Charles Ellicott Commentary Deuteronomy 2:26

"And I sent messengers out of the wilderness of Kedemoth unto Sihon king of Heshbon with words of peace, saying," — Deuteronomy 2:26 (ASV)

Kedemoth. —Mentioned as a city in the plain of Jordan, belonging to Heshbon (Joshua 13:18).

Words of peace. —By this message Sihon was excepted from the catalogue of the doomed kings and nations, according to the distinction drawn in Deuteronomy 20:10-11; Deuteronomy 20:15–16. He therefore brought his fate upon himself. He was offered the privileges of the Moabites whom he had conquered, and refused to accept the position.