8. For we have heard of your wisdom and the subtil devices of your soul, and it has been reported in all the earth, that you only are brave in all the kingdom, and mighty in knowledge, and wonderful in feats of war.
9. And now as concerning the matter, which Achior did speak in your council, we have heard his words: for the men of Bethulia saved him, and he declared to them all that he had spoken before you.
10. Wherefore, O lord and master, neglect not his word; but lay it up in your heart, for it is true: for our race shall not be punished, neither shall the sword prevail against them, except they sin against their God.
11. And now, that my lord be not defeated and frustrate of his purpose, and that death may fall upon them, their sin has overtaken them, wherewith they shall provoke their God to anger, whenever they shall do wickedness.
12. Since their food failed them, and all their water was scant, they took counsel to lay hands upon their cattle, and determined to consume all those things, which God charged them by his laws that they should not eat:
13. and they are resolved to spend the first fruits of the corn, and the tenths of the wine and the oil, which they had sanctified, and reserved for the priests that stand before the face of our God in Jerusalem; the which things it is not fitting for any of the people so much as to touch with their hands.
14. And they have sent some to Jerusalem, because they also that dwell there have done this thing, to bring them a licence from the senate.
15. And it shall be, when one shall bring them word, and they shall do it, they shall be given you to be destroyed the same day.
16. Wherefore I your servant, knowing all this, fled away from their presence; and God sent me to work things with you, whereat all the earth shall be astonished, even as many as shall hear it.
17. For your servant is religious, and serves the God of heaven day and night: and now, my lord, I will abide with you, and your servant will go forth by night into the valley, and I will pray to God, and he shall tell me when they have committed their sins:
18. and I will come and show it also to you; and you shall go forth with all your host, and there shall be none of them that shall resist you.
19. And I will lead you through the midst of Judaea, until you come over against Jerusalem; and I will set your seat in the midst thereof; and you shall drive them as sheep that have no shepherd, and a dog shall not so much as open his mouth before you: for these things were told me according to my foreknowledge, and were declared to me, and I was sent to tell you.