10 Holofernes, I want you to go ahead of me and take over their land. Keep control of the nations that surrender to you, and when I arrive, I will punish them myself.
11 But destroy those nations that refuse to surrender. Show them no mercy and command your troops to take their possessions.
12 As surely as I rule this powerful kingdom, I will keep my solemn promise to punish those nations.
13 I am your king, so don't disobey any of my commands. Go and follow every order I have given you.
14 Holofernes left and called together all the commanders and officers of the Assyrian army.
15 Just as Nebuchadnezzar had ordered, he chose 120,000 of the best foot soldiers and 12,000 cavalry troops who were experts with bows and arrows.
16 Holofernes prepared this army for war.