Scripture: Wisdom of Solomon 2-3, The Wisdom of Solomon: review of chapter 2 (the culture of death) and chapter 3 (how the righteous see and approach death) this week.

This week we are studying the book, Wisdom of Solomon in the Apocrypha. Review of Chapter 1 with its "exhortation to righteousness" contrasted with Chapter 2 and "life as the ungodly see it." Numerous comparisons to Ecclesiastes are noted. Very profound descriptions of and warnings to the godly who inherit eternal life and the ungodly who summon death are made

Scripture: Isaiah 66:24, In her song, Judith credits God for the victory over the Assyrians and the killing of Holofernes (Judith 16:5-6). She details her preparation for war and speaks of her renowned beauty, knowing it would beguile her intended prey, Holofernes (Judith 16:7-8). Her song lauds the kind of upset often found in the Bible: that of the underdog, in this case a woman, winning against the mighty and the seasoned enemy cowering in fear and screaming and running (Judith 16:11-12).The second half of this lesson introduces the second book in the Apocrypha, The Wisdom of Solomon.

After beheading Holofrenes, Judith returns to Behtulia with her maid, and receives and accepts accolades. She tells her townspeople that once the Assyrians find Holofernes' headless corpse, "panic will come over them, and they will flee before you" (Judith 14:3-4). Joakim, the high priest, and the Israelite Council arrive from Jerusalem. With one voice they call Judith the glory of Jerusalem, the great pride of Israel, and the boast of the nation (Judith 15:9). The people concur with Amen. (Judith 15:10).

This lesson continues in the book of Judith. Judith prays to God in chapter 9 and in chapters 10 and 11 she executes her deceptive plan to save Israel from the Assyrian army led by Holofernes.

Scripture: Genesis 34, Pastor Rhode continues in the book of Judith in Chapter 7 and 8. Judith, the key figure and heroine in the story, makes her first appearance in this lesson. The Book of Judith's truly remarkable heroine, Judith is introduced as a devout, shapely, beautiful and wealthy widow (Judith 8:4, 7). She exhibits characteristics showing her the equal of Israel's finest warriors.

This lesson covers chapters 4 to 7 in Judith, the first book in the Apocrypha. Israel is aware and fearful of the upcoming invasion by the Assyrians, an army bent on world domination.

An exciting plot evolves as we read and discuss the first three chapters in Judith, the first book of the Apocrypha. The Assyrian general, Holofernes, has been defeating with ease the nations surrounding Israel. Will Israel be invaded next?

In this lesson an overview of the Judean period under various rules was covered from Persian rule through Roman rule under the Herods. 311 BC to 1BC was covered.