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Judith
Dating
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​Story of a Hebrew widow who saves her people from Assyrian invasion
Signifcance
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Demonstrates faith over military might
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Shows power of Torah-observant woman
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Emphasizes prayer and fasting
Discovery
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Found in Septuagint manuscripts
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Dead Sea Scroll fragments
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Early Hebrew references
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Multiple Greek versions
Transmission
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Through Hebrew diaspora
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Via Greek manuscript tradition
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Early assembly preservation
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Eastern/Western church versions
Language / Translation
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Original language: Hebrew (lost)
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Greek translation survives
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Ancient versions: Latin, Syriac, Coptic
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Jerome's Vulgate version
Genre
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Historical novella
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Resistance literature
Content
The text relates the story of Judith, a devout Torah-observant widow who saves her people through cunning and faith. During the siege of Bethulia by Assyrian forces under Holofernes, Judith maintains strict adherence to dietary laws and prayer practices even while infiltrating the enemy camp. Through her faithfulness to YHWH's commands and courageous action, she delivers her people from destruction. The narrative emphasizes how strict Torah observance, combined with wisdom and courage, enables YHWH's people to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds. It particularly highlights how maintaining faith practices under pressure leads to divine intervention and victory.
Commentary
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