JUDITH

By Bill McCann 

Summary

The play is a testimony to the power and faithfulness of God, based on the old testament book of Judith. The action takes place in the small mountain city of Bethulia and on the plains below the city where the mighty army of King Nebuchadnezzer and general Holofernes is prepared to attack Bethulia. The play depicts  how God  saves the  weak and gives the humble victory over the proud and mighty.  

CAST OF CHARACTERS
(In order of appearance)

JUDITH, a very beautiful, courageous, godly nineteen year old Hebrew woman, citizen of Bethulia, a village in the mountains surrounding Jerusalem.

ZILPHA, Judith’s longtime maid and servant since Judith’s childhood

HOLOFERNES, ruthless, powerful, arrogant, merciless general of the Assyrian army, chief of the forces of King Nebuchadnezzer.

FIRST  WARRIOR, soldier in the army of general Holofernes

SECOND  WARRIOR, soldier in the army of general Holofernes

ACHIOR, handsome, fearless warrior, leader of the Amorites who have joined the army of Holofernes to conquer and destroy Bethulia

FIRST VOICE IN THE CROWD, a citizen of Bethulia

SECOND VOICE IN THE CROWD, a citizen of Bethulia

UZZIAH, leader of the people of Bethulia

FIRST SOLDIER, a soldier defending Bethulia

THIRD VOICE IN THE CROWD, a citizen of Bethulia

GUARD, one of general Holofernes’ guards

BAGOAS, chief servant and steward of general Holofernes

Script

Act One
Scene One

SCENE. The city square of Bethulia, a walled Hebrew village nestled in the desert mountains surrounding Jerusalem 150 years before Christ. Soldiers are standing guard on the village wall. It is evening twilight, the city square is gaily decorated with wagons and booths set among the trees. The wagons and booths are loaded with fruits, vegetables, bread, wine, various goods of all kinds, to celebrate the Feast of Booths, the harvest celebration ordained by God hundreds of years earlier. As the curtain rises, young village girls, dressed in long brightly colored festive dresses, are dancing, with tambourines, a lively Israeli folk dance. As the dancing ends and the dancers mingle with the people at the booths and wagons, Judith, a beautiful nineteen year old girl, dressed in a black mourning gown enters with an older woman, her maid, Zilpha. They walk slowly towards center stage as they talk.

JUDITH. (Waving her arm over the wagons and produce, smiles at Zilpha) See how the Lord has blessed his people, Zilpha. Our vineyards are heavy with grapes to gladden the heart and our fields with grain for bread to feed our children. (Judith stops, picks up a loaf of bread from a wagon. She sighs.) How I wanted to bear children for Manasseh, Zilpha, but that was not to be. It does not seem as though he has been gone three years now, does it Zilpha? It was just three years ago at this time, the time of the barley harvest that Manasseh died. Do you remember Zilpha? 

ZILPHA. Yes I do, mistress and I grieve for you because you loved him so much. (Zilpha affectionately takes Judith’s hand.) But that was three years ago and, mistress, you are still in mourning. You can still have a house full of strong young sons and beautiful daughters. You are still young enough. You are not yet twenty years of age and still the most beautiful woman in all of Israel. (Zilpha pleads with Judith as the two resume their slow walk) Why will you have nothing to do with Abraham, son of Barukk? He is such a warrior and so handsome. How many times he has asked you to be his wife, yet you decline. And Pheneus, son of Eliazar. He too wants you as his wife. And all the others; but no, you spurn them all to spend your days and nights in your upper room praying, fasting and reading the law and the prophets.

JUDITH. (Lovingly caressing Zilpha’s cheek with her hand) Zilpha...  Zilpha, from my youth you have cared for me as a most faithful servant. You, of all people, know that even before I married, I had dedicated myself to the Lord God, Jehovah, to be his handmaid. My desire, my happiness, is in serving the Lord, my God, in ways that please him. And, although I did want to give children to my husband, I will now dedicate my widowhood and my life to the Lord. The Lord will guide me, Zilpha.

ZILPHA. (Haults, looks at Judith, frustrated) Mistress, I know very well how you love the Lord and have devoted yourself to prayer and fasting before him. If you had been widowed after years of marriage, surrounded by your children and grandchildren... well, yes devote your remaining years of widowhood to serving our God. But you are so young... so beautiful. Manasseh died the first year of your marriage. You were only sixteen. You are not yet twenty and beautifully formed, fully developed to bear children... sons who will defend our city and also you, mistress, in your old age.

JUDITH. (Smiling sweetly, looks into Zilpha’s eyes) The Lord is quite capable of defending me... and this city, Zilpha.

ZILPHA. (Exasperated) I know, I know that, mistress. But he does it by raising up strong, stalwart sons...courageous and valiant in battle. (Zilpha lowers her voice in urgent pleading) Not even your beauty, mistress, can cheat the years of their inevitable journey to the grave.

JUDITH. (Puts her arm around Zilpha’s shoulder lovingly as the two resume their walk) It’s alright, Zilpha, I am the handmaid of the Lord. If it is his good pleasure that I should marry again, he will reveal to me the man. Let it be done to me according to his will. (Smiles at Zilpha) Now come, Zilpha, it is time for evening prayer. Let us pray that the Lord, our God, will rescue us from the mighty army of Nebuchadnezzer and his general, Holofernes. They have already conquered the powerful armies of Egypt and Tyre and have destroyed cities far larger and better equipped for war than we are. (Begins to exit) It is rumored that General Holofernes has vowed to conquer and destroy us and that his army will be upon us before next years harvest. Come, Zilpha, it is time to humble ourselves before the Lord, our God and call on him to save us. 
( Exit Judith and Zilpha.)

Scene Two

SCENE. One year later. The field headquarters tent of General Holofernes, commander of the armies of King Nebuchadnezzer. The tent is decorated with various shields, spears, axes, swords, and articles of war. A field cot, covered with a blanket, is seen at the rear of the room. (Up c) At stage left is a large wooden table and chairs, at which Achior, a young, fierce looking, bearded warrior and three of Holofernes’ officers are seated. Armed guards are posted near the table. As the curtain rises, General Holofernes, dressed in his uniform, sword buckled at his right hip, is slowly pacing back and forth in front of the table where Achior and the three officers, all in uniform, are seated looking at him. The general, dark complexion, shoulder length hair tied neatly at the back of his neck, a very prominent, ugly, jagged, scar running from under his left eye to just above a well trimmed dark moustache and beard, brown eyes blazing with anger, displays total power in his every action and full authority in every word he speaks. No frivolity escapes his lips. He is a single minded man on a mission to conquer and subdue the world for his king. His manner, his whole being, exudes merciless, ruthless, power.)

