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Judith used lies to save her people. This makes it seem OK to lie. What is the correct reasoning/logic behind this?

The Holy Book of Judith depicts a time when the Jewish nation was about to be destroyed by an enemy army. Judith, a brave widow, saves her nation by cutting off the head of Holofernes, the general of the enemy army. In chapter 8 we are told that Judith is very deeply religious and therefore must have obeyed all the requirements of the Law of Moses to be described as "religious." This explains to us, that she was not known to lie and therefore not considered a liar. Rather her "wisdom" in battle strategies helped to save the Israelites. Judith’s wisdom was a wisdom most likely gained through years of fasting and prayer.

We know that prior to going to the enemy camp she went home and put ashes on her head as a sign of penance and prayed for God's help. She asked God to make her strong and brave that she might save her people. Each night that she stayed in the enemy camp of the Assyrians she prayed to God to guide her in the dangerous work before her. Before she took down the sword of Holofernes to cut off his head she asked the Lord to strengthen her to act according to His Will.

The theme of the story is not about lying, nor battle strategy; it is about trust in God. When the people of Bethulia depended only upon their city walls and armed men they were unable to protect their city. When Judith trusted in the help of the Lord, she was able to help defeat the strong army of Assyrians.

You might want to review the story of Rehab hiding the two Israelite spies. She concealed them under stalks of flax in her home and re-routed the King of Jericho's army in another direction. This helped to lead to the fall of Jericho.
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