He commanded them: Both the subject he and the object them need to be identified here because this clause opens a new chapter. He refers to Holofernes and them to Holofernes’ servants. Actually, in Greek no object is specified at all, but those to whom Holofernes gives orders here are surely those mentioned in 11.20. Good News Translation‘s “his men” or Contemporary English Version‘s “his servants” is perfectly adequate.

To bring her in where his silver dishes were kept: The Greek says that Judith was “to be taken into where his silver things were placed.” This could refer to an area where silverware (silver eating implements) was kept; some take it that way, but why would Judith be shown into a closet or storeroom? Far more likely it refers to an area of the tent where Holofernes and his guests ate meals. It was a kind of dining room. In this case “were placed” refers to the setting of places for a meal.

Ordered them to set a table for her with some of his own food and to serve her with his own wine: The Greek text reads literally “He ordered spread out for her from his own delicacies and of his own wine to drink.” Revised Standard Version uses set a table and serve to translate the one Greek verb “spread out.” The Greek does not mention a table anywhere in the verse, and most likely Assyrian armies did not carry tables around with them. However, mentioning a table here, as in Revised Standard Version and Good News Translation, really does no harm and is helpful in cultures where people eat at tables. One could avoid a reference to table by translating the whole verse as follows:

• Holofernes ordered his men to show Judith into a room where silverware was laid out for a meal, and directed them to spread out before her some of his own special food and some of his own wine.

Quoted with permission from Bullard, Roger A. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Judith. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2001. For this and other handbooks for translators see here.