GENERAL HOLOFERNES. (Stops pacing, leans earnestly toward the warriors at the table, lifts his arms in angry frustration) Who are these Israelite dogs that they dare defy the armies of the great king Nebrchadnezzer? Have these people of Bethulia not heard what our armies have done to nations far greater than these jackals? Don’t they know that we have utterly destroyed the mighty nations of Egypt, Mesapatomia, Tyre and Persia and have devastated all the land from the Euphrates to the sea?

FIRST WARRIOR. (Pounds on the table with fury) YES! And we will destroy these Hebrew pigs as well! We will leave their rotting corpses as food for the dogs, my general.

HOLOFERNES. (His anger mounting, begins to pace about for a moment, then turns again to the men at the table) Our vast armies defeated and executed mighty king Araphax and many other powerful kings who themselves defeated many nations greater than this little mountain village. Have these people of Bethulia not heard how we pillaged cities far greater and more powerful than they are...cities with walls thirty feet thick and towers seventy feet high? (Calms himself somewhat, pauses, looks at each warrior questioningly) Who are these infidel dogs that they should defy the mighty armies of the great king Nebuchadnezzer and his general Holofernes? How large is their army? In what does their power and strength consist? Do they think that they can stand between our armies and the destruction of Jerusalem?

SECOND WARRIOR. (Stands, shakes his fist at the air in a rage) Our swords will drip with their blood, my general! Their children will be dashed upon the rocks below their walls! We will use their woman for our pleasure...then kill them! We will teach these curs to defy the army of King Nebuchadnezzer! (He sits still fuming) 

HOLOFERNES. (His rage building again, his voice grows louder) Even now they fortify their little village, Bethulia. Why do they refuse to surrender to me as have all the other nations? Ha! I will crush them like scorpions under my boots. (Pounds his right fist into his left hand) I swear...I will fill the valley with their blood and feed their flesh to the birds of the air. 

ACHIOR. (Rising from his seat at the table, waits for the general to calm a bit then looks at him intently) My lord, general Holofernes, I am Achior, leader of the Amorites whose loyalty to king Nebuchadnezzer and to you, my lord general, is well known. With your permission, my lord, I will tell you the truth about these people, the Israelites, and their God... and why they defy you and the mighty army of King Nebuchadnezzer. (Pauses. Looks at the soldiers, then back at Holofernes) The Hebrews are well known by my people, my lord...what I speak is the truth. (He steps from behind the table, faces the audience.) (Down c) Many years ago, at the command of their God, a certain Chaldean, named Abraham, left the land of his people and abandoned the gods of his ancestors to worship this God which the Hebrews call Yahweh. Abraham’s son, Isaac, was the father of two sons, Esau and Jacob, each of whom became the head of a great nation. But it was Jacob, called Israel, who sired twelve sons, the patriarchs of the twelve tribes of Israel. (Pauses...paces back and forth a few steps... looks at Holofernes, and the others... then back to the audience.) Forced by famine to migrate to Egypt, they became so numerous in that land that Pharaoh, fearing their strength and numbers, pressed them into slavery for four hundred years. But when they cried out to their God, he struck the land of Egypt with plagues for which there was no remedy. When their God struck dead the first born male of every man and beast, including the son of Pharaoh himself, the Egyptians expelled them from their land. (Pauses...returns to his place behind the table looks at Holofernes) The God of these people led them forth with great power and might, parting the sea to bring them through on dry land to my country, the land of the Amorites, Hittites and Jebusites. So long as the Israelites did not sin in the sight of their God, they were victorious and prospered... for their God was with them. But when they sinned... when they rebelled against his commandments... their God, who hates wickedness, punished them with defeat and exile. So, my lord, Holofernes... if these people have rebelled against their God, we will be able to go up and defeat them. But if they are not a guilty nation, you should withdraw from them for their God, who is mighty, shall surely defend them and we shall be destroyed. 

(Achior sits...the other warriors, murmuring in anger against Achior and his advice, suddenly 
rise up ready to lay hold of Achior to strike him) 

HOLOFERNES. (In a rage) Traitor! (Points to Achior. Motions for the guards to seize him.) Seize him! 

(The guards take Achior in custody.) 

HOLOFERNES.  (With suppressed rage, Holofernes glares at Achior) Who are you, Achior, to prophesy against us telling us not to fight against the Israelites because their God protects them? What god is there beside Nebuchadnezzer? He will send his forces and destroy them from the face of the earth. (Holofernes, his anger rising, pounds his fist on the table) I will destroy the Israelites and their God will not be able to save them. I will strike them down as one man for they will not be able to withstand the force of our armies. We have thousands of picked troops trained for battle... they cover the land like locusts as far as the eye can see. (His anger and voice rises even more. He points again at Achior) TRAITOR! How dare you say that the little village of Bethulia and their God will destroy us. I will overwhelm these fools and their God will not be able to save them. The mountains will be drenched with their blood and the plains strewn with their bones! (Holofernes, calming just a bit, turns to the guards.) Bind this traitor hand and foot... take him to the gates of Bethulia and leave him there. You are a fool Achior! Within a few days the army of Nebuchadnezzer will descend upon Bethulia. The village and everyone in it will be destroyed and you, Achior, will die with them by my sword... unless.... (Holofernes begins to laugh loudly) Unless, of course.... (Laughs louder) their God saves them.....and you. (His laugh develops into roaring laughter as he exits.) 
(Curtain)

Scene Three 

SCENE. Bethulia city square, one year after the feast of booths celebration. Instead of wagons of abundance, dancing, joy and laughter, the square is now filled with an angry, terrified, crowd calling for Uzziah, head of the City Council, and the army general with him, to surrender to Holofernes. Uzziah, a balding, rather weak looking, pudgy, middle aged man dressed in a long robe, and the general, who is dressed in his military uniform, are standing on a platform, (up c) looking out over the crowd which has formed all around them. As the curtain opens the crowd is shouting for the surrender of the city. “ Surrender!” “Surrender!” “We can’t fight them!” “They’re too strong for us!” “ They will kill us all!” “We’ll be destroyed! Better to be slaves than die!” 

