Deuteronomy 2:21

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

A people {H5971} great {H1419}, and many {H7227}, and tall {H7311}, as the Anakims {H6062}; but the LORD {H3068} destroyed {H8045} them before {H6440} them; and they succeeded {H3423} them, and dwelt {H3427} in their stead:

Complete Jewish Bible

They were a large, numerous people, as tall as the 'Anakim; but ADONAI destroyed them as the people of 'Amon advanced and settled in their place -

Berean Standard Bible

They were a people great and many, as tall as the Anakites. But the LORD destroyed them from before the Ammonites, who drove them out and settled in their place,

American Standard Version

a people great, and many, and tall, as the Anakim; but Jehovah destroyed them before them; and they succeeded them, and dwelt in their stead;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 2:21 recounts a profound historical precedent, illustrating God's sovereign power and unwavering faithfulness. It describes how the LORD, in His divine prerogative, utterly destroyed the formidable Emims—a people characterized by their immense stature and numerical strength, akin to the notorious Anakims—to enable the Ammonites to take possession of their land. This divinely orchestrated act, presented by Moses, serves as a powerful and encouraging assurance to the new generation of Israelites. As they stand on the threshold of their own inheritance, facing their own "giants" in the Promised Land, this narrative vividly demonstrates that the same omnipotent God who cleared the way for others will unequivocally empower them to conquer and inherit the territory He has promised.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 2 is situated within Moses' second major discourse to the new generation of Israelites, delivered on the plains of Moab as they prepare for the imminent invasion of Canaan. This chapter specifically details the forty-year wilderness journey, emphasizing God's meticulous guidance and provision, particularly His commands to avoid conflict with the Edomites, Moabites, and Ammonites. Moses explains that the LORD had already sovereignly apportioned these territories to their respective nations, establishing a divine precedent for territorial rights. Verses 10-12 and 20-23, which include [Deuteronomy 2:21](/deuteronomy/2-21 "Deuteronomy 2:21 - The Emims Dispossessed"), function as parenthetical explanations within this narrative. They provide historical illustrations of God's consistent pattern of dispossessing powerful, indigenous inhabitants (like the Emims and Rephaim) to establish new peoples (like the Ammonites and Moabites) in their stead. This serves to bolster Israel's confidence, assuring them that just as God acted decisively for these other nations, He would certainly act for them in conquering the formidable inhabitants of Canaan, thereby fulfilling His covenant promises. The immediate context of [Deuteronomy 2:20-23](/deuteronomy/2-20-23 "Deuteronomy 2:20-23 - The Zamzummims and Avims Dispossessed") further reinforces this pattern, highlighting God's universal sovereignty over all lands and peoples.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting is approximately 1406 BC, with the Israelites positioned on the eastern side of the Jordan River, ready to enter the Promised Land. This generation is distinct from the one that had previously rebelled at Kadesh Barnea due to fear of the Canaanite inhabitants, particularly the Anakim (as recounted in [Numbers 13:33](/numbers/13-33 "Numbers 13:33 - The Spies' Report on the Anakim")). The "Anakims" (Hebrew: עֲנָקִים, _‘Anāqîm_) were a well-known race of imposing, giant-like individuals, whose immense stature and formidable strength had previously paralyzed Israel with fear. The Emims, described in this verse, are explicitly equated in stature to the Anakims, underscoring their terrifying presence and formidable nature in the ancient Near East. This historical backdrop is crucial: it highlights the immense psychological and military challenge Israel faced, making God's prior acts of dispossessing such powerful peoples for other nations (like the Ammonites) a potent psychological and spiritual encouragement. It powerfully reinforces the theological truth that God's power transcends any human or natural obstacle, no matter how intimidating.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 2:21 profoundly contributes to several overarching theological and narrative themes prevalent throughout Deuteronomy. Firstly, it emphatically underscores **God's absolute sovereignty and power** over all nations, their territories, and their destinies. The destruction of the "great, and many, and tall" Emims by the LORD, despite their formidable nature, unequivocally demonstrates that no human force or perceived invincibility can stand against His divine will or purposes for His covenant people. Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **divine preparation and inheritance**, serving as a crucial precedent for Israel's impending conquest. Just as God cleared the way for the Ammonites by dispossessing the Emims, He would faithfully fulfill His covenant promises to Israel by enabling them to conquer Canaan, a land He had promised to their ancestors (cf. [Deuteronomy 1:8](/deuteronomy/1-8 "Deuteronomy 1:8 - The Promised Land")). Thirdly, by explicitly comparing the Emims to the "Anakims," this account directly addresses and aims to overcome Israel's past fears and doubts (recall [Numbers 13:33](/numbers/13-33 "Numbers 13:33 - The Spies' Fear of the Anakim")), thereby fostering **faith and courage** for the challenges ahead. It powerfully reminds them that their God is infinitely greater than any "giant" they might face.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the covenant name of God, Yahweh, emphasizing His self-existent, eternal, and unchanging nature. In this context, the use of "the LORD" (rather than a generic term for God) highlights His personal involvement and faithfulness to His purposes. It signifies that the destruction of the Emims was not a random event or a result of human conflict, but a direct, deliberate act of the sovereign God who is intimately involved in the affairs of nations and His people. It underscores His omnipotence and His role as the ultimate arbiter of history.
* **destroyed (Hebrew, _šāmad'_):** This verb signifies a complete and utter annihilation, eradication, or desolation. It is frequently used in the Old Testament to describe divine judgment or the decisive removal of a people or entity. Its application here to the Emims emphasizes the totality and finality of their defeat. It leaves no doubt that their downfall was comprehensive and directly orchestrated by God, demonstrating His irresistible intervention and absolute control over the destinies of nations, even those considered "great" and "many."
* **Anakims (Hebrew, _ʻĂnâqîy'_):** This term refers to the descendants of Anak, a well-known race of formidable, giant-like people. Throughout the biblical narrative, they are consistently portrayed as possessing exceptional height, strength, and a fearsome reputation. The explicit comparison of the Emims to the Anakims in this verse serves a crucial rhetorical purpose: it vividly conveys the immense stature, numerical superiority, and perceived invincibility of the people God destroyed. By equating the Emims with such a notorious and intimidating group, the text magnifies the power and omnipotence of the LORD in orchestrating their complete downfall, thereby inspiring awe and confidence in His ability to overcome any obstacle.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A people great, and many, and tall, as the Anakims;":** This initial clause vividly describes the formidable nature of the Emims, the former inhabitants of the territory now occupied by the Ammonites. The triple description ("great, and many, and tall") emphasizes their impressive size, numerical strength, and overall might. The explicit comparison "as the Anakims" immediately evokes a sense of dread and highlights their reputation as a race of giants, a people whose very presence had previously instilled fear in the Israelites. This detailed portrayal serves to magnify the subsequent divine act, making the Emims' destruction by God all the more remarkable and demonstrating the immense magnitude of His power.
* **"but the LORD destroyed them before them;":** This is the pivotal turning point of the verse, introduced by the strong adversative conjunction "but." It powerfully contrasts the Emims' might with God's omnipotence. It is "the LORD" (Yahweh), the covenant God of Israel, who actively and decisively "destroyed them." The phrase "before them" indicates that this destruction occurred in the presence of the Ammonites, allowing them to witness God's power firsthand and subsequently take possession of the land. This highlights divine agency as the sole and irresistible cause of the Emims' downfall, emphasizing God's direct intervention in human history.
* **"and they succeeded them, and dwelt in their stead:":** This final clause describes the direct and tangible outcome of God's intervention. The Ammonites "succeeded them," meaning they took rightful possession and inherited the land, and "dwelt in their stead," signifying their permanent settlement in the place previously occupied by the Emims. This demonstrates the immediate and complete fulfillment of God's sovereign action: the removal of one powerful people to make way for another, thereby fulfilling His divine purpose for the land and its inhabitants, and establishing a clear precedent for Israel's own impending conquest.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 2:21 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound theological message and encourage the Israelite audience. **Hyperbole** is evident in the vivid description of the Emims as "great, and many, and tall, as the Anakims," which exaggerates their formidable nature to underscore the immense power of God required to overcome them. This heightened description serves to magnify the divine act of destruction. The powerful **allusion** to the Anakims immediately connects this historical account to Israel's own past fears and failures (as seen in [Numbers 13](/numbers/13 "Numbers 13 - The Spies and Their Report")), thereby setting up a profound contrast between human fear and divine capability. This rhetorical strategy aims to address and dismantle any lingering apprehension within the new generation. Furthermore, the verse utilizes stark **contrast** ("A people great... but the LORD destroyed them") to highlight the dramatic difference between human strength and divine omnipotence. This juxtaposition emphasizes God's unparalleled power and His unwavering faithfulness to His purposes, serving to build confidence in the Israelites that their God is capable of overcoming any obstacle, no matter how daunting, and will indeed fulfill His promises.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 2:21 offers a profound theological statement about God's sovereign control over history and the destiny of nations. It reveals a God who is not distant or passive, but actively intervenes in human affairs, dispossessing one people and establishing another according to His divine, overarching plan. This is more than a mere historical anecdote; it is a foundational theological principle asserting that God is the ultimate landlord and arbiter of the earth, demonstrating His absolute power to clear the way for His chosen people and fulfill His covenant promises. This specific act of dispossessing the formidable Emims for the Ammonites serves as a powerful precedent and a source of immense encouragement for Israel, assuring them that the same God who acted with such decisive power for other nations will certainly act for them as they prepare to conquer Canaan. It instills confidence that no human obstacle can thwart the divine will.

