דברים, פרק ב׳, פסוק ל״ב

The looming battle against the Amorites is defined by an extreme display of overconfidence. The Amorite king initiates a direct, frontal assault, a decision that clearly reveals his mindset just moments before the fateful encounter. He steps into the conflict entirely on his own, without sending any call for help to his neighboring ally, Og, the king of Bashan [רש״י]. Both of these leaders possess such immense personal strength and self-assurance that they feel no need for military cooperation [שפתי חכמים].

Sihon relies so heavily on his own might that he actually advances to the front lines first, with his soldiers only joining him later [משכיל לדוד]. This independent action removes a major threat for the Israelites. Had these two powerful kings combined their forces, defeating them together would have required a far greater level of merit [דברי דוד].

This solitary march also points to a profound lack of preparation. Sihon does not mobilize his full military in advance. Having watched the Israelites plead for passage through Edom and Moab only to be turned away, he assumes they are a weak group that can be easily frightened off. As a result, he initially sets out with only a small, immediate guard. Only after realizing that the Israelites intend to force their way through his territory does he scramble to gather the rest of his troops. This hasty approach stands in sharp contrast to Og, who later learns from Sihon's downfall and fully assembles his nation before engaging in his own battle [העמק דבר]. The confrontation ultimately unfolds in a region called Jahaz, with the Amorite forces marching directly toward that city to meet the Israelites in combat [ביאור שטיינזלץ].