21. But if they have not disobeyed the law of their god, then you should leave them alone, or he will defend them, and we will be disgraced before the whole world.”
22. When Achior had finished his speech, all the people standing round the tent began to protest. Holofernes' own senior officers, as well as the Moabites and those from the Mediterranean coast, demanded that Achior be put to death.
23. “Why should we be afraid of these Israelites?” they asked. “They are weak; they can't put up a strong defence.
24. Let's go ahead! General Holofernes, your great army will slaughter them easily.”