21. If we are taken, then all Judea will fall, our sanctuary will be plundered, and God will demand an account from us for their profanation.
22. For the slaughter of our kindred, for the taking of exiles from the land, and for the devastation of our inheritance, he will hold us responsible among the nations. Wherever we are enslaved, we will be a scandal and a reproach in the eyes of our masters.
23. Our servitude will not work to our advantage, but the Lord our God will turn it to disgrace.
24. “Therefore, my brothers, let us set an example for our kindred. Their lives depend on us, and the defense of the sanctuary, the temple, and the altar rests with us.
25. Besides all this, let us give thanks to the Lord our God for putting us to the test as he did our ancestors.
26. Recall how he dealt with Abraham, and how he tested Isaac, and all that happened to Jacob in Syrian Mesopotamia while he was tending the flocks of Laban, his mother’s brother.
27. He has not tested us with fire, as he did them, to try their hearts, nor is he taking vengeance on us. But the Lord chastises those who are close to him in order to admonish them.”
28. Then Uzziah said to her: “All that you have said you have spoken truthfully, and no one can deny your words.
29. For today is not the first time your wisdom has been evident, but from your earliest days all the people have recognized your understanding, for your heart’s disposition is right.
30. The people, however, were so thirsty that they forced us to do for them as we have promised, and to bind ourselves by an oath that we cannot break.
31. But now, since you are a devout woman, pray for us that the Lord may send rain to fill up our cisterns. Then we will no longer be fainting from thirst.”
32. Then Judith said to them: “Listen to me! I will perform a deed that will go down from generation to generation among our descendants.
33. Stand at the city gate tonight to let me pass through with my maid; and within the days you have specified before you will surrender the city to our enemies, the Lord will deliver Israel by my hand.
34. You must not inquire into the affair, for I will not tell you what I am doing until it has been accomplished.”
35. Uzziah and the rulers said to her, “Go in peace, and may the Lord God go before you to take vengeance upon our enemies!”
36. Then they withdrew from the tent and returned to their posts.