6 The next day, Holofernes led his cavalry troops to a place where the Israelites in Bethulia could see them.
7 He inspected every road into the town and found the sources of its water supply. He posted soldiers to guard these springs, then returned to camp.
8 All the commanders of the Edomite and Moabite armies, together with the commanders of the troops from the Mediterranean coast, came to Holofernes and said:
9 Sir, listen to our advice, and we promise that your troops will not be defeated.
10 These Israelites count on the mountains and hills around them to keep them safe, even more than they count on their weapons. That's because the mountains are very steep and difficult to climb.
11 So, General Holofernes, if you attack Bethulia as you would usually attack a town, many of your soldiers will be killed.
12 Instead, order your troops to stay in camp. And command the soldiers you posted at the springs to guard them carefully,