6 The next day Holofernes led out his entire cavalry so that the Israelites in Bethulia could see them.
7 He inspected the approaches to the town and the springs that supplied its water. He seized the springs and stationed guards there, before returning to camp.
8 All the leaders of the Edomite and Moabite forces, along with the commanders of the troops from the Mediterranean coast, came to Holofernes and said,
9 “Sir, if you listen to our advice, your troops will not suffer heavy losses.
10 These Israelites do not rely on their weapons for defence but rather on the height of the mountains where they live, since the mountains are not easy to climb.
11 So then, General Holofernes, if you do not make a direct attack on them, your whole army will suffer no casualties.
12 Stay in your camp and keep your soldiers in their quarters. Just command your men to blockade the springs at the foot of the mountains,