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 defense 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,
13 because that's where the people of Bethulia come to draw their water. Then, when they are dying of thirst, they will surrender their town to you. Meanwhile, we and our men will go up to the tops of the surrounding mountains, where we will set up camp and keep anyone from leaving the town.