The official appointment of Holofernes as the king’s great lieutenant will require him to subjugate all those who refuse to ally with the emperor in attacking Arfaxad. As a result, Holofernes’ task will be enormous, since, as noted in 1:7-11, many have ignored the royal order. Notice the arrogant tone with which the king issues his commands to the general and the hubris with which he decrees the tragic fate of countless people.