24
"Therefore, my brothers, let us set an example for our kindred, for their lives depend upon us, and the sanctuary—both the temple and the altar—rests upon us.
25
In spite of everything let us give thanks to the Lord our God, who is putting us to the test as he did our ancestors.
26
Remember what he did with Abraham, and how he tested Isaac, and what happened to Jacob in Syrian Mesopotamia, while he was tending the sheep of Laban, his mother's brother.
27
For he has not tried us with fire, as he did them, to search their hearts, nor has he taken vengeance on us; but the Lord scourges those who are close to him in order to admonish them."
28
Then Uzziah said to her, "All that you have said was spoken out of a true heart, and there is no one who can deny your words.
29
Today is not the first time your wisdom has been shown, but from the beginning of your life all the people have recognized your understanding, for your heart's disposition is right.
30
But the people were so thirsty that they compelled us to do for them what we have promised, and made us take an oath that we cannot break.
31
Now since you are a God-fearing woman, pray for us, so that the Lord may send us rain to fill our cisterns. Then we will no longer feel faint from thirst."
32
Then Judith said to them, "Listen to me. I am about to do something that will go down through all generations of our descendants.
33
Stand at the town gate tonight so that I may go out with my maid; and within the days after which you have promised to surrender the town to our enemies, the Lord will deliver Israel by my hand.
34
Only, do not try to find out what I am doing; for I will not tell you until I have finished what I am about to do."