2. And her husband was Manasseh, who died in the days of the barley harvest.
3. For he was standing over those who bound sheaves in the field, and the heat overcame his head, and he died in Bethulia, his own city, and he was buried there with his fathers.
4. But Judith, his bereaved, was a widow now for three years and six months.
5. And she made herself a private chamber in the upper part of her house, in which she stayed enclosed with her handmaids.
6. And she had haircloth around her waist, and she fasted all the days of her life, except Sabbaths, and new moons, and the feasts of the house of Israel.
7. Moreover, she was exceedingly elegant in appearance, and her husband left her many riches, and an abundant household, as well as the ownership of plentiful herds of oxen and flocks of sheep.
8. And she was greatly renowned among all, because she feared the Lord very much, nor was there anyone who spoke an ill word about her.
9. And so, when she heard that Uzziah had promised that he would hand over the city with the passing of five days, she sent to the elders Chabris and Charmis.
10. And they came to her, and she said to them: "What is this word, by which Uzziah has consented to hand over the city to the Assyrians, if within five days no help arrives for us?
11. And who are you to test the Lord?
12. This is not a word that will provoke mercy, but rather one that may excite wrath and enkindle fury.
13. You have set a time limit for the mercy of the Lord, and you have established a day for him, according to your choice.
14. But, since the Lord is patient, let us be repentant about this same matter, and let us beg his indulgence with many tears.