### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻĂnâqîy**, represented by `{{H6062}}`, is a patronymic term identifying an **Anakite or descendant of Anak**. Appearing **9 times** in **9 unique verses**, the term refers to a formidable people known for their immense stature and strength, posing a significant challenge to the Israelites during their conquest of Canaan.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, the `{{H6062}}` are consistently depicted as a source of fear and a test of Israel's faith. The spies sent into Canaan reported that the people were "greater `{{H1419}}` and taller `{{H7311}}` than we" and lived in cities that were "great `{{H1419}}` and walled up to heaven" [[Deuteronomy 1:28]]. This report discouraged the Israelites, who had heard it said, "Who can stand before the children of Anak!" [[Deuteronomy 9:2]]. The conquest led by Joshua involved a direct military campaign to "cut off" the `{{H6062}}` from the mountain country [[Joshua 11:21]]. While Joshua was largely successful, a remnant of the `{{H6062}}` remained in Gaza, Gath, and Ashdod [[Joshua 11:22]]. A key figure, Arba, is described as a "great `{{H1419}}` man among the Anakims" [[Joshua 14:15]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help contextualize the significance of the `{{H6062}}`:
* `{{H1419}}` **gâdôwl** (great): This adjective is consistently used to describe the `{{H6062}}` as a "great" people with "great" cities, emphasizing the scale of the challenge they represented [[Deuteronomy 1:28]].
* `{{H7311}}` **rûwm** (to be high, tall): The physical description of the `{{H6062}}` as a "tall" people is a primary reason for the Israelites' fear and is mentioned multiple times ([[Deuteronomy 2:10]], [[Deuteronomy 9:2]]).
* `{{H7497}}` **râphâʼ** (a giant): The `{{H6062}}` were accounted as "giants," placing them in the same category as other legendary peoples like the Emims and Rephaims [[Deuteronomy 2:11]].
* `{{H3423}}` **yârash** (to occupy, drive out): This verb is central to the conflict. Caleb expresses his faith that with the Lord's help, he will be able to "drive them out" [[Joshua 14:12]], a goal the Lord had already accomplished for others against a similar people [[Deuteronomy 2:21]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative role of the `{{H6062}}` carries significant theological weight.
* **Test of Faith:** The imposing presence of the `{{H6062}}` serves as a direct test of Israel's trust in God. Their stature caused the Israelites to have their "heart discouraged" [[Deuteronomy 1:28]], while Caleb's faith is demonstrated by his willingness to confront them in the Lord's strength [[Joshua 14:12]].
* **God's Sovereignty:** The account demonstrates God's ultimate power over all nations. Before Israel's conquest, the Lord had already "destroyed" `{{H8045}}` the Emim—a people as "great, and many, and tall, as the Anakims"—and gave their land to others to possess [[Deuteronomy 2:21]]. This established a precedent of God's power to overcome any human obstacle.
* **Fulfillment of Promise:** The eventual defeat of the `{{H6062}}` is a direct fulfillment of God's command for Israel to possess the land. Joshua "destroyed them utterly" from the mountains of Judah and Israel [[Joshua 11:21]], leaving almost none in the land allotted to God's people [[Joshua 11:22]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6062}}` is more than a name for an ancient tribe; it represents a seemingly insurmountable obstacle that became a defining moment for Israel. The Anakim were the physical embodiment of the challenges facing God's people. Their story illustrates a core biblical theme: the conflict between human fear and divine power, where faith in the Lord is the key to victory and the fulfillment of His promises.
TRV