23 The Avvim, who had lived in settlements around Gaza, were completely destroyed by the Caphtorim, who had come from Caphtor. They replaced the Avvim there.
24 "So get going. Cross the Arnon ravine. I have handed Sihon the Amorite king of Heshbon and his land over to you. It’s time to possess the area! It’s time to fight him in battle!
25 Starting right now, I am making everyone everywhere afraid of you and scared of you. Once they hear news of you, they will be shaking and worrying because of you."
26 I then sent messengers from the Kedemoth desert to Sihon, Heshbon’s king, with words of peace:
27 "Please let us pass through your land. We promise to stay on the road. We won’t step off it, right or left.
28 Please sell us food for money so we can eat; sell us water for money so we can drink. Let us pass through on foot—
29 just as Esau’s descendants who live in Seir and the Moabites who live in Ar did for me—until we cross the Jordan River into the land that the Lord our God is giving to us."