A Pilgrimage of Thanksgiving following Military Victory

Judith 16:18–20

ca. 100 BCE

18When they arrived at Jerusalem, they worshiped God. As soon as the people were purified, they offered their burnt offerings, their freewill offerings, and their gifts. 19Judith also dedicated to God all the possessions of Holofernes, which the people had given her; and the canopy that she had taken for herself from his bedchamber she gave as a votive offering. 20For three months the people continued feasting in Jerusalem before the sanctuary, and Judith remained with them.

Translation from the New Revised Standard Version.

Published in: The Posen Library of Jewish Culture and Civilization, vol. 2: Emerging Judaism.

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The book of Judith tells of Judith’s seduction and beheading of the Assyrian general Holofernes, which leads to a Jewish victory over the Assyrian army. Following the victory, Judith leads the people in a song of thanksgiving and a procession to Jerusalem, where they celebrate and offer sacrifices. See also “Judith” and “Judith’s Hymn of Thanksgiving.”

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