Beginning of the End - Ellen G. White

Chapter 39
The Conquest of Bashan
This chapter is based on Deuteronomy 2; 3:1-11.
After passing south of Edom, the Israelites turned north toward
the Promised Land. Their route now lay over a vast, high plain,
swept by cool, fresh breezes, a welcome change from the hot, dry
valley. They pressed forward, happy and hopeful. God had
commanded, "Do not harass Moab, nor contend with them in battle,
for I will not give you any of their land as a possession, because I
have given Ar to the descendants of Lot." The same was repeated
concerning the Ammonites, also descendants of Lot.
The people of Israel soon reached the country of the Amorites.
This strong, warlike people had crossed the Jordan, made war on the
Moabites, and gained some of their territory. The route to the Jordan
lay directly through this territory, and Moses sent a friendly message
to Sihon, the Amorite king: "Let me pass through your land. ... You
shall sell me food for money, that I may eat, and give me water for
money, that I may drink; only let me pass through on foot."
The answer was a decided refusal, and all the soldiers of the
Amorites were summoned to oppose the invaders. This intimidating
army struck terror to the Israelites. In skill for warfare, their enemies
had the advantage. To all human appearance, the Amorites would
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