Deuteronomy 2:20

KJV

(That also was accounted a land of giants: giants dwelt therein in old time; and the Ammonites call them Zamzummims;

KJV (with Strong's)

(That also was accounted {H2803} a land {H776} of giants {H7497}: giants {H7497} dwelt {H3427} therein in old time {H6440}; and the Ammonites {H5984} call {H7121} them Zamzummims {H2157};

Complete Jewish Bible

(This too is considered a land of the Refa'im: Refa'im, whom the Emori call Zamzumim, used to live there.

Berean Standard Bible

(That too was regarded as the land of the Rephaim, who used to live there, though the Ammonites called them Zamzummites.

American Standard Version

(That also is accounted a land of Rephaim: Rephaim dwelt therein aforetime; but the Ammonites call them Zamzummim,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 2:20 is a parenthetical interjection within Moses' historical review, providing crucial background about the land God allocated to the Ammonites, descendants of Lot. This verse reveals that the territory was once inhabited by a formidable, ancient people known as "giants," whom the Ammonites specifically called Zamzummims. It serves as a profound theological statement, subtly reinforcing God's absolute sovereignty over nations and their territories, demonstrating His power to dispossess even the most imposing inhabitants to fulfill His divine purposes for various peoples, including His chosen nation, Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 2 forms a vital part of Moses' farewell addresses to the Israelites, delivered on the plains of Moab as they stood poised to enter the Promised Land. Within this chapter, Moses meticulously recounts Israel's forty-year wilderness journey, emphasizing God's unwavering guidance and provision. Verses 1-23 specifically detail Israel's divinely orchestrated interactions with the nations of Edom, Moab, and Ammon. A key directive from God was that Israel was not to provoke or take land from these nations, as He had already sovereignly allotted them their respective territories, as seen with Edom in [Deuteronomy 2:5](/deuteronomy/2-5 "Deuteronomy 2:5 - God's Command Regarding Edom") and Moab in [Deuteronomy 2:9](/deuteronomy/2-9 "Deuteronomy 2:9 - God's Command Regarding Moab"). Verses 10-12 and 20-23 function as significant historical footnotes, explaining that these lands were previously occupied by powerful, pre-Israelite peoples whom God dispossessed to make way for the descendants of Esau and Lot. Deuteronomy 2:20, in particular, clarifies the ancient inhabitants of the Ammonite territory, emphasizing God's active hand in shaping the geopolitical landscape long before Israel's own conquest.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East was characterized by a worldview where deities were believed to grant land and victory to their favored peoples. This verse, along with others in [Deuteronomy 2](/deuteronomy/2 "Deuteronomy 2 - Israel's Wilderness Journey and God's Sovereignty Over Nations"), firmly places Yahweh in this role, but on a cosmic scale, demonstrating His unique sovereignty over all nations. The mention of "giants" (often identified with the Rephaim, Anakim, or other powerful, ancient groups) speaks to a common motif in biblical and ANE literature, where certain lands were inhabited by formidable, often feared, pre-Flood or early post-Flood populations. These "giants" represented significant obstacles, and their dispossession underscored the power of the conquering deity or people. For the Israelites, understanding that God had dispossessed such formidable foes for the Ammonites would have provided immense encouragement as they prepared to face similar inhabitants in Canaan, such as the Anakim, as described in the report of the spies in [Numbers 13:33](/numbers/13-33 "Numbers 13:33 - The Spies' Report on the Anakim").

* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 2:20 profoundly contributes to several key themes within the book of Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty**, illustrating God's absolute authority over the allocation of land and the rise and fall of nations. Just as He would dispossess the Canaanites for Israel, He had previously removed powerful "giants" for the Edomites, Moabites, and Ammonites, as highlighted in [Deuteronomy 2:21](/deuteronomy/2-21 "Deuteronomy 2:21 - God Dispossessing the Anakim for Israel"). Secondly, it highlights the **Reliability of God's Historical Record**, affirming the Bible's meticulous attention to detail regarding ancient inhabitants and their territories. This parenthetical note provides a glimpse into the complex ethnography of the Transjordan region, showcasing the Bible's historical precision. Thirdly, the recurring motif of **"Giants" in the Bible** serves as a powerful symbol of formidable, seemingly insurmountable obstacles that God, in His power, consistently overcomes for His people, thereby building Israel's faith for their impending conquest of Canaan, a land also inhabited by such formidable peoples.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Giants (Hebrew, _râphâʼ_):** While the KJV translates "giants," the underlying Hebrew term here, _râphâʼ_ (Rephaim), is a general designation for ancient, powerful, and often tall peoples who inhabited various parts of Canaan and Transjordan before the Israelite conquest. They are mentioned in early biblical history (e.g., [Genesis 14:5](/genesis/14-5 "Genesis 14:5 - The Rephaim in Abraham's Time")), and their remnant included figures like Og, king of Bashan ([Deuteronomy 3:11](/deuteronomy/3-11 "Deuteronomy 3:11 - Og, King of Bashan, a Remnant of the Rephaim")). The term signifies not just large stature but also a formidable, ancient lineage, often associated with a pre-Israelite, perhaps even mythical, past, emphasizing their strength and the divine power required to dispossess them.
* **Zamzummims (Hebrew, _Zamzôm_):** This unique term is an Ammonite designation for the Rephaim who formerly inhabited their land. Its etymology is debated but is often considered onomatopoeic, possibly derived from a root meaning "to buzz," "to murmur," or "to roar." This could suggest a description of their speech (unintelligible or guttural to the Ammonites), their fierce battle cries, or perhaps a general impression of their terrifying presence. The inclusion of this specific, localized name underscores the historical precision of the biblical account and confirms that the "giants" were indeed the Rephaim, known by a different name to the Ammonites.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"(That also was accounted a land of giants":** This opening clause, presented as a parenthetical remark, immediately establishes the formidable nature of the land now given to the Ammonites. The phrase "accounted a land of giants" indicates a widespread recognition or reputation of this territory as having been inhabited by exceptionally powerful and large people, emphasizing the challenge of conquering it.
* **"giants dwelt therein in old time;":** This second clause reiterates and confirms the previous statement, emphasizing the historical reality and ancient presence of these formidable inhabitants. The repetition underscores the significance of this detail, highlighting that the land was not easily acquired but required divine intervention to clear, further magnifying God's power.
* **"and the Ammonites call them Zamzummims;":** This final clause provides a specific, cultural detail, identifying the local Ammonite name for these "giants." This detail serves to authenticate the historical narrative, demonstrating Moses' knowledge of the region's ancient ethnography and linguistic variations, and solidifying the identity of these formidable pre-Ammonite inhabitants as the Rephaim, known by a distinct local name.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 2:20 masterfully employs several literary techniques. Primarily, it functions as a **Parenthetical Remark**, interrupting the direct narrative flow of Israel's journey to provide essential background information. This allows Moses to insert crucial historical and theological context without disrupting the main account of Israel's wilderness wanderings. It also acts as a **Historical Footnote**, adding depth and specificity to the broader narrative of God's sovereign land distribution. By detailing the previous inhabitants of Ammonite territory, the text authenticates God's power and faithfulness not only to Israel but also to other nations. Furthermore, the mention of "giants" and their dispossession by God for the Ammonites serves as a form of **Foreshadowing** for the Israelites. If God could clear the land of such formidable foes for the Ammonites, He would certainly do so for His chosen people as they prepared to enter Canaan, a land also inhabited by giants like the Anakim, as recounted in [Numbers 13:33](/numbers/13-33 "Numbers 13:33 - The Anakim in Canaan"). Finally, the name "Zamzummims," if onomatopoeic, employs **Onomatopoeia**, using a word whose sound suggests its meaning, thereby vividly evoking the perceived nature or characteristics of these ancient, fearsome inhabitants.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 2:20, though a seemingly minor historical aside, carries profound theological weight. It serves as a powerful testament to God's absolute and unchallengeable sovereignty over all creation, including the allocation of land and the destiny of nations. This verse demonstrates that God's providential hand was at work long before Israel's entry into Canaan, actively shaping the geopolitical landscape by dispossessing powerful, ancient peoples for His chosen purposes, whether for the Ammonites or for Israel. It underscores His faithfulness to His promises and His ability to overcome any obstacle, no matter how "gigantic," to establish His people in their designated inheritance. This divine pattern of dispossession and inheritance provides a foundational confidence for Israel as they prepare to face their own formidable challenges in the Promised Land.

