19 But now that they have returned to their god, they have come back home from the countries where they had been scattered. They have again taken possession of the city of Jerusalem, where their temple is, and have resettled in the mountains that had remained uninhabited.
20 “Sir, if these people are now sinning against their god, even unknowingly, and if we can be sure that they are guilty of some offence, we can successfully attack them.
21 But if they have not disobeyed the law of their god, then you should leave them alone, or he will defend them, and we will be disgraced before the whole world.”
22 When Achior had finished his speech, all the people standing round the tent began to protest. Holofernes' own senior officers, as well as the Moabites and those from the Mediterranean coast, demanded that Achior be put to death.
23 “Why should we be afraid of these Israelites?” they asked. “They are weak; they can't put up a strong defence.
24 Let's go ahead! General Holofernes, your great army will slaughter them easily.”