Judith, chapter 10, is worth highlighting. This chapter is set apart from the others, because Judith is moving forward on her mission, life will never be the same after this moment for all the characters of this book.
The chapter begins with Judith praying to God [10:1], when she has is done she gets up, summons her maid, and gets dressed for battle. Her battle garb isn't as you would suspect, it's not armor, but rather perfume, a robe of joy, jewelry, she is making herself beautiful from head to toe. [10:3-5] We know that Judith a beautiful widow, now she is utilizing her Godly gifts to do His will, to save the Israelites.
Before leaving Bethulia, for her intended purpose, General Holofernes, Judith hands her provision to her maid, and makes her way to Uzziah, who upon seeing her is "lost in admiration for her beauty" [10:7]. He says to her "May the God of our fathers bring you to favor, and make your undertaking a success" [10:8]. In response, Judith worships to God, then orders the gates be opened for her and her maid - the gates are opened and she and her maid exit. All the men of the town watch the two women as they make their way down the mountain and across the valley, until the can no longer see them. [10:9-10] Why is that important? It illustrates the captivating spell Judith is able to put men under with her beauty, this is in fact her weapon.
When the Assyrian army intercepts the women, just as Judith has planned, she is seized and questioned. When asked which side she is on, Judith replies "I am a daughter of the Hebrews and I am fleeing from them since they will soon be your prey." [10:12] She is telling these men exactly what they want to hear, and let's face it, they aren't really listening, the gospel says "they stared in astonishment at the sight of such a beautiful woman" [10:14]. She's got them right where she wants them, at her command. She asked to meet with Holofernes, to give him "trustworthy information" and of course they comply with her request. After all, all men do!
She is led to Holofernes tent by one hundred Assyrian men, who upon delivering her, tell her "do not be afraid" in the presence of Holofernes [10:16]. This is an interesting statement, for Holofernes is feared by everyone - except Judith! As she waits to be introduced to Holofernes, a crowd forms around her and all are "immediately impressed by her beauty" [10:19] and were thus impressed with the Israelites, because of her. She is an ambassador now as well! The Assyrians are saying "Who could despise a people who have women like this? Better not leave one of them alive; let any go and they could twist the whole world around their fingers!" [10:19]. This serves as a warning, since the crowd kept saying it, but when Holofernes sees Judith he's done for and he doesn't even know it!
Imagine this scene, the first meeting between Judith and Holofernes...she is led into his tent, by his body guards, and there he is laying on his bed under a canopy of purple and gold that's adorned with emerald and other precious stones [10:21]. Judith is announced and allowed to enter the tent. When she confronts Holofernes and and his adjunct general, they are both astonished by her beauty, so much so, that when she kneels down before him, to pay homage, his servant raises her from the ground [10:23]. She is not below him, she isn't his equal, she is above him, for she has successfully breeched his fortress, with the help of his own bodyguards, and has mesmerized him, all in a matter of minutes.
Let's reflect on Judith 10:8 "May the God of our fathers bring you to favor, and make your undertaking a success" [10:8]. What a beautiful thing to say! Uzziah has faith in Judith's abilities and trusts that God will guide her on her mission. He is wishing that God bring her favor, which means honor and approval, and asks further that God makes her undertaking a success, that she be triumphant!
Couldn't we all use God's favor and success? What if you already HAVE it!?
What endeavors in your life are God approved? How does God show you he approves?
What success(es) have you already had? How did God help you? How did you thank Him?
