דברים, פרק ב׳, פסוק ל״ו

The military campaign against Sihon spanned a vast and challenging landscape, stretching from deep river valleys to high mountainous terrain. The conquest began at Aroer, situated on the northern bank of the Arnon River, and swept all the way north to the distant region of the Gilead. It even included a unique settlement constructed entirely within the riverbed itself [ביאור יש״ר, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Despite the difficult geography, no physical obstacle could halt the advance of the Israelites.

The cities in this region were heavily fortified strongholds. They were meticulously planned with their structures tightly connected, leaving no gaps for an invading army to easily penetrate [רש ר הירש]. Furthermore, these fortresses were built at great heights, designed to be towering and strong [אבן עזרא, רש ר הירש, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Yet, regardless of their impressive defenses and elevated positions, none of these strongholds proved too difficult to overcome.

In the historical record of this victory, the capture of these mighty cities is mentioned only after detailing the collection of the spoils. This unusual sequence highlights a specific miracle regarding the captured wealth. When facing certain defeat, ancient nations would often throw their treasures into nearby rivers to prevent the enemy from taking them. Given that Sihon's cities were located right along the riverbanks, and one was even built inside the water, there was a high likelihood that the wealth would be lost or destroyed. However, the Israelites managed to secure all the property completely intact, without a single item being lost to the waters [העמק דבר].

This absolute success points directly to divine intervention. Overcoming such perfectly planned, towering fortresses and securing all their wealth without any damage was not the result of ordinary human military strength. Rather, it was a clear demonstration that God had delivered the entire region and its contents directly into the hands of the Israelites [ביאור יש״ר].