Post #3

Esther and Judith are characteristically very similar. They are both beautiful women who are empowered and influential. Their well respected characters allow them to persuade and influence others in a way to get what they want. Esther and Judith both want to save their people and use these advantages to do so.
Esther’s story is a little unique in that there are two versions of her story. In the book without additions she is independent and courageous. She fearlessly risk her life in approaching her husband as she is breaking his orders by going to see him without him requesting so ( Esther 4:16). On the other hand in the book with additions, Esther’s character loses the sense of courageousness as she is depicted as weak and afraid (Esther 15:7). Furthermore, Esther in the book with additions is a godly woman. She prays and gives glory to God and asks for his help in her endeavor. Ultimately, it seems her beauty had paid her justice because the king couldn’t resist her beauty. This parallels with the story of Judith, whose beauty helped her overcome the enemy first hand.
In contrast to Esther, Judith seems to be less dependent on men for her authority. She is widowed, and not married as Esther is. Also, Judith was the source of truth and wisdom rather than Mordecai was for Esther. In Judith 8:8, we learn that her towns people had so much respect for her that no one spoke ill of her. Her position in society reflected respect and intimidation of her character by her people. Although she is humbled by the strains of widowhood, she is empowered in the sense that she takes charge in order to save her community. She makes the commands as well as executes her plan flawlessly. Judith is definitely a character with agency, probably more so than Esther, yet I think it is sad to see her return to a life of widowhood, one that puts women inferior to the men in power, despite her obvious knowledge and influence in her community, one in which is held with higher regard than the men who run the community.