 Bethulia stands outside ancient Jerusalem, guarding its gate. The Assyrian king, Nebuchodonosor, sends his son Holfernes and his army west to conquer Judea. The army captures all the territory to the gates of Bethulia, including its well and the women who were outside the city walls. Then, Holfernes is content to lay a patient siege and wait until lack of water and food forces the surrender of Bethulia. As the town s plight worsens and prayers don t seem to work, Judith, a well-loved widow of Bethulia, hatches a plan. After ritual cleansing, she dresses elegantly and seductively to infiltrate Holfernes  camp. Will her resolve disappear when she discovers his innate humanity?