A Femme Fatale of Whom ‘No One Spoke Ill’: Judith's Moral Muddle and Her Personification of Yahweh

Abstract

Judith's behavior in the Assyrian camp has perplexed commentators for centuries. Even if the circumstances of war can justify the killing of an incursive enemy, Judith's deceit, seduction, and assassination of Holofernes are excessive. Previous scholars have tried to exculpate Judith in various ways, but none of these ways has proven satisfactory, nor have scholars appreciated the full extent of the problem. This article begins by highlighting all of Judith's unseemly actions, some of which have been overlooked by exegetes. After surveying and evaluating the main theories offered in defense of Judith's integrity, this article argues that Judith functions as a unique type of hero. Her role in the story is not exemplary but symbolic, reminding Israel of Yahweh's saving power even though he remains a Deus absconditus. Through her speech, her use of deceit and lethal force, and the type of praise she receives, Judith is depicted in the same manner as Israel's Divine Warrior, rescuing her people on the fortieth day of their distress. This characterization communicates an important message to the book's audience. God's providence has not waned but is paradoxically manifest by one of Israel's most marginalized members: a reclusive widow.