12:2 King Sihon of the Amorites who lived 7 in Heshbon and ruled from Aroer (on the edge of the Arnon Valley) – including the city in the middle of the valley 8 and half of Gilead – all the way to the Jabbok Valley bordering Ammonite territory.
1 tn The meaning and correct translation of the Hebrew word שְׁבָרִים (shÿvarim) is uncertain. The translation “fissures” is based on usage of the plural form of the noun in Ps 60:4 HT (60:2 ET), where it appears to refer to cracks in the earth caused by an earthquake. Perhaps deep ravines or gorges are in view, or the word is a proper noun (“all the way to Shebarim”).
2 sn The precise geographical location of the Israelite defeat at this “steep slope” is uncertain.
3 tn Or “army’s.”
4 tn Heb “and the heart of the people melted and became water.”
5 tn Heb “on the descent of.”
6 tn Or “heaven” (also in v. 13). The Hebrew term שָׁמַיִם (shamayim) may be translated “heaven(s)” or “sky” depending on the context.
7 tn Or perhaps, “reigned.”
8 tc The MT reads here, “and the middle of the valley,” but the reading “the city in the middle of valley” can be reconstructed on the basis of Josh 13:9, 16.
9 tn Heb “and it will be as every good word which the
10 tn Heb “so the