Judith

Condemnation and Liberation of Achior

When the commotion among the men gathered around the tent had subsided, Holofernes, the commander-in-chief of the Assyrian army, said to Achior in front of all the foreigners and the people of Moab:

“Who are you, Achior, you and all the people bribed by Israel to prophesy against us as you have done today? Why do you counsel us not to make war on the race of Israel because their God will cover them with a shield? Who is God, if not Nebuchadnezzar? He will send out his army and wipe them off the face of the earth, and their God will not save them.

But we, the king’s servants, will crush them as though they were just one man. They will not withstand the onslaught of our horses.

We will burn the whole lot of them in their own homes. Their mountains will be soaked with their blood; their plains will be full of their dead. They will not be able to hold their ground before us. Most surely, they will perish, as King Nebuchadnezzar, lord of all the earth, had foretold. He said it, and his words will not be in vain.

But you, Achior, an Ammonite mercenary who has today uttered these words to your shame, from now on, you will not see my face until I avenge myself on this race who came from Egypt.

The sword of my soldiers and the lance of my officers will pierce your sides. When I return from battle, your body will be with all the dead of Israel.

My servants will lead you into the mountains and lay you in one of the towns on the slopes,

so that you will share the same fate as the rest of them.

But don’t be so upset if you think they won’t be taken. I have spoken, and none of my words will be spoken in vain.”

Holofernes ordered his guards in the tent to seize Achior, take him to Bethulia, and turn him over to the Israelites.

The servants seized him and took him outside the camp onto the plain. They led him to the mountain region. They reached the springs at the foot of Bethulia.

When the men of the town at the top of the mountain saw them coming, they grabbed their weapons, left the town, and went to the mountain’s summit. Those who had catapults tried to stop their ascent by slinging stones at them.

The guards took shelter, tied up Achior, and left him lying on the ground at the foot of the mountain. Then they returned to their lord.

The Israelites left the town and went up to Achior. After untying him, they led him to Bethulia and brought him before the town’s leaders.

During those days, the leaders were Uzziah, son of Micah of the tribe of Simeon; Chabris, son of Gothoniel; and Charmis, son of Melchiel.

When they called a meeting of all the elders, the young people and women also joined the gathering. They placed Achior among the crowd, and Uzziah asked him what had happened.

He explained to them about the council meeting with Holofernes and everything he had said to the Assyrian leaders. He also told them about Holofernes’ threatening words against Israel.

The people fell to the ground, worshiped God, and called upon his help, saying:

“Lord God of Heaven, consider the arrogance of the Assyrians and have mercy on your humiliated people. Look upon those who are dedicated to you this day.”

They encouraged Achior and congratulated him warmly.

Then Uzziah led him from the assembly into his own house and hosted a meal for the elders. Throughout the night, the people called upon the God of Israel, begging Him to come to their aid.