1 At that time, Judith heard about Uzziah's decision. She was the daughter of Merari, the granddaughter of Ox and the great-granddaughter of Joseph. Joseph's ancestors were Oziel, Elkiah, Ananias, Gideon, Raphaim, Ahitub, Elijah, Hilkiah, Eliab, Nathanael, Salamiel, Sarasadai, and Israel.
2 Judith's husband Manasseh, who belonged to the same tribe and clan, had died during the barley harvest.
3 He had got sunstroke while in the fields supervising the farm workers and later died in bed at home in Bethulia. He was buried in the family tomb in the field between Dothan and Balamon.
4 For three years and four months, Judith had lived as a widow.
5 In her grief she built a little shelter on the roof of her house and lived there, wearing sackcloth.