Genealogy, retribution and identity : re-interpreting the cause of suffering in the Book of Judith

This article examines the role of Judith's genealogy (Jdt 8:1) in constituting the identity of YHWH's faithful community ca. 63 B.C.E. It argues that Judith's author uses the heroine's genealogy to legitimate this community rootedness in the major traditions of Israel and challenge them to act as Judith did in their time of crisis. The genealogy also legitimates the commumity's right to re-interpret the ultra-retributional view that suffering is proof of sin and so to see themselves as those sancitified to YHWH (6:19). Judith's author challenge YHWH's community to accept her\his views through Judith's speech to the elders (8:11-27) and her genealogy. The essay first deals with the dating of Judith and general genealogical theory before applying this theory to 8:1 and extrapolating the author's possible message\s to YHWH's community through it.