Holofernes understands the theological point that Achior made in the last chapter. Understands it, and rejects it. Why are you whining about some god these ex-slaves worship? Nebuchadnezzar is our god! He commands, and we obey. Has anybody else beaten him?
So Achior, the foreigner who understands the faith of the Israelites, is rejected and punished. But his punishment turns out to be a blessing in disguise. Holofernes orders him to be handed over to the Israelites. Don’t worry, he says mockingly, my men will soon beat this rabble before they do anything nasty to you.
Holofernes sends a detachment to Bethulia, to hand Achior over to them. But the people of Bethulia put up a spirited defence, and the soldiers can’t get close. They leave Achior tied up, and retreat. The Israelites come and take him in, listen to what has happened and pray to God for help. Achior is treated kindly, as befits a man who understands the power of God.
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