Deuteronomy 2

13–23 The Israelites then crossed the Zered Valley which lay between Edom and Moab; from there they proceeded north around the eastern border of Moab (verse 18).

In verses 14–16, Moses reminds the people that thirty-eight years had passed since the Israelites had left Kadesh Barnea—that is, left it the first time (Numbers 14:44–45). Now, after thirty-eight years spent in the hill country of Seir near Kadesh, they had reached the land of the Ammonites (verse 19). This land, too, the Israelites were not to seize, because the Ammonites (like the Moabites) were also descended from Lot (Genesis 19:36,38) and had received their land from God Himself.

Verses 20–23 also are like a footnote. They highlight the fact that with God’s help the Edomites, Moabites and Ammonites all had driven out the original inhabitants of the lands they were to occupy. Israel could expect to do the same—if they obeyed God. But while the three above-mentioned tribes were protected by God, the same was not true of the Amorites—the collection of ungodly tribes living in and around Canaan. These tribes Israel would soon overcome, starting with the Amorites living in the area of Heshbon (verses 24–37)

Defeat of Sihon King of Heshbon (2:24–37)

24 -37 See Numbers 21:21–26 and comment.