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:

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:

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 -

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,

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;

Welcome to TrulyRandomVerse

If this is your first time here, we’re glad you found us. You’ve landed on a verse chosen completely at random—not by us, but by code that removes all human bias. Scroll down to explore our AI-assisted reflections on what it might mean.

TRV was built to help you engage with the Bible in fresh, unplanned ways. While our tools are powered by modern tech, everything points back to the unchanging truth of God’s Word. We pray this verse speaks to you—whether it challenges, comforts, or calls you deeper.

Commentary

Context

Deuteronomy 2:21 is part of Moses' retrospective address to the Israelites as they stand on the cusp of entering the Promised Land. In this chapter, Moses recounts how the LORD had guided and provided for them during their wilderness wanderings, and importantly, how God had previously dispossessed other mighty nations to make way for their successors. Specifically, this verse refers to the Emims, a powerful people described in Deuteronomy 2:10-11, who were as "tall, as the Anakims." The Anakims were a formidable race of giants, whose intimidating presence had previously struck fear into the hearts of the Israelite spies (Numbers 13:33), contributing to the generation's unbelief and subsequent forty-year delay. Here, Moses highlights that even these seemingly unconquerable peoples were destroyed by God, allowing the Ammonites to settle in their territory.

Key Themes

  • God's Sovereignty and Power: The central message is the absolute power of the LORD. Despite the Emims being "great, and many, and tall, as the Anakims"—a description designed to evoke awe and fear—it was the LORD who decisively "destroyed them before them." This emphasizes that no human force, however mighty, can stand against God's will.
  • Divine Preparation and Inheritance: This verse serves as a historical precedent and encouragement for Israel. Just as God cleared the way for the Ammonites by dispossessing the Emims, He would do the same for Israel as they prepared to conquer Canaan. It underscores God's faithfulness in preparing the land for those to whom He promises it, fulfilling His covenant promises.
  • Overcoming Obstacles: The comparison to the "Anakims" directly addresses the Israelites' past fears and doubts. By showing God's power over such "giants," Moses reassures the new generation that their future enemies, even those of great stature, are not too strong for God to overcome. This fosters faith and courage for the upcoming conquest.

Linguistic Insights

The term "Anakims" (Hebrew: עֲנָקִים, ‘Anāqîm) refers to a race of giant-like people, often associated with exceptional height and strength. The KJV's phrasing "as the Anakims" vividly conveys the formidable nature of the Emims, making God's act of destruction all the more impressive. It highlights the contrast between human perception of invincibility and God's omnipotence.

Practical Application

Deuteronomy 2:21 offers enduring encouragement for believers today. It reminds us that no challenge, no obstacle, and no adversary—however "great, many, and tall" they may seem—is insurmountable when God is on our side. Just as God cleared the way for the Ammonites and later for Israel, He is able to empower us to overcome our own "giants", whether they are personal struggles, societal pressures, or spiritual battles. This verse fosters a deep trust in God's sovereign power and His ability to prepare the way for His purposes in our lives.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
← Back