1 The next day Holofernes commanded all his army and all the people who had come to be his allies, that they should move their camp toward Bethulia, seize the passes of the hill country, and make war against the children of Israel. (WEB) 2 Every mighty man of them moved that day. The army of their men of war was one hundred seventy thousand footmen, plus twelve thousand horsemen, besides the baggage and the men who were on foot among them—an exceedingly great multitude. (WEB) 3 They encamped in the valley near Bethulia, by the fountain. They spread themselves in breadth over Dothaim even to Belmaim, and in length from Bethulia to Cyamon, which is near Esdraelon. (WEB) 4 But the children of Israel, when they saw the multitude of them, were terrified, and everyone said to his neighbor, “Now these men will lick up the face of all the earth. Neither the high mountains, nor the valleys, nor the hills will be able to bear their weight. (WEB) 5 Every man took up his weapons of war, and when they had kindled fires upon their towers, they remained and watched all that night. (WEB) 6 But on the second day Holofernes led out all his cavalry in the sight of the children of Israel which were in Bethulia, (WEB) 7 viewed the ascents to their city, and searched out the springs of the waters, seized upon them, and set garrisons of men of war over them. Then he departed back to his people. (WEB) 8 All the rulers of the children of Esau, all the leaders of the people of Moab, and the captains of the sea coast came to him and said, (WEB) 9 “Let our lord now hear a word, that there not be losses in your army. (WEB) 10 For this people of the children of Israel do not trust in their spears, but in the height of the mountains wherein they dwell, for it is not easy to come up to the tops of their mountains. (WEB) 11 And now, my lord, don’t fight against them as men fight who join battle, and there will not so much as one man of your people perish. (WEB) 12 Remain in your camp, and keep every man of your army safe. Let your servants get possession of the water spring, which flows from the foot of the mountain, (WEB) 13 because all the inhabitants of Bethulia get their water from there. Then thirst will kill them, and they will give up their city. Then we and our people will go up to the tops of the mountains that are near, and will camp upon them, to watch that not one man gets out of the city. (WEB) 14 They will be consumed with famine—they, their wives, and their children. Before the sword comes against them they will be laid low in the streets where they dwell. (WEB) 15 And you will pay them back with evil, because they rebelled, and didn’t meet your face in peace.” (WEB) 16 Their words were pleasing in the sight of… (WEB) 17 … (WEB)
Judith 7:1–32
Semantically similar passages
Judith 5:23–24
23 For, they said, “We will not be afraid of the children of Israel, because, behold, they are a people that has no power nor might to make the battle strong. (WEB) 24 Therefore now we will go up, and they will be a prey to be devoured by all your army, Lord Holofernes.” (WEB)
1 Maccabees 4:30–32
30 He saw that the army was strong, and he prayed and said, “Blessed are you, O Savior of Israel, who defeated the attack of the mighty warrior by the hand of your servant David, and delivered the army of the Philistines into the hands of Jonathan the son of Sau… (WEB)
Judith 6:2–4
2 “And who are you, Achior, and the mercenaries of Ephraim, that you have prophesied among us as today, and have said that we should not make war with the race of Israel, because their God will defend them? And who is God but Nebuchadnezzar? (WEB) 3 He will send forth h… (WEB)
1 Maccabees 9:45–47
45 For, behold, the battle is before us and behind us. Moreover the water of the Jordan is on this side and on that side, and marsh and thicket. There is no place to escape. (WEB) 46 Now therefore cry to heaven, that you may be delivered out of the hand of your enemies.” (WEB) 47 S… (WEB)
Testament of Judah 1:22–24
22 And Jacob my father slew Beelesath, king of all the kings, a giant in strength, twelve cubits high. (T12) 23 And fear fell upon them, and they ceased warring against us. (T12) 24 Therefore my father was free from anxiety in the wars when I was with my brethren. (T12)
1 Maccabees 7:41–43
41 “When those who came from the king blasphemed, your angel went out, and struck among them one hundred eighty-five thousand. (WEB) 42 Even so, crush this army before us today, and let all the rest know that he has spoken wickedly against your sanctuary. Judge him accord… (WEB)
Judith 15:1–3
1 When those who were in the tents heard, they were amazed at what happened. (WEB) 2 Trembling and fear fell upon them, and no man dared stay any more in the sight of his neighbor, but rushing out with one accord, they fled into every way of the plain and of the hill co… (WEB)
Judges 6:3–5
3 Whenever the Israelites would plant their crops, the Midianites, Amalekites, and other people of the east would come up and invade them, 4 encamping against them as far as Gaza and destroying the produce of the land. They left Israel with no sustenance, neither… 5 …
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