2
And Judith was left along in the tent, and Holofernes lying along upon his bed: for he was filled with wine.
3
Now Judith had commanded her maid to stand without her bedchamber, and to wait for her. coming forth, as she did daily: for she said she would go forth to her prayers, and she spake to Bagoas according to the same purpose.
4
So all went forth and none was left in the bedchamber, neither little nor great. Then Judith, standing by his bed, said in her heart, O Lord God of all power, look at this present upon the works of mine hands for the exaltation of Jerusalem.
5
For now is the time to help thine inheritance, and to execute thine enterprizes to the destruction of the enemies which are risen against us.
6
Then she came to the pillar of the bed, which was at Holofernes' head, and took down his fauchion from thence,
7
And approached to his bed, and took hold of the hair of his head, and said, Strengthen me, O Lord God of Israel, this day.
8
And she smote twice upon his neck with all her might, and she took away his head from him.
9
And tumbled his body down from the bed, and pulled down the canopy from the pillars; and anon after she went forth, and gave Holofernes his head to her maid;
10
And she put it in her bag of meat: so they twain went together according to their custom unto prayer: and when they passed the camp, they compassed the valley, and went up the mountain of Bethulia, and came to the gates thereof.
11
Then said Judith afar off, to the watchmen at the gate, Open, open now the gate: God, even our God, is with us, to shew his power yet in Jerusalem, and his forces against the enemy, as he hath even done this day.
12
Now when the men of her city heard her voice, they made haste to go down to the gate of their city, and they called the elders of the city.