA
<p>Judith speaks with Holofernes in his tent. He sits surrounded by his men. Judith is accompanied by her maid.

Judith Speaks with Holofernes

"And all these words pleased Holofernes, and his servants, and they admired her wisdom, and they said…