In the story of Judith, the men are making plans to surrender to the enemy’s army and be destroyed. They are without hope. Judith, a God-fearing widow, hears the cowardice of the men and says she will address the issue at hand. She goes into a time of prayer. Judith emerges and prays for the safety of her people, who are slated for total annihilation.
Jdt 10
1 Now after that she had ceased to cry to the God of Israel, and had made an end of all these words.
2 She rose where she had fallen down, and called her maid, and went down into the house in the which she abode in the sabbath days, and in her feast days. – She arose with a knowing, a plan to be implemented.
3 And pulled off the sackcloth which she had on, and put off the garments of her widowhood, and washed her body all over with water, and anointed herself with precious ointment, and braided the hair of her head, and put on a tire upon it, and put on her garments of gladness, wherewith she was clad during the life of Manasses her husband. – Readying for a battle of wit and beauty, bathing, anointing with oil.
4 And she took sandals upon her feet, and put about her her bracelets, and her chains, and her rings, and her earrings, and all her ornaments, and decked herself bravely, to allure the eyes of all men that should see her. – Her armour of God was in both her inner and outer beauty.
7 And when they saw her, that her countenance was altered, and her apparel was changed, they wondered at her beauty very greatly.
14 Now when the men heard her words, and beheld her countenance, they wondered greatly at her beauty.
19 And they wondered at her beauty, and admired the children of Israel because of her, and every one said to his neighbour, Who would despise this people, that have among them such women?
The story goes on for many chapters, and much is made of her great beauty. Understand she is a widow, not young, and yet she is able to “wear” the beauty of God inwardly and outwardly and entirely impress, blow away all who see her.
She is able to gain the confidence of the commander of her enemy’s army, and on the 4th day of her visitation, he drinks way too much and she is able to cut off his head, deliver it to her people that same night, and they hang it on the city wall, where it ultimately turns the tide and her people are saved.
This is not a short story. There are many wonderful details revealed throughout the story of her character and bravery, staying true to God and God’s laws and protecting her people by turning to God first, using her beauty and wit, both gifts of God, and ultimately strategizing a victory plan no man could ever carry out.
This was so meaningful to me. It reminded me not to take for granted the beauty God has given me to use for good in the battles I face. She was also gracious, humble, confident, strong, and she was not a young woman, yet her countenance, her presence, and her grace revealed an otherworldly beauty and Godly nature. She was absolutely amazing!
You can read the entire story in the Septuagint version of the Bible. You need not purchase this if you are on a tight budget; it is available online for free.
I immediately used this strategy, dressed nicely, was well prepared, and went into the ARD meeting to plan Henry’s goals for Special Education. I was warm, friendly, and used a cute picture of Henry on the top of the goals pages I had carefully prepared that I handed out to the committee. I was able to contribute in a meaningful way to the plan and walked away elated that we accomplished a great outcome for him. I left open the idea I would maintain, if possible, 2 speech therapy sessions at home since they would not allow his therapist in the school, which I now have arranged, so he will miss some school hours for this.
I didn’t have to, in this case, be lovely and chop off my enemy’s head while being dressed in my very best, but preparing for battle and having a win is a good reset for what is ahead still in my ongoing fight with the system.