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,
13 because that's the only place the people of Bethulia can go for water. They will soon be so thirsty that they will have to surrender.Meanwhile, we will lead our armies to the tops of the nearby foothills and set up camp. We will make sure that no one leaves Bethulia.
14 Every man, woman, and child in the town will starve to death, and the streets will be filled with dead bodies, even before your army attacks.