But Moses kept his gaze fixed upon the cloudy pillar, and encouraged the people with the thought that the token of God's presence was still with them. At the same time he directed them to do all that human power could do in preparing for war. Their enemies were eager for battle, and confident that they would blot out the unprepared Israelites from the land. But from the Possessor of all lands the mandate had gone forth to the leader of Israel: "Rise ye up, take your journey, and pass over the river Arnon: behold, I have given into thine hand Sihon the Amorite, king of Heshbon, and his land: begin to possess it, and contend with him in battle. This day will I begin to put the dread of thee and the fear of thee upon the nations that are under the whole heaven, who shall hear report of thee, and shall tremble, and be in anguish because of thee."

Men Moses holdt blikket fæstnet på skystøtten og opmuntrede folket med, at tegnet på Guds nærværelse stadig var hos dem. Samtidig bød han dem gøre alt, hvad der stod i menneskelig magt, for at forberede sig på krig. Deres fjender var ivrige efter at komme i kamp og var sikre på, at de kunne udrydde de uforberedte israelitter. Men han, der ejer alle lande, havde befalet Israels leder: "Bryd nu op og gå over Arnonfloden! Se, jeg har givet Hesjbons konge, amoritten Sihon, og hans land i din hånd; giv dig kun til at drive ham bort og føre krig med ham! Fra i dag af begynder jeg at vække frygt og rædsel for dig hos alle folkeslag under himmelen; blot de hører om dig, skal de ryste og bæve for dig!"