10
Therefore, O lord and governor, reject not his word, but lay it up in thine heart, for it is true; for our nation shall not be punished, neither can sword prevail against them, unless they sin against their God.
11
And now, that my lord be not defeated and frustrated in his purpose, even death hath now fallen upon them and their sin hath overtaken them, by which they will provoke their God to anger whensoever they shall do that which is not fit to be done.
12
For their victuals fail them and all their water is scant, and they have determined to lay hands upon their cattle, and purposed to consume all those things that God hath forbidden them to eat by His laws,
13
and are resolved to spend the first fruits of the corn and tenths of wine and oil, which they had sanctified and reserved for the priests who serve in Jerusalem before the face of our God--which things it is not lawful for any of the people so much as to touch with their hands.
14
For they have sent some to Jerusalem, because those also who dwell there have done the like, to bring them a license from the senate.
15
Now when they shall bring them word, they will forthwith do it, and they shall be given to thee to be destroyed the same day.
16
"Therefore I, thine handmaid, knowing all this, fled from their presence; and God hath sent me to work things with thee, at which all the earth shall be astonished and whosoever shall hear it.
17
For thy servant is religious and serveth the God of heaven day and night. Now therefore, my lord, I will remain with thee, and thy servant will go out by night into the valley and I will pray unto God, and He will tell me when they have committed their sins.
18
And I will come and tell it unto thee; then thou shalt go forth with all thine army, and there shall be none of them who shall resist thee.
19
And I will lead thee through the midst of Judea until thou come before Jerusalem, and I will set thy throne in the midst thereof; and thou shalt drive them as sheep that have no shepherd, and a dog shall not so much as open his mouth at thee. For these things were told me according to my foreknowledge, and they were declared unto me, and I am sent to tell thee."
20
Then her words pleased Holofernes and all his servants, and they marveled at her wisdom and said,