²⁰ For it was the Lord himself who hardened their hearts^(A) to wage war against Israel, so that he might destroy them totally, exterminating them without mercy, as the Lord had commanded Moses.^(B)

²¹ The Lord said to Moses, “When you return to Egypt, see that you perform before Pharaoh all the wonders^(A) I have given you the power to do. But I will harden his heart^(B) so that he will not let the people go.^(C)

²³ But Sihon would not let Israel pass through his territory.^(A) He mustered his entire army and marched out into the wilderness against Israel. When he reached Jahaz,^(B) he fought with Israel.^(C)

¹⁸ Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden.^(A)