40
As Judas and his army were drawing near to the stream of water, Timothy told the officers of his forces, "If Judas crosses the water first, we won't be able to resist him, and he'll surely defeat us.
38
Judas sent spies to observe the camp, and they reported: "All the Gentiles around us have gone over to him—it's a very large force.
39
They have also hired Arabs to help them. They're camped across the stream, and they're ready to come and fight against you." So Judas went out to meet them.
40
As Judas and his army were drawing near to the stream of water, Timothy told the officers of his forces, "If Judas crosses the water first, we won't be able to resist him, and he'll surely defeat us.
41
But if he hesitates out of fear and camps on the other side of the river, then we'll cross over and defeat him."
42
When Judas came to the stream of water, he stationed the scribes of the people there and issued this command: "Don't let anyone start to make camp. Instead, force them all to enter the battle."