Deuteronomy 2:20
(That also was accounted a land of giants: giants dwelt therein in old time; and the Ammonites call them Zamzummims;
(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};
(This too is considered a land of the Refa'im: Refa'im, whom the Emori call Zamzumim, used to live there.
(That too was regarded as the land of the Rephaim, who used to live there, though the Ammonites called them Zamzummites.
(That also is accounted a land of Rephaim: Rephaim dwelt therein aforetime; but the Ammonites call them Zamzummim,
Cross-References
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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,
Commentary
Deuteronomy 2:20 is a parenthetical remark within Mosesβ historical discourse to the Israelites, providing additional detail about the land that God had given to the Ammonites, descendants of Lot. This verse highlights a significant aspect of ancient Near Eastern history as recorded in the Bible.
Context
In Deuteronomy chapter 2, Moses recounts Israel's journey through the wilderness, emphasizing God's guidance and provision. Before detailing Israel's approach to the land of the Ammonites, God had commanded them not to provoke or engage in conflict with the descendants of Esau (Edomites) or Lot (Moabites and Ammonites), as God had already allotted their territories to them (Deuteronomy 2:5, Deuteronomy 2:9). Verses 10-12 and 20-23 serve as historical footnotes, explaining that these lands were previously inhabited by formidable peoples, whom God dispossessed to make way for the Edomites, Moabites, and Ammonites. This specific verse concerns the Ammonite territory, clarifying its ancient inhabitants.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insight
The term "Zamzummims" is unique to this verse, used by the Ammonites to describe the giants who formerly inhabited their land. While the exact meaning is debated, it is often associated with the Rephaim (Χ¨Φ°Χ€ΦΈΧΦ΄ΧΧ), a general term for giant peoples mentioned elsewhere in Scripture (e.g., Genesis 14:5, Deuteronomy 3:11). The name "Zamzummims" itself might be onomatopoeic, possibly suggesting a murmuring, buzzing, or even roaring sound, perhaps indicating their ferocity or unintelligible speech to the Ammonites.
Practical Application
Deuteronomy 2:20, though a historical detail, offers insights for today. It reminds us of God's overarching plan for humanity and His control over the rise and fall of nations. No obstacle, no matter how "gigantic," is too great for God to overcome in fulfilling His purposes. For the Israelites, this passage would have instilled confidence that if God could dispossess giants for the Ammonites, He could certainly do so for His chosen people as they prepared to enter Canaan, a land also inhabited by giants like the Anakim. It encourages trust in God's power and faithfulness to His promises.
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