Bible Verses

They camped in the valley near Bethulia, next to the spring. They spread out across the entire width from Dothan to Balbaim and from Bethulia to Cyamon, which faces Esdraelon.

All his brave warriors moved that day; the fighting forces consisted of one hundred seventy thousand foot soldiers and twelve thousand cavalry, not including the baggage and the men who cared for it, as well as the crowd of people who accompanied them—a sizable crowd.

Siege of the City The next day, Holofernes issued orders for his entire army and those who had come to his aid to move their camp toward Bethulia, occupy the mountain slopes, and wage war against the Israelites.

Then Uzziah led him from the assembly into his own house and hosted a meal for the elders. Throughout the night, the people called upon the God of Israel, begging Him to come to their aid.

They encouraged Achior and congratulated him warmly.

“Lord God of Heaven, consider the arrogance of the Assyrians and have mercy on your humiliated people. Look upon those who are dedicated to you this day.”

The people fell to the ground, worshiped God, and called upon his help, saying:

He explained to them about the council meeting with Holofernes and everything he had said to the Assyrian leaders. He also told them about Holofernes’ threatening words against Israel.

When they called a meeting of all the elders, the young people and women also joined the gathering. They placed Achior among the crowd, and Uzziah asked him what had happened.

During those days, the leaders were Uzziah, son of Micah of the tribe of Simeon; Chabris, son of Gothoniel; and Charmis, son of Melchiel.