Anonymous

The Citizens of Bethulia Complain about the Lack of Water

illumination (52 × 88 mm) — ca. 1430 Museum Royal Library, The Hague

This work is linked to Judith 7:13

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Bethulia is situated on high hills and easy to defend against attackers, even if they are 180,000 Assyrians in all. The Assyrian warlord Holophernes decides it is probably smarter to not attack but to cut off the town's water supply.

After several days, thirst strikes. The town inhabitants go to Ozias, ruler of the town, and complain about his unwillingness to negotiate with the Assyrians. Ozias decides to wait a further 5 days – if no divine intervention takes place, he will try to make peace with the Assyrians after all.

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