Numbers 21:30

We] the Israelites. Dibon is near the Arnon (Numbers 21:13). The locality of Nophah is unknown. Medeba is a few miles S. of Heshbon. The concluding words of the song are obscure, and may be rendered, 'and we laid waste so that fire raged unto Medeba.'

33-35. Conquest of Bashan. Bashan was the northernmost part of the country E. of the Jordan, stretching from the river Jabbok in the S. to Mt. Hermon in the extreme N. This extensive district was celebrated for the richness of its vegetation, being ranked in this respect with Lebanon, Carmel, and Sharon: see Isaiah 33:9; Jeremiah 1:19; Nahum 1:4. Its giant oaks and vast herds of wild cattle are frequently referred to by the sacred writers: see Deuteronomy 32:14; Isaiah 2:13; Ezekiel 27:6; Ezekiel 39:18; Zechariah 11:2. In early times it was inhabited by a race of giants, from whom Og was descended (Genesis 14:5; Deuteronomy 3:11 see on Numbers 13:33). The ruins of the Giant Cities of Bashan remain to testify to the strength of its former inhabitants. See additional notes on Deuteronomy 3. After its final conquest it was occupied by the half tribe of Manasseh: see Numbers 32:33; Deuteronomy 3:13.