דברים, פרק ג׳, פסוק ח׳

The initial conquest by the Israelites does not take place within the traditional borders of the Promised Land, but rather on the eastern side of the Jordan River. Capturing this massive territory, stretching from the Arnon River in the south up to Mount Hermon in the north, marks a major historical and spiritual milestone. It demonstrates not only the fulfillment of divine promises but also their expansion. The capture of this region serves as a grand summary of all the military victories that occurred previously [ביאור יש״ר]. By taking this territory directly out of the hands of the two Amorite kings, Sihon and Og [ביאור שטיינזלץ], the Israelites completely removed the land from their absolute control and domain [רש״י, ברכת אשר]. The northern border reaches Mount Hermon, and the boundary line actually includes the mountain itself within the conquered land. This establishes Mount Hermon as a distinguished northern anchor for the Israelite inheritance east of the Jordan [העמק דבר].

This specific conquest holds unique spiritual and legal weight. Normally, capturing territory outside the Land of Israel before the main land is fully conquered does not grant that new area any sacred status. However, because the Israelites took the land of these two Amorite kings following a direct command from God, this entire eastern region was granted the full holiness of the Land of Israel [מלבי״ם].

Beyond its legal status, this event carries a deep message about God's kindness. The victory over these kings is meant to inspire deep gratitude within the people, as God gave them significantly more territory than He originally promised to their ancestors. While the land of Og, who was from the remnant of the Rephaim, was included in the original promise made to Abraham to inherit the land of the Rephaim, the territory of Sihon was never part of that initial guarantee. Therefore, the vast expanse of land captured from Sihon represents an extraordinary, added act of grace from God. This extra gift is intended to move the people to serve Him with a complete heart, driven by profound thankfulness [אלשיך].