As the first instance in Deuteronomy of ḥerem, Israel devoted to destruction
the cities and their inhabitants. Holy war was conducted here since this part of the Transjordan had been designated as part of the Promised Land. Whatever is not holy cannot come into the presence of the Lord.
34 Nous prîmes alors toutes ses villes, et nous les dévouâmes par interdit, hommes, femmes et petits enfants, sans en laisser échapper un seul.