שופטים, פרק י״א, פסוק י״ח

The journey of the Israelites to the Promised Land was marked by a deliberate avoidance of conflict with neighboring nations. Their route was carefully planned to respect the borders of Edom, Moab, and Ammon. This cautious approach served a vital purpose: to prove that their military campaigns were strictly directed by God, rather than driven by a desire for territorial expansion.

Moving through the wilderness of the Red Sea [רד״ק], the Israelites traveled from west to east along the southern borders of Edom and Moab [רש״י]. They skirted the entire southern edge of these territories until they reached the southeastern corner, at which point they turned north to travel along the eastern border [רש״י]. The commentators agree that this extensive detour was made without any attempt to attack or conquer these lands. Maintaining this strict distance provided enduring historical and moral proof that the Israelites had no intention of provoking or oppressing Moab and Ammon. Because they were explicitly forbidden from starting a conflict with these nations, it is inconceivable that the Israelites would have stolen their land. Instead, any territory they eventually occupied was granted to them directly by God [אלשיך, אהבת יהונתן].

As they continued along this path, the Israelites arrived at the far eastern edge of Moab [רש״י, מצודת דוד]. They set up their camp just across the Arnon River. Because this river marked the official beginning of Moabite territory, they were careful to stay on the opposite bank, ensuring they did not set foot inside Moab's borders [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. It was only from this eastern point, safely outside of Moab, that the territory of King Sihon and King Og began. After conquering those lands, the Israelites crossed the Jordan River and finally entered Canaan from the east [רש״י].