Joshua 11:22

KJV

There was none of the Anakims left in the land of the children of Israel: only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod, there remained.

KJV (with Strong's)

There was none of the Anakims {H6062} left {H3498} in the land {H776} of the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}: only in Gaza {H5804}, in Gath {H1661}, and in Ashdod {H795}, there remained {H7604}.

Complete Jewish Bible

No 'Anakim were left in the land of the people of Isra'el - only in 'Azah, Gat and Ashdod did some remain.

Berean Standard Bible

No Anakim were left in the land of the Israelites; only in Gaza, Gath, and Ashdod did any survive.

American Standard Version

There was none of the Anakim left in the land of the children of Israel: only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod, did some remain.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 11:22 serves as a pivotal summary statement at the conclusion of Israel's northern conquest, declaring the near-total eradication of the formidable Anakim from the land designated for the Israelites. This verse powerfully underscores God's faithfulness in empowering His people to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles, thereby fulfilling His ancient covenant promises. However, it also critically notes the enduring presence of Anakim in the Philistine strongholds of Gaza, Gath, and Ashdod, a detail that subtly foreshadows future challenges and emphasizes the ongoing nature of the conquest, highlighting the necessity of complete obedience and vigilance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 11:22 marks the culmination of the northern campaign described in [Joshua 11](/joshua/11 "Joshua 11 - The Northern Conquest"). This chapter details Joshua's decisive victory over a powerful coalition of northern Canaanite kings, led by Jabin of Hazor. The narrative preceding this verse emphasizes divine intervention, particularly in [Joshua 11:20](/joshua/11-20 "Joshua 11:20 - God Hardens Hearts"), which states that the Lord hardened the hearts of the enemies to ensure their destruction, aligning with the commands given to Moses. Specifically, [Joshua 11:21](/joshua/11-21 "Joshua 11:21 - Joshua Cuts Off the Anakim") recounts Joshua cutting off the Anakim from the hill country, Hebron, Debir, Anab, and all the mountains of Judah and Israel. Thus, verse 22 functions as a concluding summary regarding the Anakim's fate within the territories now under Israelite control, effectively setting the stage for the detailed land distribution accounts that commence in [Joshua 13](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13 - Division of the Land Begins").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Anakim were a pre-Israelite people group renowned for their immense stature and strength, often referred to as "giants" in biblical texts (e.g., [Deuteronomy 2:10-11](/deuteronomy/2-10-11 "Deuteronomy 2:10-11 - The Emim and Anakim")). Their imposing presence instilled profound fear in the Israelite spies, as recorded in [Numbers 13:33](/numbers/13-33 "Numbers 13:33 - The Spies' Fearful Report"), where they described themselves as feeling like mere grasshoppers in comparison. God's command for their eradication (e.g., [Deuteronomy 9:2](/deuteronomy/9-2 "Deuteronomy 9:2 - God's Promise to Drive Out the Anakim")) was crucial for Israel's secure possession of the land and the prevention of idolatrous practices. The cities of Gaza, Gath, and Ashdod were three of the five major Philistine city-states, strategically located on the fertile coastal plain. The Philistines were a powerful, non-Semitic people who had migrated to the region (likely from the Aegean), and their highly fortified cities remained significant strongholds outside the immediate control of Israel at this juncture, explaining why pockets of Anakim survived within their territories.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Fulfillment of Promise**. Despite formidable obstacles like the Anakim, God enabled Israel to conquer the land He had promised to Abraham and his descendants. The near-total eradication of these giants demonstrates God's faithfulness and omnipotence to overcome any adversary for His people, echoing earlier assurances in [Deuteronomy 9:2-3](/deuteronomy/9-2-3 "Deuteronomy 9:2-3 - God Drives Out Greater Nations"). Simultaneously, the verse introduces the crucial theme of **Incomplete Conquest**. The survival of Anakim in the Philistine cities highlights that while Israel's victory was significant, it was not absolute. This partial victory sets the stage for future conflicts and serves as a profound theological reminder that full possession of God's promises often requires ongoing obedience, perseverance, and vigilance, as vividly demonstrated later with figures like Goliath, who famously hailed from [Gath](/1_samuel/17-4 "1 Samuel 17:4 - Goliath of Gath"). It also underscores the theme of **God's Sovereignty Over Obstacles**, demonstrating that no human or natural adversary, however imposing, can ultimately thwart God's divine plan for His chosen people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Anakims (Hebrew, _ʻĂnâqîy'_):** From H6062, this term denotes an Anakite or descendant of Anak. These were a people group known for their extraordinary height and strength, often described as giants. Their presence in Canaan represented a significant obstacle and source of fear for the Israelites, as evidenced by the spies' report in [Numbers 13:33](/numbers/13-33 "Numbers 13:33 - The Spies' Fearful Report"). The defeat of the Anakim in the land of Israel proper signifies God's power to overcome the most formidable human adversaries and fulfill His promises.
* **land (Hebrew, _ʼerets'_):** From H776, this word refers to the earth at large or, more specifically in this context, a particular country or territory. Here, "the land of the children of Israel" refers to the specific geographical region of Canaan that God had promised to Abraham's descendants and which Israel was actively possessing through conquest. It emphasizes the divinely granted nature of the territory and the ongoing fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant.
* **Gath (Hebrew, _Gath'_):** From H1661, Gath was one of the five principal Philistine city-states, along with Gaza and Ashdod. These cities were powerful, fortified urban centers located on the coastal plain, distinct from the hill country Israel had largely subdued. The mention of Gath (and its companion cities) signifies a crucial geographical and political boundary, marking areas that remained outside Israelite control and foreshadowing future conflicts with the Philistines, who would become a dominant enemy throughout the period of the Judges and the early Monarchy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"There was none of the Anakims left in the land of the children of Israel:"** This clause declares a comprehensive and decisive victory. It asserts that within the territory now under Israelite control, the dreaded Anakim had been completely eradicated, signifying a major step towards securing the promised land. This statement serves as a powerful testament to God's faithfulness in empowering Israel to fulfill the divine command to dispossess the inhabitants of Canaan, particularly those who represented the greatest human threat. It highlights the success of Joshua's campaigns in clearing the way for Israel's settlement.
* **"only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod, there remained."** This crucial qualifying clause introduces a significant caveat to the preceding declaration of total eradication. It specifies that while the Anakim were gone from the central and southern hill country and other areas under Israelite dominion, they persisted in these three major Philistine cities. This detail is not merely geographical; it carries profound theological and narrative weight, indicating an incomplete conquest and setting the stage for ongoing struggles. It reminds the reader that the full realization of God's promises often involves a process, not an instantaneous, absolute completion, and that human obedience, or lack thereof, can impact the extent of that completion.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 11:22 masterfully employs several significant literary devices. **Emphasis** is achieved through the stark contrast presented: the general statement of complete eradication ("none of the Anakims left") is immediately followed by the specific, critical exceptions ("only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod"). This juxtaposition highlights both the immense magnitude of Israel's victory and the crucial nature of the remaining pockets of resistance. The use of **contrast** underscores the partial nature of the conquest, drawing a clear distinction between the land Israel had secured and the strategic areas that remained unconquered. This creates a powerful sense of **foreshadowing**, subtly hinting at future conflicts and challenges that Israel would inevitably face, particularly from the Philistines and their giant inhabitants (most notably Goliath from Gath, as recounted in [1 Samuel 17](/1_samuel/17 "1 Samuel 17 - David and Goliath")). Furthermore, the verse functions as a concise **summary statement**, providing a definitive conclusion to the campaign against the Anakim, thereby wrapping up a significant and challenging phase of the conquest narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 11:22 stands as a profound testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and omnipotence, demonstrating His ability to fulfill His promises even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles. The Anakim, representing the ultimate human threat and a source of paralyzing fear for Israel (as seen in [Numbers 13:33](/numbers/13-33 "The Spies' Fearful Report of the Anakim")), were systematically removed from the land under Joshua's leadership, a direct and powerful fulfillment of God's earlier commands and assurances (e.g., [Deuteronomy 9:2](/deuteronomy/9-2 "God's Promise to Drive Out the Anakim")). This victory underscores that God actively fights for His people, enabling them to overcome what is humanly impossible. However, the verse's crucial caveat—the remaining Anakim in Philistine cities—introduces a vital theological tension: the reality of an incomplete conquest. This incompleteness serves as a sober reminder that while God provides the victory, human obedience and perseverance are continually required to fully possess His promises. It also highlights God's sovereign plan, which often involves a process of gradual sanctification and ongoing spiritual warfare rather than an immediate, absolute eradication of all challenges, a theme further explored in [Judges 1:19](/judges/1-19 "Judah's Incomplete Conquest").

