Why does the Torah write here that Yisrael sent messengers to Sichon, whereas earlier, in 29:14 and in Shoftim, 11:17. it attributes the sending of messengers to Edom, to Yisrael?
Rashi: To teach us that Yisrael and Moshe are one and the same, because the leader of the generation represents the entire generation. 1
Moshav Zekenim: Moshe knew that he would die before entering Eretz Yisrael. Had he sent to Sichon, and died while Yisrael passed through, Sichon could say 'I consented to Moshe, but now that he has died, I withdraw my consent.' 2
Oznayim la'Torah: Because, since Edom were their brothers, they treated them with more respect by addressing them in the name of the king.
Rashi: And the same explanation reconciles the current Pasuk with the Pasuk in Devarim, 2:26, which attributes the sending of messengers to Sichon, to Yisrael.
But also before sending messengers to Edom, Hashem told Moshe that he would not enter Eretz Yisrael? Perhaps Moshe assumed that he and Aharon would live until they reached the border, but after Aharon died before this, he was afraid that also he would die beforehand. However, it seems that we must say that Moshe sent to Sichon, like Rashi explains. Refer to 21:21:1:1. (PF)
