This verse returns to the main narrative, and it is good for a translation to make it clear that once more Yahweh is speaking to Moses. If translators have made verses 10-12 into a separate section as Contemporary English Version does, it is even more important to begin verse 13 with something like “Moses said to the Israelites,” or even “Moses continued to speak to the….”

In obedience to the LORD’s command, the Israelites cross the brook Zered. The initial command rise up means “Get going,” “Go forward.” Here New Revised Standard Version has “the Wadi Zered,” and Contemporary English Version has “Zered Gorge.” Its location is not certain; some identify it with the Wadi el-Hesa, which flows into the southeastern end of the Dead Sea. See 1.24 for ways to translate valley or “wadi.”

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 .