23
For our servitude shall not be directed to favor, but the Lord our God shall turn it to dishonor.
24
"Now therefore, O brethren, let us show an example to our brethren, because their hearts depend upon us, and the sanctuary and the house and the altar rest upon us.
25
Moreover let us give thanks to the Lord our God, who trieth us even as He did our fathers.
26
Remember what things He did to Abraham, and how He tried Isaac, and what happened to Jacob in Mesopotamia in Syria, when he kept the sheep of Laban his mother's brother.
27
For He hath not tried us in the fire, as He did them, for the examination of their hearts, neither hath He taken vengeance on us; but the Lord doth scourge those who come near unto Him, to admonish them."
28
Then said Uzziah to her: "All that thou hast spoken hast thou spoken with a good heart, and there is none who may gainsay thy words.
29
For this is not the first day wherein thy wisdom is manifested; but from the beginning of thy days all thy people have known thy understanding, because the disposition of thine heart is good.
30
But the people were very thirsty, and compelled us to do unto them as we have spoken, and to bring an oath upon ourselves, which we will not break.
31
Therefore now pray thou for us, because thou art a godly woman, and the Lord will send us rain to fill our cisterns, and we shall faint no more."
32
Then said Judith unto them: "Hear me, and I will do a thing which shall go throughout all generations to the children of our nation.
33
You shall stand this night in the gate, and I will go forth with my waiting woman; and within the days that you have promised to deliver the city to our enemies, the Lord will visit Israel by mine hand.