FIRST VOICE IN THE CROWD. (Calls out in a loud voice) Uzziah, leaders of our country, commanders of our forces. Tell us... what plan do you have for the defense of this village? The forces of Nebuchadnezzer covers the plains below our mountains like water covers the sea and they threaten to slaughter every man woman and child within our walls. We have no choice but to surrender and be their slaves.

(The crowd again calls loudly for surrender)

CROWD. We will all be killed! They are too strong for us! Surrender the city to Nebuchadnezzer! Surrender! Surrender!

SECOND VOICE IN THE CROWD. (In a loud voice as well) Leaders and captains of our army, hear what I have to say. We know that the rulers of Jerusalem have told us to hold, at all costs, the passes which offer access to Judea and Jerusalem, but this we cannot do. Our leaders call on us to do the impossible. We are a small city with a small army. The army of Nebuchadnezzer has cut off our water supply...our people faint with thirst in our streets. They cannot be defeated. Surrender now and perhaps they will spare our lives. 

(Again, like before, the crowd screams for surrender as three soldiers enter with Achior, in their custody. Achior, hands bound with rope, is thrust before Uzziah. The crowd becomes 
suddenly silent. Uzziah looks at the bound man for a moment then turns and addresses the soldiers)

UZZIAH. Bring the man forward! Who is this and where did he come from? (Pauses) How did you capture him... where did you find him? Tell us what this is all about.

FIRST SOLDIER. (Continuing to hold Achior by the arm, looks at Uzziah) Sir, I was on guard duty at the outpost on the western wall when I noticed a squad of Assyrian soldiers ascending from the plains below where Nebuchadnezzer’s forces are encamped. Thinking that they might have been sent to spy on us to assess our strength, I watched them carefully. Just as I was about to alert my commander to their presence, I noticed that they were dragging (Points to Achior) this man up the pass. When they reached the village gate, they left the man there and scrambled back down the pass to the plain below. I immediately signaled my two brothers (Motions to the two soldiers with him) to assist me. After ascertaining that the man was alone and bound, we cut the bonds off his legs and brought him inside. He is here now for you to question and take such further action as seems prudent to you.

UZZIAH. (Looking suspiciously at Achior) What is your name, warrior, and why were you left at our gates? Explain to us why you are here and what your purpose is. (Pauses) Oh, and warrior...let your words speak nothing but the truth. Let no lie or deception escape your lips for, believe me... your life depends on it. 

ACHIOR. (Looks up at Uzziah) My lord, I am Achior, leader of the Amorites who, along with others, have joined with the army of Nebuchadnezzer to form the mighty force which is now encamped on the plains below your city. (Pauses, looks left and right at the crowd then back to Uzziah) The army on the plains below you is a mighty force. It has destroyed every nation from the Euphrates to the sea, from Egypt to Persia and has sworn to destroy you. (Pauses. Again looks at the crowd. Then back to Uzziah) My lord, from my youth I have been told of the power and majesty of your God... how your leader, Moses, defeated Sihon and Og, kings of my people.... how Joshua brought down the great walls of Jericho and of other mighty deeds your God has wrought for your people. (Looks around at the crowd, then back to Uzziah) At the council called by General Holofernes to plan his attack against you, I spoke the truth, warning him that your God performs mighty deeds, parts the waters of the sea and destroys nations that fight against you. I spoke in truth to him advising him that he would not prevail if your God was pleased with you and came to your defense. (Pause) It is for that reason that General Holofernes had me taken to your village to witness your annihilation and kill me with his sword. 

UZZIAH. Achior, we have heard reports about the strength of the army on the plains below us. Are the reports we have heard true? When do they intend to attack? Can we defend ourselves against them?

ACHIOR. (Looking at Uzziah) What you have heard is true, my lord... this army has destroyed large walled cities far stronger and greater than you. They wait but a few more days for your men to faint with fear and then crush you with little resistance. (Looks around, speaks to the 
crowd) You have no chance... unless your God saves you.

CROWD. (Again shouts for the surrender of the city) Surrender! Surrender! We can’t fight them! They’re too strong for us! They will kill us all! We’ll be destroyed! Better to be slaves than killed. 

THIRD VOICE IN THE CROWD. (Cries out in a loud voice) God judge between you and us, Uzziah. You have done us a great injustice by not surrendering to Holofernes and his army and now we lay prostrate before them, dying of thirst and unable to so much as lift a sword to defeat them. There is no help for us now, no hope to escape annihilation by the Assyrians.(He pauses as Uzziah steps closer leaning towards him to listen) Leaders of Bethulia, you have only one choice... there is only one thing you can do.... there is no other way. You must summon the army of Nebuchadnezzer and deliver the whole village as booty to the troops of Holofernes and to all his forces. We will indeed be made slaves but at least we will live and not watch our wives and children die before our eyes. (Pause) Uzziah... leaders of our village, do as we demand this very day. Surrender to the Assyrians now!

(The crowd breaks into loud wailing and shrill cries demanding surrender)

UZZIAH (Raising both hands calling for silence) My brothers... my brothers... people of Bethulia...Hear me! (He pauses waiting for silence) All that you have said is true. Your words are like a piercing arrow in my ears. Yes, I know the desperation and hopelessness of our situation. Do not I sense the fear and despair of the people of our village as you do? (He pauses, then walks slowly left, then right, on the platform leaning slightly toward the crowd, extending his arms in a plea as he continues) But, take courage my brothers, listen to what I have to say. Let us wait five days more for the Lord, our God, to show his mercy toward us. He will not utterly forsake us. Our God is an awesome God. Remember how he rescued our fathers and destroyed Pharaoh’s horses, chariots and army in the sea. (Uzziah pauses, looks out over the crowd) My brothers... if in the next five days help does not come to us and our God does not rescue us...I SWEAR TO YOU, by my solemn oath, that I will do as you say and will deliver the whole village into the hands of Holofernes and his army. Now return to your homes, my people, and pray to the Lord our God that he will have mercy on us and deliver us from the hands of our enemy. (Uzziah points to Achior) Guards... take this man to his cell and guard him well. The council will decide what to do with him.

