And I sent messengers out of the wilderness of Kedemoth
A city in the tribe of Reuben, and given by them to the Levites in later times, having been taken from the Amorites with others; near this lay a wilderness, which took its name from it, and seems to be the same with Jeshimon, ( Numbers 21:20 Numbers 21:21 ) ( Joshua 13:18 ) ( 21:37 ) . Aben Ezra takes it to be the wilderness of Matthanah, which according to Jerom F7 was situated on Arnon, twelve miles to the east of Medeba; see ( Numbers 21:18 Numbers 21:30 ) from hence messengers were sent by Moses, unto Sihon king of Heshbon, with words of peace;
in a peaceable and respectful manner, desiring to be at peace and in friendship with him, and a continuance of it, which was done to leave him inexcusable; as afterwards a like method was ordered to be taken, when they came to any city, to proclaim peace, and if an answer of peace was given, no hostilities were to be committed, ( Deuteronomy 20:10 ) ,
saying;
as follows.