Deuteronomy 2:26

Defeat of Sihon, King of Heshbon

2:26 Then I sent messengers from the Kedemoth ¹  Desert to King Sihon of Heshbon with an offer of peace:

Deuteronomy 20:10

20:10 When you approach a city to wage war against it, offer it terms of peace.

Deuteronomy 23:6

23:6 You must not seek peace and prosperity for them through all the ages to come.

Deuteronomy 20:11

20:11 If it accepts your terms ²  and submits to you, all the people found in it will become your slaves. ³ 

Deuteronomy 29:19

29:19 When such a person ⁴  hears the words of this oath he secretly ⁵  blesses himself ⁶  and says, “I will have peace though I continue to walk with a stubborn spirit.” ⁷  This will destroy ⁸  the watered ground with the parched. ⁹ 

[2:26]  ¹ sn Kedemoth. This is probably Aleiyan, about 8 mi (13 km) north of the Arnon and between Dibon and Mattanah.

[20:11]  ² tn Heb “if it answers you peace.”

[20:11]  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).

[29:19]  ³ tn Heb “he”; the referent (the subject of the warning in v. 18) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

[29:19]  ⁴ tn Heb “in his heart.”

[29:19]  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.

[29:19]  ⁶ tn Heb “heart.”

[29:19]  ⁷ tn Heb “thus destroying.” For stylistic reasons the translation begins a new sentence here.

[29:19]  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.”