( Uzziah begins to exit as the curtain closes)

Scene IV

SCENE. (A room in Judith’s home, late afternoon. Judith, still dressed in mourning clothes, is seated on a soft couch (L) as Uzziah and three other leaders of the village enter. The room is femininely decorated with pillows, plants, flowers, rugs, pictures, etc. Opposite the couch, (rc) are two small tables and several chairs. Judith motions for the men to be seated in chairs facing her. 
JUDITH. Please be seated, my brothers.

(The men bow to her and sit. Judith folds her hands in her lap. Looks intently at the men seated opposite her) 

JUDITH. Welcome to my home, leaders of Bethulia. I am honored that you considered my request to meet with you. (Pause. Judith leans forward toward the men, a look of urgency on her face) I am aware of the situation that faces this village and the events that have earlier transpired in the village square... The demands of our people and your promise to surrender the village in five days if help does not come to us has been reported to me.

UZZIAH (Bowing slightly to Judith) We and all Bethulia, held your husband, Manasseh, in great respect dear friend, Judith. We still remember him fondly even though it has been over three years since his death. And we know you to be a woman of much knowledge and godly wisdom. We know that God is with you. (He pauses, looking briefly at the men with him and back to Judith) We are anxious to hear your words at this time when there seems to be no hope for us. We have no way to defend our village against the vast army encamped against us and God has turned a deaf ear to our cry. We will attend carefully to whatever you have to say.

JUDITH. (Stands, paces for a moment as she thinks, then stops and seriously addresses the elders) Listen to me you rulers of Bethulia. What you said to the people today was not wise...it was wrong. When you promised, by your oath, to hand over the city to our enemies at the end of five days unless within that time the Lord comes to our aid, you interposed between God and yourselves this oath that you took. (She paces back and forth a few steps, eyes down thinking, then stops, looks again at the elders) Do you not understand what you have done? It is the 
Lord God Almighty for whom you are laying down conditions. (Pauses...Looks at Uzziah) Who are you, Uzziah, that you should put God to the test and issue to him an ultimatum? (Looks at all) No, my brothers, do not anger the Lord our God. For if he does not wish to come to our aid within five days, he has it equally within his power to rescue us in ten days or at such time that he pleases. It is not for you to make the Lord our God give surety for his plans. God is not man that he can be moved by threats, nor human that he may be given an ultimatum. (Returns to the sofa and sits. Leans forward looking intently at the men ) Therefore, my brothers, let us wait for the salvation that comes from our God, let us call upon him to help us and he will hear our cry if it is his good pleasure.

UZZIAH. (Leaning toward Judith) All that you have said, my sister, was spoken with wisdom and truth. No one can dispute your words. Not only today is your wisdom made evident, but from your earliest years all the people have recognized your prudence. You are indeed a woman of God. But the people are so tortured with fear that they forced us to speak to them as we did and to bind ourselves with an oath that we cannot break. 

JUDITH. (Addressing all the men) My brothers, listen to me. If we surrender this city and hand over the passes to our enemies, all Judea will fall, our sanctuaries and temples will be desecrated. We will be blamed for the slaughter of our kinsmen, the exile of our women and children and the devastation of our inheritance. (Pauses, puts one hand on her chest) The blood of our people will be upon us. Our enslavement will not be turned to our benefit. We will be a mockery and a reproach in the eyes of our masters. We will be an everlasting disgrace. (Holds her hands slightly out to the men) No, my brothers, the Lord our God is not pleased with cowards. He rescues those who put their trust in him and do not fall back. Take courage, my brothers. Fear is useless, trust is what is needed. Stand at the gate tonight and let me pass through with my maid. Send Achior to me for I will have need of him. (Leans toward the seated men) Do not inquire into what I am doing for I will not tell you. Call an assembly and pray without ceasing. The Lord’s arm is not too short to save, nor is his ear too dull to hear. The Lord our God will deliver us from the hands of our enemies. Now...(Judith stands.) Please let me prepare... and meet me at the gate tonight. 

( The men stand, bow to Judith and exit in silence. Judith takes a deep breath... then calls her maid.)

JUDITH. Zilpha! 
(Zilpha enters)

ZILPHA. You called mistress?

JUDITH. Yes, Zilpha, I need you to help me. (Judith laughs) You have been urging me for three years now to end my time of mourning for my husband and to make myself an object of beauty and desire before men. (Laughs louder) Now, Zilpha, prepare my bath. Bring out the richest ointment and best perfume. After I bathe and apply perfume, you will arrange my hair with pearls and a diamond fillet. (Pauses, puts her finger to her chin, thinking) Bring me my gold bracelets, my anklets, sapphire rings, ruby earrings and all my other jewelry. Then go to my wardrobe, bring my finest sandals and the beautiful festive gown I wore when I married Manasseh. Oh...and fill your cloth bag with cheese, meat, figs, bread and some fruit, Zilpha...and bring a skin of wine. We leave the city tonight. And Zilpha.... when we are ready to leave, tell Uzziah to bring Achior to the gate. (Smiles, puts her arm around Zilpha and begins to exit with her) It is time, Zilph, for your mistress to shed her widow’s gown and come out of mourning. 
( Exit Judith and Zilpha.)
(Curtain)

Act II
Scene One

SCENE. (Curtain closed. The scene is a mountain trail leading from Bethulia to the plains below. It is nighttime. Achior, dressed in his military uniform, Judith, wearing all her jewelry and dressed in a beautiful dress, and Zilpha, in a plain robe, quietly creep down the pass toward Nebuchadnezzer’s army. Zilpha is carrying a large cloth bag of food and a skin of wine.

JUDITH. Zilpha, I see you brought the bag of food and wine with you. I am pleased.

ZILPHA. Yes mistress, just as you instructed me. The food is in this bag and the wine is here.
(Zilpha holds up the bag and wine)

JUDITH. (Looks at Achior) Achior, you told me that the men who were under your command are guarding our water supply. Will they still obey you? 

