Ælfric ends the homily with a detailed exegetical interpretation of the story, which he addresses to nuns.
In the first 190 lines, Ælfric introduces king Nebuchadnezzar and Holofernes, the leader of his army, whom he charges with conquering the land of the Jews.
Holofernes complies and subdues most countries to the west of Assyria, except Bethulia, a Jewish town which resists the invader.
As in the Bible, Judith is depicted as a wealthy, independent widow, who after the death of her husband has chosen to remain single and lead a clean and chaste life (lines 203-207).
[b] Judith is depicted as pious and steadfast in her traditions, even bringing her own food to the Assyrian's tent (lines 270-272).