Others Who Sacrificed Themselves for Their People

1 But, to bring forward examples from the Gentiles also: many kings and rulers, when some season of plague pressed upon them, being taught by oracles, have given themselves over to death, so that they might rescue their fellow citizens through their own blood. Many have withdrawn from their own cities, so that there might be no more rebellions. 2 We know that many among ourselves have given themselves up to chains, so that they might ransom others. Many have sold themselves into slavery, and with the price paid for themselves have fed others. 3 Many women, strengthened through the grace of God, have performed many manly deeds. 4 The blessed Judith, when the city was besieged, asked the elders to be allowed to go out into the camp of the foreigners.⁠a 5 So she exposed herself to danger and went out for love of her country and of her people who were besieged; and the Lord delivered Holophernes into the hand of a woman. 6 Esther also, who was perfect in faith, exposed herself to no less danger, so that she might rescue the twelve tribes of Israel when they were about to perish. For through her fasting and her self-humbling she pleaded with the all-seeing Master, the God of the ages;⁠b and He, seeing the humility of her soul, rescued the people for whose sake she faced the danger.