ACHIOR. Yes, Judith, those men are far from camp and are not aware of what has transpired. They will do as I command.

JUDITH. (Smiles at Achior) The enemy is just below. We will soon be stopped by soldiers guarding the camp. Zilpha and I will proceed on alone from here. Achior... remain here out of sight until we return. The God that I serve will protect you. Your reward for helping us will be great.

ACHIOR. May your God, who protected your people in the desert
be your shield and your protection, valiant lady. I will be here when you return. 

(Judith smiles at Achior, nods a farewell as she and Zilpha exit.) (Achior sits as the lights black out.)

Scene Two 

SCENE. (Field Headquarters of General Holofernes, the same night. As the curtain opens, the general, wearing his uniform, sword buckled at his right hip, is pacing back and forth in front of a conference table.(L) Three of his officers, also in uniform, are seated at the table facing him. A fourth chair (the general’s) is vacant and located on the opposite side of the table from the other three. The general stops pacing, steps to the back of his chair, places both hands on it and looks intently at his officers)

HOLOFERNES. Very well then, we are all agreed. You will immediately supply and prepare your troops for battle. We attack Bethulia in five days. If there is no further business you are all dismissed to return to your troops. (Pause, he looks at each man) You are warriors... I expect each one of you to....

(Holofernes is cut off in mid sentence as suddenly a guard, obviously excited, bursts into the room. Holofernes turns on him viciously)

HOLOFERNES. Guard! Do you dare interrupt your general when he is in conference with his commanders? I have killed men for less than that. Your reason had better be a good one. What is it? 

GUARD. (All out of breath) Forgive me, my general, but all the camp knows that you are making plans to attack Bethulia soon. We have just now captured one of the citizens of that village who says she has information that will help you take the village and bring you victory. I thought you might want to interrogate her without delay.

HOLOFERNES. (Raising an eyebrow) SHE? She has information to give me? It is a woman then? 

GUARD. (Smiles an evil smile) Yes, general, she is very much a woman.

HOLOFERNES. (Looking suddenly interested sits down in his chair) Bring her in.

(The guard leaves and returns with Judith. The men and Holofernes himself, marvel at her beauty. Approaching Holofernes, Judith throws herself to the floor prostrate before him. Holofernes motions to his guards to raise her up. She stands before him, eyes to the floor.)

HOLOFERNES. (Smiles benevolently on Judith) Take courage lady, have no fear in your heart. I am told that you bring information that will be of help to us. Never have I harmed anyone who chose to serve Nebuchadnezzer, king of all the earth... Nor would I have raised my spear against your people who dwell in the mountain region had they not despised me and brought this upon themselves. In any case you have come to safety. Take courage, your life will be spared. No one will harm you. But now tell me why you fled from them and came to us.

JUDITH. (Hands clasped in front of her dress, looks up to the general.) My lord, listen to the words of your servant and allow your handmaid to speak in your presence. I will tell no lie to my lord this night. If you follow out the words of your handmaid, God will give you complete success.... and my lord will not fail in any of his undertaking. (She pauses, glances at the officers and then looks back to Holofernes) Indeed we have heard of your wisdom and all the world is aware that you alone, in all the kingdoms of the earth, are competent, mighty and distinguished in military battles. (Pause) As for Achior’s speech in your council, I know what he said to you. When the men of Bethulia spared him, he told them all he had said to you. (She pauses, opens her arms slightly in a beseeching manner, looks at the officers and then back to the general) Please listen to me my lord and master. Do not disregard or discount what Achior told you for it is true. In truth, my people are not punished, nor does the sword prevail against them..... except when they sin against their God. If they had not sinned, the God of all creation would defend them and destroy you.... (She pauses, looks down, thinks for a moment, takes a deep breath, looks up at Holofernes ) But, even now their leaders are preparing to sin against their God and bring the wrath of God upon themselves. Their guilt has caught up with them so that my lord will not fail, but death will come upon them. Because their food and water has run out, the people have sent messengers to the leaders of Jerusalem for permission to kill and eat animals which God, in his law, has forbidden them to eat. In this they sin against their God. (She pauses, looks at all at table) But not only in this do they sin. They have also decided to consume the tithes of grain and fruit, oil and wine, which has been sanctified and may be used only by the priests who minister in the presence of God. (She pauses, looks at Holofernes) On the very day that the elders respond and they commit these abominations they will be handed over to you for destruction. (Voice raises slightly, as in fear) As soon as your handmaid learned all this, I fled from them. Now I will remain with you, my lord, but each night, with your permission, I will go out to the ravine with my maid and pray to God. He will tell me when the Israelites have committed their crimes. Then I will come and tell you, so that you may go out with your whole force, and not one of them will be able to withstand you.(Raises her voice and speaks with strong confidence) I will lead you through Judea until you come to Jerusalem, and there I will set up your judgement seat. You will drive them like sheep that have no shepherd. Not even a dog will growl at you. 

(All assembled nod their heads and murmur approval of what Judith says)

HOLOFERNES. (Nods his head approvingly) God has done well in sending you ahead of your people, to bring victory to our forces and destruction to those who have despised my lord, Nebuchadnezzer. (Grins, leers at Judith) You are fair to behold and your words please me. If you do as you have said, your God will be my God and you will dwell in high regard in the palace of King Nebuchadnezzer. (Holofernes stands, ready to leave headquarters) You will be shown to your tent, now, and I will have food and wine brought to you immediately. I will give orders to my men to permit you and your maid to leave camp each night to go to the ravine to pray to your God. (Turns to his officers as he prepares to exit) Return to your troops and prepare to attack in five days. 

JUDITH. (Raises her hand to stop him) My lord is kind to his servant but I have brought food and wine with me. It is against the law of my God to eat food or drink wine that is not prescribed by my God. With your permission, my lord, I brought a bag of food with me... we will eat it when we go to the ravine to pray. 

