1 In the thirteenth year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, on the twenty-second day of the first month, the word went forth from the house of Nebuchadnezzar, king of the Assyrians, that he would defend himself.
2 And he called all the native leaders, and all the commanders, and his officers of war, and he met with them in his secret council.
3 And he said to them that his thoughts were to subjugate all the earth to his authority.
4 And when this saying pleased them all, king Nebuchadnezzar called Holofernes, the leader of his military.
5 And he said to him: "Go out against all the kingdoms of the west, and against those in particular who showed contempt for my authority.
6 Your eye must not spare any kingdom, and all the fortified cities you will subjugate to me."
7 Then Holofernes called the commanders and the magistrates of the army of the Assyrians. And he numbered men for the expedition, just as the king had instructed him: one hundred and twenty thousand foot-soldiers, and twelve thousand archers on horseback.