While Israel dwelt in Heshbon and her towns, and in Aroer and her towns, and in all the cities that be along by the coasts of Arnon, three hundred years? why therefore did ye not recover them within that time? Three hundred years. This is believed to be a corrupt reading for three hundred cities; After "cities," Lord
A. Hervey ('Genealogies,' p. 240) suggests an amended translation as follows:-`Did Balak ever strive against Israel, or did he ever fight against them, when Israel dwelt in Heshbon and her towns, and in Aroer and her towns and in all the cities that be along by the coasts of Arnon, three hundred cities? Why, therefore, did ye not recover them at that time?' (See 'Introduction' to Judges.') This diplomatic statement, so admirable for the clearness and force of its arguments, which doubtless were embodied in a state paper or letter of instructions furnished to the ambassadors, concluded with a solemn appeal to God to maintain, by the issue of events, the cause of right and justice.