1
Now in those days Judith heard about these things: she was the daughter of Merari son of Ox son of Joseph son of Oziel son of Elkiah son of Ananias son of Gideon son of Raphain son of Ahitub son of Elijah son of Hilkiah son of Eliab son of Nathanael son of Salamiel son of Sarasadai son of Israel.
2
Her husband Manasseh, who belonged to her tribe and family, had died during the barley harvest.
3
For as he stood overseeing those who were binding sheaves in the field, he was overcome by the burning heat, and took to his bed and died in his town Bethulia. So they buried him with his ancestors in the field between Dothan and Balamon.
4
Judith remained as a widow for three years and four months
5
at home where she set up a tent for herself on the roof of her house. She put sackcloth around her waist and dressed in widow's clothing.