Catholic Dictionary

Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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JOAKIM

A high priest in Jerusalem whose name appears in the biblical Book of Judith. While the frightened Israelites were awaiting invasion by the Assyrian general Holofernes, Joakim suggested that men be posted at certain mountain passes that the Assyrian invaders would have to use (Judith 4:5-7), but his plan was not needed. Judith's coup in killing Holofernes and bringing about a great victory for the Israelites led to a joyous scene in which Joakim hailed Judith: "You are the glory of Jerusalem! You are the great pride of Israel!" (Judith 15:10).