Tobit and Judith are short stories included in the Apocrypha. Tobit, called Tobias in some versions, discusses Jews who have been faithful to the ritualistic requirements of their religion and have been abundantly rewarded for their good works. Judith, which in many ways is similar to the Book of Esther, tells of a Jewish woman living in the city of Jerusalem at a time when the city is besieged by the Assyrians and her people are in a desperate situation. She is not only a faithful Jew but a courageous person who invades the camp of the enemy and succeeds in a plot that enables the Jews to achieve a remarkable victory.
Several additions to the Book of Daniel are included in the Apocrypha. One of these, "The Prayer of Azariah," is said to be a record of the prayer that was offered by a Hebrew who was thrown into a fiery furnace by King Nebuchadnezzar. Another addition, "The Song of the Three Children," claims to be the song of praise that was sung by Hebrews as an expression of gratitude for the marvelous way in which they were delivered from Nebuchadnezzar's furnace. "The History of Susanna" tells of a woman who has been accused unjustly of the sin of adultery. The wickedness of her accusers and the innocence of the woman are established by the prophet Daniel. The story "Bel and the Dragon" relates how Daniel was delivered from the hands of his enemies, who were trying to put him to death. An addition to the Book of Esther reports a dream given to Mordecai in which forthcoming events are revealed to him. The Book of Baruch is an addition to the Book of Jeremiah. In some versions, it contains a section called "An Epistle of Jeremiah." The "Prayer of Manasseh" supplements a story recorded in the Book of Chronicles, telling how Manasseh, who had done so many wicked things during his life, repented of his sins before he died.
