Holofernes speaks gently to Judith, assuring her that he is not a barbarian, he only hurts enemies of his lord and master Nebuchadnezzar.
Judith replies by defending the wisdom of Achior, who warned Holofernes that the God of Israel was not to be trifled with. This is a high risk strategy, Achior was laughed out of town for his suggestion, and even Judith’s good looks won’t keep the general listening for long.
But Judith cleverly mixes the truth in with her words. She says truthfully that God is able to defend Judah, but also that a point will come when the people will sin by eating the food set aside for the tithe. When that happens, God will no longer protect them, and she will lead Holofernes straight to Jerusalem and crown him king!
Audacious.
And Holofernes is falling for it. He suddenly believes in the power of the God of Israel, and blithely trusts this woman, that she will know when God’s protection on Judah ceases, and can lead him, presumably, into a trap of her making.
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