25. There is no one to help us now! God has sold us into their hands by laying us prostrate before them in thirst and utter exhaustion.
26. So now, summon them and deliver the whole city as plunder to the troops of Holofernes and to all his forces;
27. we would be better off to become their prey. Although we would be made slaves, at least we would live, and not have to see our little ones dying before our eyes, and our wives and children breathing their last.
28. We adjure you by heaven and earth and by our God, the Lord of our ancestors, who is punishing us for our sins and the sins of our ancestors, that this very day you do as we have proposed.”
29. All in the assembly with one accord broke into shrill wailing and cried loudly to the Lord their God.
30. But Uzziah said to them, “Courage, my brothers and sisters! Let us endure patiently five days more for the Lord our God to show mercy toward us; for God will not utterly forsake us.
31. But if these days pass and help does not come to us, I will do as you say.”
32. Then he dismissed the people. The men returned to their posts on the walls and towers of the city, the women and children went back to their homes. Throughout the city they were in great misery.