23
For our slavery will not bring us into favor, but the Lord our God will turn it to dishonor.
24
"Now therefore, brethren, let us set an example to our brethren, for their lives depend upon us, and the sanctuary and the temple and the altar rest 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 forefathers.
26
Remember what he did with Abraham, and how he tested Isaac, and what happened to Jacob in Mesopotamia in Syria, while he was keeping 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 revenge upon us; but the Lord scourges those who draw near to him, in order to admonish them."
28
Then Uzziah said to her, "All that you have said has been 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 very thirsty, and they compelled us to do for them what we have promised, and made us take an oath which we cannot break.
31
So pray for us, since you are a devout woman, and the Lord will send us rain to fill our cisterns and we will no longer be faint."
32
Judith said to them, "Listen to me. I am about to do a thing which will go down through all generations of our descendants.
33
Stand at the city gate tonight, and I will go out with my maid; and within the days after which you have promised to surrender the city to our enemies, the Lord will deliver Israel by my hand.