Judith 4:7-9

New Catholic Bible

⁷ ordering them to occupy the mountain passes, since they were the only means of access to Judea. Since the narrow approach would not allow more than two men to advance abreast of each other, there would be no difficulty in preventing the advance of the attacking forces. ⁸ The Israelites carried out the orders issued by Joakim, the high priest, and by the senate^[a] of the whole people of Israel in session at Jerusalem.

Prayer and Penance. ⁹ At the same time, all the men of Israel cried out to God with great fervor, humbling themselves before him and fasting.