Holofernes. You may eat and drink of your own food and wine as you wish. (Holofernes turns to his guards as he exits) Guards! Show this woman of God to her tent.
( Exit Holofernes.)
(Curtain) 

Scene Three

SCENE. ( Curtain is closed. A wooded clearing in the ravine a short distance from the tent of General Holofernes, three nights later. Judith and Zilpha, are dressed in plain tunics. Zilpha is carrying the bag full of food)

ZILPHA. I am pleased, but very surprised, that the Assyrians have allowed us complete freedom to leave our tent at night, with our bag of food, (holds up the cloth bag of food) to pray, mistress. For the past three nights we have had no problem at all passing through the guards who let us go wherever we wish.

JUDITH. Yes, Zilpha, the general has given strict instructions to allow us complete freedom to travel where we wish. God has softened his heart to let us leave camp every night to pray in the ravine. 

ZILPHA. (Grinning incredulously) God softened his heart, mistress? Really.... I’ve noticed the general watching you whenever we take a stroll through the camp.... (She raises an eyebrow) With more than just idle curiosity if I’m any judge, mistress. (Laughs softly) The general is completely smitten by your beauty...of that there is no doubt. I can tell you without any doubt in my mind that the general has dreamed about taking you to his bed ever since he laid eyes on you three days ago.

JUDITH. (Sighs) Yes, Zilpha, the general’s growing desire has not escaped me. It will not be long before I am summoned to his tent. Judith picks up the bag and hands it to Zilpha) But come now, Zilpha, let us return to our tent. The Lord has told me that the time has come for his plan and our purpose here to be fulfilled.
(Judith and Zilpha exit- Blackout)

Scene Four 

SCENE. (Holofernes field tent the following evening. On the table is a large bowl of cheese, broken loaf of bread, grapes, a leg of mutton, nuts, figs, a few empty goblets and large skins of wine. One goblet is tipped on it’s side, some wine spilled out on the table. Pieces of cheese, bread, grapes, nuts and figs are strewn around on the table. Holofernes, dressed in his military uniform, a sword strapped to his side, is slouched in his chair at table. At the rear of the tent a blanket and pillow have been casually tossed on the bed. As the curtain opens, Bagoas, the general’s servant, is pouring wine from a skin into a goblet. Bagoas hands the goblet to the general who takes the goblet, drinks it all down, wipes his mouth with his sleeve, burps loudly and leans back in his chair. He is drunk.)

HOLOFERNES. (Slurs his speech. An evil grin is on his face) Bagoas, it has been four days now that the Israelite woman has been in our camp. (Swings out his hand holding the goblet gesturing Bagoas to go fetch the woman) Go and persuade her to come and eat and drink with us. (Burps, grins wider) It would be a disgrace for us to have such a woman with us and let the night pass without enjoying her company. She has come to us to be of service... and if we do not take advantage of that.... (he burps) she will laugh us to scorn. (Holofernes holds out his goblet for a refill) Fill my goblet to the brim, my faithful servant, then go to the Hebrew woman and bring her to me. 

(Bagoas fills his goblet and exits. Holofernes drinks the wine, holds his empty goblet on his lap, slouches over in his chair obviously intoxicated. Bagoas enters with Zilpha and Judith. Zilph is carrying her large cloth bag of food, a skin of wine and a fleece. Judith is wearing her jewelry and finest gown. Zilpha immediately spreads the fleece out on the floor in front of Holofernes, then takes cheese, a loaf of bread, grapes, olives, meat and oranges from her bag and places them on the table. Judith bows low before Holofernes and sits on the fleece. Zilpha moves to stand behind
her mistress) 

HOLOFERNES. (Grins at Judith, weaves a bit in his chair, then looks at Bagoas. His speech is still slurred) Never has there been a woman as wise as this daughter of Abraham, Bagoas. How well she knows that there is no god like Nebuchadnezzer. (Looks back at Judith, grins) How wise you were, Judith of Bethulia, to to leave your people at this time and submit yourself to Nebuchadnezzer, king of all the earth. (Raises his empty goblet above his head) Come now, drink and be merry with us. (Lifts his goblet to drink, is startled to see it empty, frowns, holds it out to Bagoas, growling.) Arrrrrrrrrh! More wine, Bagoas, and a goblet as well for our beautiful guest. 

(Bagoas takes the goblet from Holofernes, fills it, hands it back to him)

JUDITH. (Bowing to Holofernes) Who am I to refuse my lord. Whatever is pleasing to him I will gladly do. 

( Bagoas fills a goblet with Judith’s wine and hands it to her. Holofernes takes another drink from his goblet, leers at Judith) 

JUDITH. I will gladly drink, my lord, for never in my life have I known such happiness as I do tonight.

(Judith lifts her head high, smiles, takes a small sip of her wine. Holofernes, drinking the rest of the wine in his goblet, rises unsteadily up out of his chair, falls against the table, staggers toward Bagoas and waves his arm in a gesture of dismissal)

HOLOFERNES. (His speech even more slurred) Leave us Bagoas and take the maid with you. I will be alone with the Hebrew woman tonight.....SEE THAT NO ONE DISTURBS US! 		

JUDITH. (Whispers to Zilpha) Wait just outside for me, Zilpha.

(Bagoas and Zilpha exit. Holofernes staggers to his bed, he looks at Judith with an evil grin, bends over the bed, pats it with his hand, laughs a drunken laugh )

HOLOFERNES. Come here my beauty. (Laughs again) Let me show you what an Assyrian general is like in bed. (Holofernes begins to weave) I’ll show you what a real man is liii........

(His speech trails off... the goblet falls from his hand to the floor. For a second he stands motionless.... then falls across the bed on his stomach, head hanging off the far side of the bed passed out. Judith remains on her fleece for a moment, then slowly rises, walks around the bed and stands at the head of Holofernes looking down at him.  After a moment she lifts her eyes to heaven and earnestly prays) 

JUDITH. O God, my God...our fathers have declared to us the mighty deeds you did in their days.... how you destroyed our enemies with your own right hand and gained for us the victory. Not with their own sword nor with their own arm did your people conquer this land.... But it was your hand, your right arm and your power, O Lord God, that drove out the Assyrians and gave this land to your people. Now O Lord, God of all might and power, in this hour, look graciously on my undertaking for the deliverance of my people. O Lord, my God, hear the prayer of your servant. Give me strength to carry out your design to shatter the enemies who have risen against us. 

