Final answer:
The Israelites completely destroyed the cities of Sihon, Og, and others, killing everyone within them including women and children, as described in the Old Testament. This was done with the belief that they were following divine command or approval.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Israelites, according to the historical accounts found in the Old Testament, dealt with the cities they captured by utterly destroying them and leaving nothing that breathes alive. Specific passages such as Deuteronomy 2:33-34 and Numbers 21:35, describe the complete destruction of the cities of Sihon and Og, including men, women, and children. Furthermore, Deuteronomy 20:16 instructs the Israelites not to spare anything that breathes in the cities that were given to them as an inheritance.
Throughout these narratives, the portrayed approach towards defeated cities encompasses acts of severe violence and complete annihilation, often described as being carried out with the Lord's approval or command. Texts like Joshua 6:21-27 and Joshua 11:20-23 detail the utter destruction and extermination without mercy of entire populations, including the hamstrung of horses and the killing of kings and their subjects.