Joshua 11:22

Analysis & Commentary

There was none of the Anakims left in the land of the children of Israel—The Anakim's removal from Israelite territory was complete. The phrase land of the children of Israel (אֶרֶץ בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, eretz benei Yisra'el) defines the scope: territories Israel controlled, not necessarily all Canaan. Only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod, there remained—these Philistine coastal cities preserved Anakim remnants.

This geographical precision proves tragically prophetic. Gath later produced Goliath and his giant brothers (1 Samuel 17:4; 2 Samuel 21:15-22), demonstrating that incomplete conquest creates future problems. The Anakim's survival in Philistine territory shows Israel didn't fully execute God's command to eliminate these peoples. The theological principle: partial obedience leaves strongholds that later trouble God's people. The phrase there remained (נִשְׁאֲרוּ, nish'aru) uses the verb for remnant or survivor—what should have been completely destroyed persists as ongoing threat. New Testament application: besetting sins not thoroughly mortified (Colossians 3:5) remain to trouble believers, just as Anakim remnants later challenged Israel.

Historical Context

The Philistine pentapolis (Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, Ekron) controlled the southern coastal plain, a region Israel never fully conquered. These cities had different political structures and possibly ethnic composition than Canaanite city-states—the Philistines were Sea Peoples who arrived around the same time as Israel's conquest. The Anakim's refuge in Philistine territory may reflect Philistine military strength or Israel's failure to press conquest into coastal regions. Archaeological evidence shows Philistine cities flourished during the early Iron Age when Israel was settling the highlands. The giant warriors from Gath who troubled David's reign (2 Samuel 21:15-22) were likely Anakim descendants. Goliath himself is called 'the Philistine of Gath' (1 Samuel 17:23)—his extraordinary height (over nine feet, 1 Samuel 17:4) suggests Anakim ancestry. The incomplete conquest created ongoing conflict between Israel and Philistines that persisted through the monarchy period. This historical reality illustrates the spiritual principle that incomplete obedience to God's commands regarding sin creates persistent struggles.

Questions for Reflection

• What 'giants' have you driven from most areas of your life but still harbor in certain 'cities' or specific contexts?
• How do 'Anakim' that remain in 'Philistine territory'—sins we tolerate in particular settings—later emerge as major threats like Goliath?
• What does incomplete conquest in Joshua's time teach about the importance of thorough obedience versus settling for partial victory?