In the Book of Judith chapter 5, the Ammonite military captain Achior offers a short history of the Israelites to Nebuchadnezzar’s general Holofernes. Holofernes was a proud general and had immense faith that his men could successfully defeat the Isrealites. Achior warned Holofernes describing the Isrealite people as righteous, blessed and annointed by God. Achior outlines Israel’s immense prosperity as a direct result of it holiness and sanctity, “All the while they did not sin before their God, prosperity was theirs, for they have a God who hates wickedness” (Judith 5:17). From this scripture it appears that Achior was impressed by the way the Jews lived and their immovable faith. Prosperity here is linked to right living, holiness and faithfulness to God, even witnessed by someone outside the Jewish faith. Holofernes disregared Achior’s advice and marched forward into Bethulia where he met the beautiful Jewish widow Judith. Her beauty captivated Holofernes and invited her into his tent. While in a druken stupor, Judith beheads the general and brings the head back to show her people. Holefernes’ men disperse and Judith becomes a heroine among her nation. When Achior sees Holofernes head in the hands of Judith, he converts to Judaism. Achior’s acknowledgement of the Jews being favored by God by its right way of living becomes more real to him and affirms this belief by his conversion.
Israel’s Prosperity was a result of its Righteousness