* [Deuteronomy 2:21](/deuteronomy/2-21 "Deuteronomy 2:21 - God Dispossessing the Anakim for Israel")
* [Genesis 15:18-21](/genesis/15-18-21 "Genesis 15:18-21 - God's Covenant with Abraham and the Promised Land")
* [Acts 17:26](/acts/17-26 "Acts 17:26 - God Determines the Times and Boundaries of Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 2:20, while rooted in ancient history, offers timeless insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is the ultimate sovereign over all circumstances, nations, and even the most daunting challenges we face. Just as He dispossessed literal "giants" for the Ammonites and later for Israel, He is capable of overcoming the "giants" in our own lives—whether they be overwhelming fears, seemingly insurmountable obstacles, persistent sins, or spiritual strongholds. This historical detail should instill profound confidence in God's power and faithfulness to His promises, assuring us that no "giant" is too great for Him to conquer on our behalf. It calls us to trust in His providential care, knowing that He actively works in history and in our personal lives to clear paths and establish us in the inheritance He has prepared. Our response should be one of humble reliance and courageous faith, stepping forward in obedience, knowing that the God who dispossessed the Zamzummims is on our side and is fighting for us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "giants" or seemingly insurmountable obstacles are you facing today, and how does God's historical faithfulness in [Deuteronomy 2:20](/deuteronomy/2-20 "Deuteronomy 2:20 - The Zamzummims in Ammonite Territory") encourage you?**
* **How does understanding God's sovereignty over nations and territories inform your perspective on current global events and personal challenges?**
* **In what ways can you actively trust God to dispossess the "giants" in your life, knowing He has done so throughout history for His people?**

### FAQ
**Why does Moses include this seemingly minor historical detail about the Zamzummims?**

Answer: Moses includes this detail for several significant reasons. Firstly, it serves to underscore and demonstrate God's consistent pattern of divine sovereignty and power. By showing that God dispossessed formidable "giants" for the Ammonites (descendants of Lot, not Israel), it reinforces the theological truth that Yahweh is the supreme God who determines the boundaries and destinies of all nations, not just Israel. Secondly, it validates the Ammonites' claim to their land, explaining that their possession was divinely ordained, just as Israel's future possession of Canaan would be. This context explains why Israel was commanded not to attack them in [Deuteronomy 2:19](/deuteronomy/2-19 "Deuteronomy 2:19 - God's Command Regarding Ammon"). Thirdly, and perhaps most importantly for the immediate audience, it builds Israel's confidence. If God could dispossess such fearsome, ancient inhabitants for a people not directly His covenant nation, He would certainly do so for His chosen people, Israel, as they prepared to enter Canaan, a land also inhabited by formidable groups like the Anakim, whom the spies had described as "giants" in [Numbers 13:33](/numbers/13-33 "Numbers 13:33 - The Spies' Report on the Anakim"). It's a powerful lesson in God's faithfulness and power, preparing Israel mentally and spiritually for their own conquest.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 2:20, though describing a historical event of land dispossession, points forward to the ultimate and spiritual dispossession achieved by Jesus Christ. The "giants" of the Old Testament, like the Zamzummims, represent formidable, seemingly unconquerable foes that God's people faced. In the New Testament, these physical giants find their spiritual antitype in the powers of sin, death, and the demonic forces that hold humanity captive. Christ, through His life, death, and resurrection, is the ultimate Dispossessor. He did not merely clear a physical land but conquered the spiritual "principalities and powers," disarming them and triumphing over them on the cross, as powerfully declared in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers"). Just as God prepared a land for the Ammonites and Israel by removing their formidable enemies, Christ has prepared an eternal inheritance for His people by overcoming the ultimate enemies of humanity—Satan, sin, and death, as articulated in [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Victory Over Death and the Devil"). He is the true "stronger man" who binds the "strong man" ([Mark 3:27](/mark/3-27 "Mark 3:27 - Jesus Binds the Strong Man")) and casts out the ruler of this world, as Jesus Himself proclaimed in [John 12:31](/john/12-31 "John 12:31 - Jesus' Prediction of the Ruler of This World Being Cast Out"). Thus, Deuteronomy 2:20, in its depiction of God's sovereign power over formidable foes and His provision of land, foreshadows Christ's ultimate victory and the secure, eternal inheritance He provides for all who believe.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 14:5

And in the fourteenth year came Chedorlaomer, and the kings that [were] with him, and smote the Rephaims in Ashteroth Karnaim, and the Zuzims in Ham, and the Emims in Shaveh Kiriathaim,