(Judith reaches down and withdraws the sword from the scabbard at the side of Holofernes. Lifting the sword over her head with one hand, she grasps him by the hair with the other.)

JUDITH. (Looking again to heaven) Help me now in my hour of need, O God of Israel. Give your handmaid strength to deliver a fatal blow to the head of our enemy and deliver your people from the armies that seek to destroy us. 

(Judith brings the sword down hard cutting off the head of Holofernes.)

(Close curtain) 

Act III
Scene one

SCENE. (Curtain is closed. The scene is the mountain pass leading back to Bethulia where Achior 
has been hiding awaiting the return of Judith.  It is early morning and still dusk. Achior stands as he hears Judith and Zilpha approaching talking in low tones. (Off) Judith enters still wearing her gown and jewelry. Zilpha enters at the same time, carrying the large cloth bag now containing the head of Holofernes.) 

ZILPHA (Looking at her mistress with adoration) Mistress, you are not only the most beautiful woman in the land but the most clever as well. How wise you were to have the general give orders to his men to let us pass through their ranks every night with our bag full of food to pray. (Zilpha giggles quietly, holds up the heavy bag.) They let us pass right through with the generals head. (Laughs softly, shows the head in the bag to Achior who staggers back in shock nearly fainting)

JUDITH. (Putting her arm around Zilpha’s shoulder.) Ah, Zilpha, it is not any wisdom or cleverness of mine that has struck down our enemy and brought us safely through their ranks. Give to the Lord glory and praise, Zilpha... give the Lord the glory due his name. For it was our God who led his handmaid step by step through his plan to rescue our people. He brought down the mighty by the hand of a woman. (Pause) It was the Lord that dulled the general’s mind, caused burning desire to consume him and cast a deep sleep over him. (She looks out to the audience) The Lord gave his handmaid courage and strength to carry out his plan to deliver all of Judea from Holofernes and King Nebuchadnezzer. Blessed be the Lord, our God, who crushes the heads of his enemies He is the rock who saves us. (Judith removes her arm from Zilpha and looks at Achior ) Achior, man of honor... true to your word we find you here waiting for our return. Your loyalty will not go unrewarded.(She speaks with urgency) Now you must quickly go to your men who guard the water supply to the city. Tell them that general Holofernes has been killed and that God is about to strike vengeance on the army of the Assyrians. Order your men to release the water to the city and then prepare to join in the destruction of Nebuchadnezzer’s army. We will hurry to Bethulia where we will mount the general’s head on the city walls for all his troops to see. Then God will strike terror and confusion in every one of them. To the man they will scatter and we will strike them down like a scythe in a wheat field. Hurry, it will soon be dawn and they will find their general headless on his bed. Come, we must alert our people to take up their arms and prepare their attack.
(All quickly exit) 

Scene two

SCENE. (Holofernes field tent later that morning. The headless body of Holofernes is lying on the bed. Bagoas enters quietly, cautiously, thinking that his master and Judith are sleeping together.)

BAGOAS (Cheerfully) Ahem! Good morning, master! I’m sorry to.....
											
(Bagoas freezes as he notices his master on the bed alone. He is shocked, confused, fear begins to grip him. He doesn’t realize that his master is headless but senses that something is very wrong. He looks around for Judith. He begins to tremble and runs to the other side of the bed.)

BAGOAS. AARRRRGGGGAAAAAHHHH! NOOOOOOOOO! MASTERRRRRR! (Begins to pull out his hair, howling and groaning in agony, throws up his hands, pounds his chest violently, looks up and screams) WE ARE DONE! WE ARE DONE! (He runs to the front of the tent and screams to all) WE ARE DONE! WE ARE DONE! THE SLAVES HAVE DUPED US! A SINGLE HEBREW WOMAN HAS BROUGHT DISGRACE TO THE HOUSE OF KING NEBUCHADNEZZER! HERE IS OUR GENERAL, OUR LEADER, HEADLESS ON HIS BED! FLEE FOR YOUR LIVES! THE GOD OF THE HEBREWS HAS STRUCK DOWN OUR COMMANDER AND IS ABOUT TO EXECUTE JUDGEMENT ON US ALL! FLEE FOR YOUR LIVES! (Bagoas runs out into the camp screaming) RUN! RUN! RUN!
( Exit Bagoas)

( Curtain)

Scene III

SCENE. (Bethulia city square. All the city has gathered in the square including Uzziah, the city rulers and combat ready soldiers in uniform, swords at their hips. Uzziah, the leaders of the city and soldiers are standing on a platform (Up c) looking left and right, out beyond the crowd.
There is a feeling of exhilaration, relief, power and victory in the crowd now as the news spreads 
that General Holofernes is dead and the tide has turned. The curtain opens to the loud murmuring 
of the excited crowd and the even louder voice of Uzziah giving orders to his troops 

UZZIAH. (Pointing his finger out beyond the crowd, looks left and right yells orders to his troops in a high voice) Hang his head high on that parapet there....hang it high on the city wall so all the Assyrians can see it! Our water is again flowing into the city...drink, refresh yourself quickly.... take up your arms and prepare to attack! (Extends his arm, points to his left) Blow the shofar! (Points to the right) Sound the trumpets! Signal to attack! Send messengers to our neighbors, Choba and Kona, to the armies stationed on our mountain tops and to the whole country of Israel. Tell them what happened so that all might fall upon the enemy and destroy them. (Looks left and right over the crowd) Even now the armies of Nebuchadnezzer see the head of Holofernes hanging from our walls and are fleeing in utter panic and confusion. (Extends both arms high above head) Praise to our God! He has delivered us from the armies of King Nebuchadnezzer by the hand of a godly woman. (Uzziah draws his sword, lifts it high over his head and runs off stage shouting) ATTACK! ATTACK THE ASSYRIANS! GOD HAS DELIVERED THEM INTO OUR HANDS. 

(As Uzziah exits, the soldiers, with drawn swords, and all the crowd also exit, running and shouting “ATTACK... ATTACK...ATTACK”)

(Curtain)

Scene Four

SCENE. Bethulia city square later that evening. The square is empty. Joyous shouts of men claiming victory can be heard approaching from off stage. Uzziah and several soldiers enter slapping each other on the back, punching each other on the arm, laughing and boasting about how the enemy fled from them when they attacked.				

