5. The Powerful Help against the Enemy – Judith 13:11-20
The Faces of Mary in Sacred Scripture
The book of Judith presents us with an exemplary account, a kind of
parable, having the purpose of nourishing the faith and courage of the
Israelites oppressed under Hellenistic domination. The story is developed in three scenes: in
the first sweeping act, the principal personages are introduced onto the stage.
(vss. 1-7) In the second, the central act, the drama is dominated by the fully-detailed
figure of Judith (vss. 8-13). Powerful is the scene of Holofernes’ little feast
and the boldness of the widow who cuts off the head of the general with one
blow of the scimitar. In the third and
final act (vss. 14-16), there is the celebration for the heroine.