This verse from Judith 12:7 provides several important pieces of information about Judith's cunning and her plan to assassinate Holofernes:
"Holofernes commanded his guards that they should not stop her." This shows that Judith has already gained Holofernes' trust and favor. He is giving her special privileges, allowing her to move freely within the Assyrian camp. This is a crucial part of her plan, as it gives her the opportunity to get close to him.
"She stayed in the camp three days..." This establishes the time frame during which Judith is observing Holofernes and the Assyrian camp, and further solidifying Holofernes' trust in her.
"...and went out every night into the valley of Bethulia..." This statement is deliberately deceptive. Bethulia is the Jewish city Judith is supposedly "betraying." It would be highly unusual for her to leave camp at night, especially to travel to a place that is considered enemy territory. This suggests she is lying about where she goes.
"...and washed herself at the fountain of water in the camp." The valley of Bethulia is nowhere near a fountain within the Assyrian camp. The water fountain is meant to imply she is performing a ritual purification, which would be seen as a righteous act by Holofernes and his guards, thus increasing their trust.
In summary, this verse highlights the following:
Judith's Strategy: The verse reveals Judith's calculated approach. She is using deception, feigning piety, and taking advantage of Holofernes' attraction to her to gain his trust and access.
Holofernes' Blind Spot: Holofernes is easily manipulated by Judith's beauty and her claims of being a traitor to her own people. He believes she will help him conquer Bethulia and is blinded to her true intentions.
Religious Undertones: The reference to washing at the fountain has religious significance. Judith is portraying herself as a devout woman, which would have been appealing to Holofernes, and may have contributed to his willingness to trust her. However, it is worth noting that the reference to purification rituals are meant to further mislead Holofernes.
The verse sets the stage for the climax of the story, where Judith will use her access to Holofernes to kill him and save her people.
This verse from Judith 12:7 provides several important pieces of information about Judith's cunning and her plan to assassinate Holofernes:
"Holofernes commanded his guards that they should not stop her." This shows that Judith has already gained Holofernes' trust and favor. He is giving her special privileges, allowing her to move freely within the Assyrian camp. This is a crucial part of her plan, as it gives her the opportunity to get close to him.
"She stayed in the camp three days..." This establishes the time frame during which Judith is observing Holofernes and the Assyrian camp, and further solidifying Holofernes' trust in her.
"...and went out every night into the valley of Bethulia..." This statement is deliberately deceptive. Bethulia is the Jewish city Judith is supposedly "betraying." It would be highly unusual for her to leave camp at night, especially to travel to a place that is considered enemy territory. This suggests she is lying about where she goes.
"...and washed herself at the fountain of water in the camp." The valley of Bethulia is nowhere near a fountain within the Assyrian camp. The water fountain is meant to imply she is performing a ritual purification, which would be seen as a righteous act by Holofernes and his guards, thus increasing their trust.
In summary, this verse highlights the following:
Judith's Strategy: The verse reveals Judith's calculated approach. She is using deception, feigning piety, and taking advantage of Holofernes' attraction to her to gain his trust and access.
Holofernes' Blind Spot: Holofernes is easily manipulated by Judith's beauty and her claims of being a traitor to her own people. He believes she will help him conquer Bethulia and is blinded to her true intentions.
Religious Undertones: The reference to washing at the fountain has religious significance. Judith is portraying herself as a devout woman, which would have been appealing to Holofernes, and may have contributed to his willingness to trust her. However, it is worth noting that the reference to purification rituals are meant to further mislead Holofernes.
The verse sets the stage for the climax of the story, where Judith will use her access to Holofernes to kill him and save her people.
