e son of Simeon, the son
of Ruben:

Simeon the son of Ruben... In the Greek, it is the son of Israel. For
Simeon the patriarch, from whom Judith descended, was not the son, but
the brother of Ruben. It seems more probable that the Simeon and the
Ruben here mentioned are not the patriarchs: but two of the descendants
of the patriarch Simeon: and that the genealogy of Judith, recorded in
this place, is not carried up so high as the patriarchs. No more than
that of Elcana the father of Samuel, 1 Kings 1.1, and that of king Saul,
1 Kings 9.1.

8:2. And her husband was Manasses, who died in the time of the barley
harvest:

8:3. For he was standing over them that bound sheaves in the field; and
the heat came upon his head, and he died in Bethulia his own city, and
was buried there with his fathers.

8:4. And Judith his relict was a widow now three years and six months.

8:5. And she made herself a private chamber in the upper part of her
house, in which she abode shut up with her maids.

8:6. And she wore haircloth upon her loins, and fasted all the days of
her life, except the sabbaths, and new moons, and the feasts of the
house of Israel.

8:7. And she was exceedingly beautiful, and her husband left her great
riches, and very many servants, and large possessions of herds of oxen,
and flocks of sheep.

8:8. And she was greatly renowned among all, because she feared the Lord
very much, neither was there any one that spoke an ill word of her.

8:9. When therefore she had heard that Ozias had promised that he would
deliver up the city after the fifth day, she sent to the ancients Chabri
and Charmi.

8:10. And they came to her, and she said to them: What is this word, by
which Ozias hath consented to give up the city to the Assyrians, if
within five days there come no aid to us?

8:11. And who are you that tempt the Lord?

8:12. This is not a word that may draw down mercy, but rather that may
stir up wrath, and enkindle indignation.

8:13. You have set a time for the mercy of the Lord, and you have
appointed him a day, according to your pleasure.

8:14. But forasmuch as the Lord is patient, let us be penitent for this
same thing, and with many tears let us beg his pardon:

8:15. For God will not threaten like man, nor be inflamed to anger like
the son of man.

8:16. And therefore let us humble our souls before him, and continuing
in an humble spirit, in his service:

8:17. Let us ask the Lord with tears, t