Deuteronomy 2:21
A people great, and many, and tall, as the Anakims; but the LORD destroyed them before them; and they succeeded them, and dwelt in their stead:
Original Language Analysis
עַ֣ם
A people
H5971
עַ֣ם
A people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
1 of 11
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
וְרַ֛ב
and many
H7227
וְרַ֛ב
and many
Strong's:
H7227
Word #:
3 of 11
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
וָרָ֖ם
and tall
H7311
וָרָ֖ם
and tall
Strong's:
H7311
Word #:
4 of 11
to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
יְהוָה֙
but the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
but the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
7 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
מִפְּנֵיהֶ֔ם
them before
H6440
מִפְּנֵיהֶ֔ם
them before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
8 of 11
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
וַיִּֽירָשֻׁ֖ם
them and they succeeded
H3423
וַיִּֽירָשֻׁ֖ם
them and they succeeded
Strong's:
H3423
Word #:
9 of 11
to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish
Historical Context
The spies' report in Numbers 13:33 described the Anakim as making Israel seem like grasshoppers by comparison. By showing that Ammon had already defeated equally formidable giants, Moses removed Israel's excuse for fear. If God gave Lot's descendants (non-covenant people) such victories, how much more would He give Abraham's descendants?
Questions for Reflection
- What precedents of God's power can you draw on to strengthen faith for your current challenges?
- How does knowing God doesn't show favoritism in His power encourage you personally?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The description 'A people great, and many, and tall, as the Anakims' provides comparative analysis—the Zamzummim were equivalent to the dreaded Anakim that terrified Israel's spies. Yet the statement 'the LORD destroyed them before them' shows God gave Ammon complete victory. This deliberate parallel teaches Israel: just as God destroyed giants for Ammon, He will destroy the Anakim for you. Past precedent builds present faith.