Welcomed him with garlands and dances and tambourines: As the Assyrian army occupies the towns, they are welcomed as conquerors. The garlands are “wreaths of flowers” (Good News Translation). They were probably worn by the people, as Good News Translation makes clear, and not offered to the invaders. This is supported by Pro 1.9; Isa 61.3; and Wis 2.8. The dancing is accompanied by some kind of drum. Revised Standard Version has tambourines, but there really seems to be no evidence for this fancier rhythm instrument with jingles attached. “Drums” is better (so Good News Translation).

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.