7
When they saw her transformed in appearance and dressed differently, they were very greatly astounded at her beauty and said to her,
8
"May the God of our ancestors grant you favor and fulfill your plans, so that the people of Israel may glory and Jerusalem may be exalted." She bowed down to God.
9
Then she said to them, "Order the gate of the town to be opened for me so that I may go out and accomplish the things you have just said to me." So they ordered the young men to open the gate for her, as she requested.
10
When they had done this, Judith went out, accompanied by her maid. The men of the town watched her until she had gone down the mountain and passed through the valley, where they lost sight of her.
11
As the women were going straight on through the valley, an Assyrian patrol met her
12
and took her into custody. They asked her, "To what people do you belong, and where are you coming from, and where are you going?" She replied, "I am a daughter of the Hebrews, but I am fleeing from them, for they are about to be handed over to you to be devoured.
13
I am on my way to see Holofernes the commander of your army, to give him a true report; I will show him a way by which he can go and capture all the hill country without losing one of his men, captured or slain."
14
When the men heard her words, and observed her face—she was in their eyes marvelously beautiful—they said to her,
15
"You have saved your life by hurrying down to see our lord. Go at once to his tent; some of us will escort you and hand you over to him.
16
When you stand before him, have no fear in your heart, but tell him what you have just said, and he will treat you well."
17
They chose from their number a hundred men to accompany her and her maid, and they brought them to the tent of Holofernes.