2
Even now, if your people up in the mountains had not insulted me, I would not have declared war on them. They have brought all this trouble on themselves.
3
But tell me, why have you left them and come to us? You will be safe here. No need to be afraid! We have spared your life tonight, and you are in no danger for the future.
4
No one here will harm you; everyone will treat you well, like all other servants of my master, Nebuchadnezzar."
5
Then Judith said to Holofernes, "Allow me to speak to you, my lord, and please listen to what I have to say. I will tell you the truth.
6
If you follow my advice, God will do something great with you, and my lord will not fail in his plan.
7
For I swear to you by the life and strength of Nebuchadnezzar, king of the whole world, who sent you to bring order to all the subjects of his kingdom, that not only have you made people serve him, but because of you even the wild animals, the livestock, and the birds obey him. Because of you, Nebuchadnezzar and his entire kingdom will prosper.
8
We have heard how wise and clever you are. The whole world knows that you are the most competent, skilled, and accomplished general in the whole Assyrian Empire.
9
Achior was rescued by the men of Bethulia, and has told us what he said at your war council.
10
Please, sir, do not dismiss lightly what Achior told you, but take it seriously, because it is true. No one can harm or conquer our people unless they sin against their God.
11
"But you will not suffer any setbacks, nor will you fail to achieve your goal. When the Israelites sin and make their God angry, they will die.
12
Their food supply has already run out, and the water shortage has become serious, so they have decided to kill their livestock and eat foods that God's Law clearly forbids them to eat.