26. Remember what he did with Abraham, how he tested Isaac, and what happened to Jacob while he was in Mesopotamia of Syria, tending his uncle Laban’s sheep?
27. He hasn’t yet tested us with fire, as he did them to examine their hearts, nor has he taken vengeance upon us. Rather, the Lord afflicts those close to him in order to warn them."
28. Uzziah said to her: "You have spoken all this from a genuine heart, and no one disagrees with your words.
29. Today isn’t the first time you have demonstrated your wisdom. Since your earliest days, all the people have observed your insight and the goodness of your heart.
30. But the people are very thirsty, and they strongly urged us to do what we promised them, and to make a solemn promise that we can’t break.
31. You are a godly woman. So pray for us, and the Lord will send rain to fill our reservoirs, and we won’t die."
32. Judith said to them: "Listen to me. I’m going to do something that will be remembered for generations to come.
33. Stand at the gate tonight, and I, along with my most trusted servant, will go out. By the deadline you set for surrendering the city to our enemies, the Lord will deliver Israel by my hand.
34. Don’t ask what I will do. I won’t tell you until I’m finished."
35. Then Uzziah and the rulers said to her: "Go in peace, and may the Lord God go before you to take vengeance on our enemies."