Moses continues speaking to the Israelites (recalling the words of Yahweh), and this should be stated clearly in translation; for example, “Moses said to the Israelites: After we had traveled through Moab, the LORD told us, ….”

Contemporary English Version makes verses 24-25 a new section, but translators are advised to begin a new section at verse 26 (see Good News Translation).

Rise up, take your journey, and go over: as in other similar instances, this can be expressed more naturally, as in New Revised Standard Version: “Proceed on your journey and cross….” Contemporary English Version is even clearer, with “Pack up your belongings, take down your tents, and cross over….”

The valley of the Arnon: the Arnon river flowed from east to west into the east side of the Dead Sea (see the map, page xii). So this phrase can be translated, as Good News Translation does, “[cross] the Arnon River.”

I have given into your hand: it is Yahweh who makes it possible for the Israelites to defeat their enemies. Yahweh, so to speak, hands the enemies over to the Israelites, who thus overpower them. Have given into your hand may also be expressed as “give into your power” or “let you have power over.”

Sihon the Amorite, king of Heshbon: see 1.4, 7.

Begin to take possession, and contend with him: the order is given for the Israelites to begin their conquest of the land on the east side of the Jordan River. The language is similar to that in verse 9.

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Deuteronomy. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2000. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .