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.”