1Now the children of Yashar'el (Israel), that dwelt in Judea, heard all that Holofernes the chief captain of Nabuchodonosor king of the Assyrians had done to the nations, and after what manner he had spoiled all their temples, and brought them to nought.
2Therefore they were exceedingly afraid of him, and were troubled for Jerusalem, and for the temple of Yahuah (God), their Elohim (God):
3For they were newly returned from the captivity, and all the people of Judea were lately gathered together: and the vessels, and the altar, and the house, were sanctified after the profanation.