12:2Meaning
The ruler and the northern–southern reach east of the Jordan Sihon is identified as “king of the Amorites,” with his base in Heshbon. His rule is then traced from Aroer at the edge of the Arnon valley, including a city location “in the middle of the valley,” and extending through “half Gilead.” The line continues “to the river Jabbok,” which is also described as the border of the Ammonites, indicating Sihon’s territory runs up against Ammon.
Unit 2 (v. 3a): The Arabah and the Sea of Chinneroth boundary
The description adds “the Arabah” (the rift-valley plain) as part of the domain and links it “to the sea of Chinneroth,” specifying the east side. This sets a western-edge-like reference point within the eastern territory by naming the shoreline zone on the east.
Unit 3 (v. 3b): The southern span to the Salt Sea and the route marker
The boundary continues “to the sea of the Arabah, the Salt Sea,” again marked as “eastward,” and it notes “the way to Beth-jeshimoth,” which reads like a route or directional corridor used to orient the border line.
Unit 4 (v. 3c): The southern landmark under Pisgah
Finally, the passage marks the southern side as lying “under the slopes of Pisgah,” using the mountain area as a last anchoring landmark. The overall effect is a perimeter description that frames Sihon’s realm with connected geographic reference points (see also Joshua 12:2–3).