* [Numbers 13:33](/numbers/13-33 "The Spies' Fearful Report of the Anakim")
* [Deuteronomy 9:2](/deuteronomy/9-2 "God's Promise to Drive Out the Anakim")
* [Judges 1:19](/judges/1-19 "Judah's Incomplete Conquest")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 11:22 offers profound and enduring lessons for believers navigating their spiritual journeys. Just as the Anakim represented formidable "giants" for ancient Israel, we too encounter spiritual "giants" in our lives—deep-seated sins, overwhelming anxieties, relational conflicts, or seemingly insurmountable challenges that threaten to derail our faith and progress. This verse powerfully reminds us that with God's power, these giants can be overcome and dispossessed from the "land" of our lives. The initial, decisive success against the Anakim should inspire profound confidence in God's unwavering ability to fight our battles and grant us victory. However, the lingering presence of Anakim in the Philistine cities serves as a critical warning: incomplete obedience, partial surrender, or a lack of vigilance can leave "pockets" of resistance that will inevitably resurface to cause future trouble and hinder our spiritual growth. This calls us to a diligent pursuit of holiness and complete surrender in every area of our lives, recognizing that sanctification is an ongoing, lifelong process. We are encouraged to press into God's promises with unwavering faith, knowing He is faithful to complete the good work He begins in us, but also to remain vigilant against complacency, ensuring that every area of our lives is brought fully under His loving dominion and transforming power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "giants" (overwhelming problems, persistent sins, deep-seated fears) are you currently facing in your life, and how does Joshua 11:22 encourage you regarding God's power to overcome them?**
* **Where might you be experiencing an "incomplete conquest" in your spiritual walk, leaving pockets of unaddressed sin, compromise, or unbelief? What concrete steps can you take to invite God's complete victory in those areas?**
* **How does the tension between God's promise of victory and the reality of ongoing struggle in this verse inform your understanding of spiritual warfare and the process of sanctification in your own life?**

