Deuteronomy 2:10

The Emims dwelt therein in times past, a people great, and many, and tall, as the Anakims;

The Emims {H368} dwelt {H3427} therein in times past {H6440}, a people {H5971} great {H1419}, and many {H7227}, and tall {H7311}, as the Anakims {H6062};

(The Emim used to live there, a great and numerous people as tall as the 'Anakim.

(The Emites used to live there, a people great and many, as tall as the Anakites.

(The Emim dwelt therein aforetime, a people great, and many, and tall, as the Anakim:

Commentary

Deuteronomy 2:10 provides a historical note within Moses' recounting of Israel's journey, specifically detailing the former inhabitants of the land of Moab. The verse states that the Emims, described as "a people great, and many, and tall," once dwelt there. Their formidable stature and strength are emphasized by comparing them to the well-known Anakims, another race of giants frequently mentioned in biblical narratives concerning the land of Canaan.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse offers a glimpse into the ancient demographics of the Transjordan region, specifically the territory later given to the descendants of Lot, the Moabites (Deuteronomy 2:9). The Emims were one of several indigenous groups of formidable stature, often referred to as Rephaim (giants), who inhabited the land before the arrival of the Abrahamic peoples. Their presence underscores the challenges faced by early inhabitants and later by Israel in settling the Promised Land. The comparison to the Anakims (from whom the spies reported fearing in Numbers 13:33) highlights the Emims' intimidating nature and provides context for God's power in dispossessing such mighty peoples.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Sovereignty over Nations: The verse, in its broader context (Deuteronomy 2), illustrates God's sovereign control over the allocation of territories and the destinies of nations. Just as He dispossessed the Emims for the Moabites, He would later dispossess other powerful groups for Israel.
  • Overcoming Giants: The mention of "great, and many, and tall" people like the Emims and Anakims serves to magnify God's power. It reminds the Israelites that no obstacle, however imposing, is too great for God to overcome, providing assurance for their own impending conquest of Canaan.
  • Historical Precedent: This detail provides a historical precedent for Israel's future conquests. If God had enabled the Moabites to displace such powerful inhabitants, Israel could trust that God would enable them to conquer even taller and mightier nations.

Linguistic Insights

The name Emims (or Emites) is believed to mean "the terrible ones" or "the dreaded ones," reflecting their fearsome reputation. The Anakims were a renowned race of giants, descendants of Anak, whose formidable size and strength were a source of great fear among the Israelite spies sent to scout the land of Canaan.

Practical Application

Deuteronomy 2:10, though historical, offers a powerful message for believers today. It reminds us that God is capable of overcoming "giants" in our lives—whether they are daunting challenges, seemingly insurmountable obstacles, or overwhelming fears. Just as God cleared the way for nations in ancient times, He continues to work in our lives, demonstrating His power and faithfulness. We can find encouragement that with God, even the most "great, and many, and tall" problems can be overcome, leading us to our own promised blessings and victories.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 14:5 (5 votes)

    And in the fourteenth year came Chedorlaomer, and the kings that [were] with him, and smote the Rephaims in Ashteroth Karnaim, and the Zuzims in Ham, and the Emims in Shaveh Kiriathaim,

  • Deuteronomy 2:11 (2 votes)

    Which also were accounted giants, as the Anakims; but the Moabites call them Emims.

  • Numbers 13:22 (2 votes)

    And they ascended by the south, and came unto Hebron; where Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the children of Anak, [were]. (Now Hebron was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt.)