1. In the thirteenth year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, on the twenty-second day of the first month, the word went forth from the house of Nebuchadnezzar, king of the Assyrians, that he would defend himself.
2. And he called all the native leaders, and all the commanders, and his officers of war, and he met with them in his secret council.
3. And he said to them that his thoughts were to subjugate all the earth to his authority.
4. And when this saying pleased them all, king Nebuchadnezzar called Holofernes, the leader of his military.