### FAQ

**Why were the Anakim left in Gaza, Gath, and Ashdod, and what is the significance of this?**

Answer: The Anakim were left in these three Philistine cities primarily because these were powerful, fortified strongholds that Israel did not fully conquer during this initial phase of the conquest under Joshua. While Israel achieved significant victories in the hill country and central regions, the coastal plain where the Philistine cities were located remained largely outside their immediate control. The significance of this is multifaceted: First, it highlights the **incomplete nature of the conquest**, demonstrating that while God empowered Israel to overcome many enemies, the full possession of the land required ongoing obedience, perseverance, and effort from subsequent generations. Second, it **foreshadows future conflicts** with the Philistines, who would become a persistent and formidable enemy throughout the period of the Judges and the early monarchy. The most famous giant in the Bible, Goliath, hailed from [Gath](/1_samuel/17-4 "1 Samuel 17:4 - Goliath of Gath"), directly linking back to the Anakim's lingering presence in these cities. Third, from a theological perspective, it may serve as a reminder that God's plan often involves a **process of progressive sanctification and warfare** for His people, rather than an immediate, total eradication of all challenges. It tests Israel's faithfulness and reliance on God in subsequent generations, underscoring the ongoing need for spiritual vigilance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 11:22, while narrating a specific historical conquest, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate and complete victory achieved by Jesus Christ. The Anakim, representing formidable obstacles and seemingly insurmountable enemies of God's people, find their ultimate parallel in the spiritual forces of darkness, the pervasive power of sin, and the sting of death that held all humanity captive. Just as Joshua led Israel to dispossess the literal giants from the promised land, Jesus, the greater Joshua, came to conquer the true spiritual giants that oppress and enslave humanity. His definitive victory on the cross and His glorious resurrection represent the complete and final eradication of sin's condemning power and death's ultimate dominion, ensuring that "there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")). While Joshua's conquest was geographically limited and left "pockets" of resistance, Christ's victory is universal and absolute, securing eternal salvation for all who believe in Him ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). However, the lingering Anakim in Philistine cities also speak to the "already but not yet" reality of the Christian life. While Christ has definitively won the war against sin and death, believers still contend with the lingering effects of sin in a fallen world and engage in ongoing spiritual battles against spiritual forces ([Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Our Struggle Against Spiritual Forces")). Yet, just as God empowered Israel to overcome, Christ empowers His followers through the indwelling Holy Spirit to overcome these remaining "giants" in their lives, knowing that ultimate and complete victory is assured in Him who began a good work and will bring it to completion ([Philippians 1:6](/philippians/1-6 "Philippians 1:6 - God Will Complete His Work")). He is the one who truly disarms the powers and authorities, making a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")).

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

1 Samuel 17:4

And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height [was] six cubits and a span.

Joshua 15:46

From Ekron even unto the sea, all that [lay] near Ashdod, with their villages:

1 Samuel 5:1

¶ And the Philistines took the ark of God, and brought it from Ebenezer unto Ashdod.

1 Chronicles 8:13

Beriah also, and Shema, who [were] heads of the fathers of the inhabitants of Aijalon, who drove away the inhabitants of Gath:

1 Kings 2:39

And it came to pass at the end of three years, that two of the servants of Shimei ran away unto Achish son of Maachah king of Gath. And they told Shimei, saying, Behold, thy servants [be] in Gath.

2 Chronicles 26:6

And he went forth and warred against the Philistines, and brake down the wall of Gath, and the wall of Jabneh, and the wall of Ashdod, and built cities about Ashdod, and among the Philistines.

1 Chronicles 18:1

¶ Now after this it came to pass, that David smote the Philistines, and subdued them, and took Gath and her towns out of the hand of the Philistines.