7. He reconnoitered the ascents to their city and located their springs of water; these he seized, stationing armed detachments around them, while he himself returned to his troops.
8. All the rulers of the Edomites, all the leaders of the Moabites, together with the generals of the coastal region, came to Holofernes and said:
9. “Master, please listen to what we have to say, that there may be no losses among your forces.
10. These Israelite troops do not rely on their spears, but on the height of the mountains where they dwell, for it is not easy to reach the summit of their mountains.
11. Therefore, master, do not attack them in regular formation, and not a single one of your troops will fall.
12. Stay in your camp, and spare every man of your force. Have some of your servants keep control of the spring of water that flows out at the base of the mountain,
13. for that is where the inhabitants of Bethulia get their water. Then thirst will destroy them, and they will surrender their city. Meanwhile, we and our troops will go up to the nearby hilltops and encamp there to guard against anyone’s leaving the city.
14. They and their wives and children will languish with hunger, and even before the sword strikes them they will be laid low in the streets where they live.
15. Thus you will render them dire punishment for their rebellion and their refusal to meet you peacefully.”