FIRST SOLDIER. (Laughing and slapping another soldier on the back) YES...WE DID IT! The mighty army of king Nebuchadnezzer.... ...Ha...Ha...Ha...Did you see them run when we came down on them from the hills? Ha...Ha...

SECOND SOLDIER. (Lightly punching the arm of a comrade) They were a mighty army but not as mighty as our God...They ran like women...they left all their possessions for us to gather up and take for ourselves. (Laughs)

UZZIAH. (Steps up on the platform, takes a deep breath, finishes a laugh, addresses his troops.) Men.... (He looks at them all beaming with pride) I am proud of you! You fought valiantly and routed an enemy that outnumbered you greatly. (Laughs again) We pursued them to the cities of our neighbors, Choba and Kona filling the plains with slaughter and taking their wealth and arms. We will let our countrymen pursue them to the sea. Are your men gathering the booty, the sheep, cattle, arms, gold and silver our enemy left in the field as they fled in terror?

FIRST SOLDIER. (Yells out loudly, proudly) YES SIR! Even now our men are gathering the spoils together and bringing it all into the city.

(All the men let out a cheer shouting, “Glory to God! Victory! Bring the gold! We’re rich!” etc)

UZZIAH. (Raises his hand calling for silence) And the tent, all the gold, silver, sheep, cattle... all the wealth of general Holofernes...have you brought that here for Judith? All of the wealth and possessions of Holofernes will go to her... if it were not for her courage, not one of us would be alive today....(He looks around the square then back to his men) Where is the valiant daughter of Bethulia? Did you tell the people to bring her here so we could honor her?

(Off stage the sound tambourines and of a large crowd of happy, singing, laughing people grows louder as they approach the square singing, “Hallelujah! Praise to God! Hurray! Glory! Hosanna!)

FIRST SOLDIER. Yes, sir. I believe I hear the people coming now.													
( Enter Judith, Zilpha, Achior, young dancing girls with tambourines and all the people of Bethulia. All are wearing festive jewelry and gowns. All are dancing around, some holding hands, all laughing, singing, praising God, celebrating their deliverance and victory. Judith is in the middle of the crowd) 

UZZIAH. (Looks at Judith, a big grin on his face. Bursting with pride, he stretches his arm out to her and motions for her to approach him. The crowd separates to allow her through.) Bring Judith here, let her stand in our midst... Let us give her the praise and honor that is due her. Let us praise our God who protected her. 

(Everyone applauds and shouts their hosannas as Judith passes through the crowd to stand before Uzziah) 

UZZIAH. (Smiling fondly on Judith with pride) Noble daughter of Abraham, you are the glory of Jerusalem, the surpassing joy of Israel. You are the splendid boast of our people...may the Lord bless you forever and ever. (Addresses both the people and Judith, turning to both as he praises her) With courage and trust in God, by your own hand, you have slain the mighty general and delivered your people from destruction. The tent of Holofernes, all his silver, gold, jewels and all his wealth is yours and shall be given to you by a grateful city and its people. Your name, valiant woman, shall live in the hearts of this people forever. (All the people applaud and shout “Amen” and “hosanna.” Uzziah raises his hand calling for silence. He looks out over the crowd) Maidens of Bethulia, come... adorn your ankles and your arms with bells...bring your tambourines...strike up the instruments, a song to our God with lyre and harp and clanging cymbals. Let us celebrate in dance the great victory wrought by our God through his handmaid, our beloved Judith. 

(All gather together and begin to dance and sing)

PRAISE TO GOD, HIS POWER PROCLAIM
HIS MIGHTY ARM HAS SLAIN OUR ENEMY
GIVE GOD GLORY, THE GLORY DUE HIS NAME BY A WOMAN’S HAND HE GAINED THE VICTORY 

BEAUTIFULLY FORMED, LOVELY AND WISE 
JUDITH DREW THE ENEMY TO THE NET			
HER COMELY BEAUTY CAUGHT HIS EYES 
BY HER HAND THE SWORD CUT THROUGH HIS NECK Page 34 SING UNTO THE LORD A NEW SONG
SING UN TO THE LORD ALL THE EARTH
SING UNTO THE LORD A NEW SONG 
SING UNTO THE LORD ALL THE EARTH

THE LORD IS GOOD AND HOLY IS HIS NAME
THE LORD IS GOOD AND MIGHTY IS HIS NAME 
THE LORD IS GOOD AND GREAT IS HIS NAME
PRAISE YOU LORD, PRAISE YOU LORD, PRAISE YOU LORD 

(All the people burst into applause and loud shouts of praise as the dance and singing ends. All leave the square except Judith and Zilpha.)

ZILPHA. (Suppressing a giggle and looking coyly at Judith) Mistress, it has been told to me that, after seeing all that God has done, Achior has decided to be circumcised, to unite with the house of Israel and become one of us. I hear, mistress, (she looks at Judith as though she knows some secret nobody else knows) that he had other reasons to accept circumcision as well. Mistress, he is such a man. Are you...I mean do you think you will...?

(Judith takes Zilpha’s hand and pats it lovingly. She looks into Zilpha’s eyes then out into the audience.)

JUDITH. (Laughing happily) You never know, Zilpha...you never know what God has in mind for us. If we wait patiently upon him, Zilpha, in time he reveals everything to us. (Still laughing, Judith puts her arm around Zilpha’s shoulder and looks at the audience as they begin to exit) And if he tells me that Achior is the man I should marry, Zilpha....(she laughs...winks) of course I’ll obey him.

(Exit Judith and Zilpha both laughing heartily)

( Close curtain. Then end.) 

.................................................................................... 
© Copyright William E. McCann, all rights reserved. The script may not be reproduced, translated or copied in any medium, including books, CDs and on the Internet, without written permission of the author.
This play may be performed free of charge, on the condition that copies are not sold for profit in any medium, nor any entrance fee charged. In exchange for free performance, the author would appreciate being notified of when and for what purpose the play is performed. He may be contacted at: 
60901 Brosterhous Rd #709
Bend, OR 97702
(541) 383-5186
billmccann_pi@hotmail.com