Numbers 21:15

21:15 and the slope of the valleys ¹ 

that extends to the dwelling of Ar, ² 

and falls off at the border of Moab.”

Numbers 21:18

21:18 The well which the princes ³  dug,

which the leaders of the people opened

with their scepters and their staffs.”

And from the wilderness they traveled to Mattanah;

[21:15]  ¹ tc There are many variations in this text, but the MT reading of something like “the descent of the torrents/valleys” is preferable, since it is describing the topography.

[21:15]  ² sn The place is unknown; it is apparently an important city in the region.

[21:18]  ³ sn The brief song is supposed to be an old workers’ song, and so the mention of leaders and princes is unusual. Some think they are given credit because they directed where the workers were to dig. The scepter and staff might have served some symbolic or divining custom.