Books Jesus Read

88

Books Jesus Read

and conquered the Heshbonites, before crossing the Jordan to possess the hill country. There they drove out the Canaanites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, the Shechemites, and the Gergesites, dwelling in Canaan for many days. “So long as they did not sin against their God, they prospered. For the God who despises unrighteousness was with them. But whenever they abandoned his way, they were defeated in battle and taken captive into foreign lands. The temple of their God was destroyed and their cities were occupied by their enemies. “Now they have returned to their God and have been gathered from the places to which they were scattered. Once more they occupy Jerusalem, where their sanctuary is, and dwell in the hill country, for it was uninhabited. Therefore, my lord and master, if we discover any fault in them, such that they sin against their God, let us attack them for we shall overcome them. But if no iniquity is found in their nation, then let my lord avoid them. Otherwise, their Lord will defend them and their God be for them, and we will be disgraced before all the world.” When Achior’s speech was finished, all those gathered murmured against him. Holofernes’ men along with the inhabitants Moab and the coasts called for his execution saying, “We do not fear the Israelites, for they have no strength or power to wage war. Let us go up against them, Lord Holofernes, for they are prey for your army to devour!” When the commotion settled, Holofernes rebuked Achior as follows: “Who are you to prophesy, directing us not to make war on Israel as if their God will defend them?