But Sihon did not trust Israel to pass through his territory: But renders well the Hebrew waw conjunction, since it introduces an unexpected event here. The Hebrew verb rendered trust is not the same one translated “put confidence in” in verse 9.26. This verb comes from a root meaning “be firm” or “be faithful.” In this context it means “believe” someone. King Sihon simply did not believe the Israelites. He was not sure that once they entered his land, they would really leave. Contemporary English Version says “Sihon didn’t think the Israelites could be trusted.” The Septuagint reverses the letters of the Hebrew verb for trust, resulting in the verb meaning “refuse.” New American Bible follows this reading and says “But Sihon refused to let Israel pass through his territory” (similarly Revised English Bible). Good News Translation also is similar with “But Sihon would not let Israel do it.” However, if translators follow the ver Septuagintver* rather than the Hebrew text, this should be noted in a footnote. For the Hebrew verb rendered pass (ʿavar), see verse 3.26. The Hebrew word for territory is the same one rendered “boundary” in verse 11.18, so another possible model is “But Sihon would not let the Israelites cross his border.”

So Sihon gathered all his people together means he called all his troops together to fight. So, which renders the Hebrew waw conjunction, introduces Sihon’s response to Israel’s request. Since his reaction is unexpected, this conjunction may also be rendered “But instead” or “Rather.” Gathered all his people together may be translated “mustered his whole army” (New Jerusalem Bible) or “brought his whole army together” (Good News Translation).

And encamped at Jahaz: Sihon and his troops set up a military camp before they attacked the Israelites. For encamped see verse 6.4. The location of the town of Jahaz is not known.

And fought with Israel: Fought renders the Hebrew verb lacham meaning “attack” or “go to battle” (see verse 1.1). Rather than giving the Israelites permission to pass through their land, the Amorites preferred to go to war against them.

Translation models for this verse are:

• But [King] Sihon did not trust the Israelites to cross his territory. Instead, he gathered his troops and attacked Israel from his camp at Jahaz.

• But Sihon would not allow* the Israelites to pass through his land. Rather, he called out his army, and from Jahaz launched an attack on the Israelites.
* This translation follows the Septuagint. The Hebrew text has “trust.”

Quoted with permission from Zogbo, Lynell and Ogden, Graham S. A Handbook on Judges. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2019. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .