### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼÊymîym**, represented by `{{H368}}`, refers to an early tribe known as the **Emims**. The term's base definition is "terrors," likely reflecting the formidable reputation of this people. It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses**, identifying a powerful tribe that inhabited a region before the Moabites.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, the **Emims** are depicted as one of the ancient peoples of the land. They are first mentioned as being smitten by an alliance of kings led by Chedorlaomer [[Genesis 14:5]]. The book of Deuteronomy provides more detail, explaining that the **Emims** had dwelt in the land in times past, and were a people described as **great**, **many**, and **tall**, comparable to the well-known Anakims [[Deuteronomy 2:10]]. It is noted that while they were considered **giants** (Rephaim) like the Anakims, it was the Moabites who specifically called them **Emims** [[Deuteronomy 2:11]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to define the characteristics of the **Emims**:
* `{{H7497}}` **râphâʼ** (a giant): The Emims were accounted as **giants**, which places them in the same category as other formidable ancient peoples like the Rephaim [[Deuteronomy 2:11]].
* `{{H6062}}` **ʻĂnâqîy** (an Anakite or descendant of Anak): The Anakims are used as a direct standard of comparison for the stature of the Emims, emphasizing that they were a people as great and tall as the **Anakims** [[Deuteronomy 2:10]].
* `{{H1419}}` **gâdôwl** (great): This adjective is used to establish the Emims as a powerful and significant nation, describing them as "a people **great**" [[Deuteronomy 2:10]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H368}}` is tied to God's sovereignty over all nations, regardless of their strength.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The Emims, a people described as **great** and **tall** [[Deuteronomy 2:10]], exemplify a mighty human force. Their eventual displacement from the land demonstrates God's ultimate authority to establish and remove nations according to His will.
* **A Precedent for Israel:** The story of the Emims being dispossessed for the Moabites serves as a historical lesson for the Israelites. It shows that God was capable of defeating giant clans, thereby encouraging Israel to trust that He could do the same for them against the Anakims in the promised land [[Deuteronomy 2:10-11]].
* **Fearsome Peoples:** The name **Emims** itself is rooted in the idea of "terrors," highlighting their intimidating presence. This makes their removal a more profound testament to a divine power greater than any worldly might.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H368}}` **ʼÊymîym** is not just a historical label but a testament to divine power. This tribe of "terrors," known for being as **great** and **tall** as the Anakims, serves as a key example in the biblical record of God's sovereignty over the mightiest of peoples. Their story illustrates that no human power is absolute and that God orchestrates history to fulfill His purposes.
TRV