2:26 Then I sent messengers from the Kedemoth 1 Desert to King Sihon of Heshbon with an offer of peace:
20:10 When you approach a city to wage war against it, offer it terms of peace.
1 sn Kedemoth. This is probably Aleiyan, about 8 mi (13 km) north of the Arnon and between Dibon and Mattanah.
2 tn Heb “if it answers you peace.”
3 tn Heb “become as a vassal and will serve you.” The Hebrew term translated slaves (מַס, mas) refers either to Israelites who were pressed into civil service, especially under Solomon (1 Kgs 5:27; 9:15, 21; 12:18), or (as here) to foreigners forced as prisoners of war to become slaves to Israel. The Gibeonites exemplify this type of servitude (Josh 9:3-27; cf. Josh 16:10; 17:13; Judg 1:28, 30-35; Isa 31:8; Lam 1:1).
3 tn Heb “he”; the referent (the subject of the warning in v. 18) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
4 tn Heb “in his heart.”
5 tn Or “invokes a blessing on himself.” A formalized word of blessing is in view, the content of which appears later in the verse.
6 tn Heb “heart.”
7 tn Heb “thus destroying.” For stylistic reasons the translation begins a new sentence here.
8 tn Heb “the watered with the parched.” The word “ground” is implied. The exact meaning of the phrase is uncertain although it appears to be figurative. This appears to be a proverbial observation employing a figure of speech (a merism) suggesting totality. That is, the Israelite who violates the letter and even spirit of the covenant will harm not only himself but everything he touches – “the watered and the parched.” Cf. CEV “you will cause the rest of Israel to be punished along with you.”