Judith

First century BC.
The events took place when Nebuchadnezzar conquered Jerusalem in roughly 586 BC.

Deuterocanonical (means "secondary or less sacred scripture") for Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, and some Anglican, Lutheran, and Anabaptist churches.
Apocrypha for most Protestant churches.

Nebuchadnezzar ordered Holofernes to conquer rebellious lands to the west, including Judah. (He had requested they send troops to fight against the Persians, but they sent none.)
When he arrived at the town of Bethulia, the Jewish leaders were afraid but do not surrender. The Babylonians laid siege to the city to starve the residents, and, after thirty-four days, the Jewish citizens were ready to surrender.
But the widow Judith developed a plan. She prayed that God would make her a good liar and then dressed beautifully. She was taken to Holofernes and told him that she wished to flee the Jews and join with Holofernes. She promised to tell him when the Jews, hungry from the siege, would eat the sacrifices, which was forbidden (the siege made the Jews consider such an act). She told Holofernes that God would then turn against the Jews, and he could easily defeat them.
Four days later, Holofernes called for Judith to his tent. He drank much wine, and Judith, taking his sword, cut his head off.
Judith returned to Bethulia and showed the people the head of Holofernes. The Jews gained confidence and defeated the Babylonians the next day.

Why include it? The story relates how God will defeat the enemies of the Jews as long as they are faithful to God, even if all lose hope except for a courageous woman.
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