How does the story of Judith, in particular, the episode of her cunning in Judith 11:1-16, teach us survival strategies in difficult times, according to the Bible?

Judith’s story is one of the most moving narratives in the Old Testament. Judith, a courageous widow, is a remarkable figure in the Bible who shows how cunning and strategy can be used to survive in difficult times. In Judith 11:1-16, she uses her skills of persuasion to convince the enemy general Holofernes that she is an ally, and thus kills him in his tent in his sleep. This episode is a classic demonstration of Judith’s cunning and the way she used her wits to defeat a much more powerful enemy.

Furthermore, Judith’s story teaches us about the importance of trusting God in difficult times. In Judith 13:18, Judith says, “Praise be to the Lord our God, who today has delivered the enemy into our hand.” Here, Judith recognizes that his victory was not only the work of his cunning, but also the work of divine power and providence. She trusted God to give her the strength and courage she needed to face her enemies.

Another lesson we can learn from Judith’s story is the importance of maintaining moral integrity in difficult times. Judith refuses Holofernes’ advances, maintaining her moral purity and her fidelity to God. She is an exemplary figure of virtue and courage in a world where temptation and oppression are commonplace.

In summary, Judith’s story teaches us that cunning and strategy can be used to survive in difficult times. However, we must also trust God to give us the strength and courage we need to face our enemies. And we must maintain moral integrity and faithfulness to God even in the face of temptation and oppression. Judite’s story is an inspiring example for all of us, showing that we can overcome our fears and face our challenges with trust in God and courage in our hearts.


Aprofunde seus conhecimentos

153. Why is the Church the ‘people of God’?

41. In what way is God the truth?

372. What is the moral conscience?

200. How are sins remitted?

311. Can this sacrament be celebrated in some cases with a general confession and general absolution?

75. What was the first human sin?

561. What is the role of the Holy Spirit in prayer?


Acesse nossos estudos biblicos:

Justification by Faith: What Does the Bible Say? (Romans 1:17)

What is the image of God as shepherd in Ezekiel 34?

How important is gratitude in the story of the healing of the ten lepers, described in Luke 17:11-19?

What is the importance of being faithful to sound doctrine?

What is the responsibility of Christian leaders according to James 3:1-12?

What is the cyclicality of Israel’s history and how is it portrayed in Judges 3-16?

What is Amos’ criticism of superficial religion, and how does he highlight the importance of a genuine heart?