So I sent messengers from the wilderness of Kedemoth to Sihon king of Heshbon with words of peace, saying,

When you draw near to a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace to it.

And if that city makes an answer of peace to you and opens to you, then all the people found in it shall be tributary to you and they shall serve you.

But if it refuses to make peace with you and fights against you, then you shall besiege it.

You shall not seek their peace or their prosperity all your days forever.

And you shall offer peace offerings, and eat there and rejoice before the Lord your God.

And lest, when he hears the words of this curse and oath, he flatters and congratulates himself in his [mind and] heart, saying, I shall have peace and safety, though I walk in the stubbornness of my [mind and] heart [bringing down a hurricane of destruction] and sweep away the watered land with the dry.