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

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

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

If it accepts your terms and submits to you, all the people found in it will become your slaves.

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