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.
17 He took enough camels, donkeys, and mules to carry all the equipment, and he also took a large number of sheep, oxen, and goats for food.
18 Each soldier was given plenty food and water and was paid a huge amount of gold and silver from the royal treasury.