26 Do you remember how the Lord tested Abraham and Isaac or what happened to Jacob while he was taking care of his uncle Laban's sheep in Mesopotamia?
27 The Lord isn't testing our faithfulness to him as severely as he tested the faith of our ancestors, and he isn't taking revenge on us. These hard times were sent as a warning.
28 Uzziah replied:Judith, everything you have said is true, and no one would disagree.
29 And this is certainly not the first time you have spoken so wisely. Even as a child, you showed good sense, and the people of Bethulia have always known how wise and fair your decisions are.
30 But everyone in town is dying of thirst, and they begged us until we finally made them a solemn promise that we can't break.
31 You faithfully worship the Lord God, so pray for us all and ask him to send enough rain to fill our wells. Once we have drinking water, our strength will return.
32 Judith said to the three town leaders:I'm going to do something—something that will never be forgotten.