* [Numbers 13:33](/numbers/13-33 "Numbers 13:33 - The Spies' Fear of the Anakim")
* [Joshua 11:21-22](/joshua/11-21-22 "Joshua 11:21-22 - Joshua Destroys the Anakim")
* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10-11 "Psalm 33:10-11 - God's Counsel Stands Forever")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 2:21 offers enduring encouragement and a profound lesson in faith for believers today. Just as God sovereignly dispossessed the "great, and many, and tall" Emims to make way for the Ammonites, and subsequently for Israel, He remains utterly sovereign over every "giant" in our lives. Whether these are overwhelming personal struggles, seemingly insurmountable obstacles in our calling, formidable spiritual adversaries, or the daunting challenges of a fallen world, this verse powerfully reminds us that no challenge is too great for the LORD. It calls us to shift our gaze from the imposing size of our problems to the infinite, unyielding power of our God, fostering a deep and abiding trust in His ability to clear the path, dismantle opposition, and enable us to succeed in His divine purposes. This historical account serves as a potent reminder that God is actively at work, preparing the way for His people to inherit what He has promised. It empowers us to face our fears with courage, knowing that our confidence is rooted not in our own strength, but in His omnipotence and unwavering faithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "giants"—whether personal weaknesses, relational conflicts, professional hurdles, or spiritual strongholds—are you currently facing that seem insurmountable?**
* **How does the historical account of God destroying the Emims for the Ammonites encourage your faith concerning your own seemingly impossible challenges?**
* **In what specific ways might you be tempted to rely on your own limited strength or resources rather than fully trusting in God's sovereign power to clear the way for you?**

### FAQ
**Who were the Emims, and why are they compared to the Anakims?**

Answer: The Emims were an ancient, formidable people who inhabited the territory east of the Jordan River, specifically in the land later occupied by the Ammonites. [Deuteronomy 2:10-11](/deuteronomy/2-10-11 "Deuteronomy 2:10-11 - The Emims and Their Land") describes them as "a people great, and many, and tall, as the Anakims." They are compared to the Anakims because the Anakims were a well-known race of giants, whose immense stature and strength were legendary and often evoked widespread fear (e.g., [Numbers 13:33](/numbers/13-33 "Numbers 13:33 - The Spies' Report on the Anakim")). This comparison serves to emphasize the extraordinary physical size, numerical superiority, and intimidating presence of the Emims, making God's act of destroying them all the more impressive and highlighting His absolute power over even the most formidable human forces.

**What is the significance of "the LORD destroyed them before them"?**

Answer: This phrase is crucial as it directly attributes the destruction of the Emims to Yahweh, "the LORD." It emphatically emphasizes divine agency and omnipotence, making it clear that their downfall was not due to human might but to God's direct intervention. The phrase "before them" indicates that the Ammonites were direct witnesses to this powerful act of God, allowing them to take immediate possession of the land. For the Israelites, hearing this account from Moses, it served as a powerful precedent and a profound reassurance. If God could dispossess such a mighty people as the Emims for the Ammonites, He could certainly do the same for Israel as they prepared to conquer Canaan, despite the formidable inhabitants they would face (e.g., [Joshua 11:21-22](/joshua/11-21-22 "Joshua's Conquest of the Anakim")). It underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His plans and His supreme ability to clear the way for His people to inherit what He has promised.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 2:21, while rooted in the historical context of ancient Israel's territorial conquests, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The "giants" that Israel faced—the Anakims and Emims—were physical manifestations of obstacles to their earthly inheritance. However, Christ conquered the ultimate "giants" of sin, death, and the devil that stood in the way of humanity's eternal inheritance and spiritual freedom. Just as the LORD "destroyed them before them" to clear the way for His people to possess their land, so too did Christ, through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, "destroy him who has the power of death, that is, the devil" ([Hebrews 2:14](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14 - Christ's Victory Over Death")). He disarmed the spiritual principalities and powers, triumphing over them decisively by His cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). This cosmic victory ensures that believers, the spiritual Israel, can now "succeed them, and dwell in their stead," inheriting eternal life and the heavenly kingdom promised by God ([Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")). Christ is the true Joshua, leading His people into a greater promised land—not through physical conquest, but through spiritual victory, making a way where there was no way, and enabling us to overcome every spiritual obstacle by His indwelling power ([Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - I Can Do All Things Through Christ")). He is the divine conqueror who guarantees our inheritance.

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

Deuteronomy 1:28

Whither shall we go up? our brethren have discouraged our heart, saying, The people [is] greater and taller than we; the cities [are] great and walled up to heaven; and moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakims there.

Deuteronomy 2:22

As he did to the children of Esau, which dwelt in Seir, when he destroyed the Horims from before them; and they succeeded them, and dwelt in their stead even unto this day:

Jeremiah 27:7

And all nations shall serve him, and his son, and his son's son, until the very time of his land come: and then many nations and great kings shall serve themselves of him.

Jeremiah 27:8

And it shall come to pass, [that] the nation and kingdom which will not serve the same Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, and that will not put their neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon, that nation will I punish, saith the LORD, with the sword, and with the famine, and with the pestilence, until I have consumed them by his hand.

Judges 11:24

Wilt not thou possess that which Chemosh thy god giveth thee to possess? So whomsoever the LORD our God shall drive out from before us, them will we possess.

Habakkuk 1:10

And they shall scoff at the kings, and the princes shall be a scorn unto them: they shall deride every strong hold; for they shall heap dust, and take it.

Habakkuk 1:11

Then shall [his] mind change, and he shall pass over, and offend, [imputing] this his power unto his god.