Deuteronomy 2:11

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

Which {H1992} also were accounted {H2803} giants {H7497}, as the Anakims {H6062}; but the Moabites {H4125} call {H7121} them Emims {H368}.

They are also considered Refa'im, as are the 'Anakim, but the Mo'avim call them Emim.

Like the Anakites, they were also regarded as Rephaim, though the Moabites called them Emites.

these also are accounted Rephaim, as the Anakim; but the Moabites call them Emim.

Commentary

Deuteronomy 2:11 offers a fascinating glimpse into the ancient demographics of the land of Canaan, specifically focusing on the original inhabitants of the region allotted to the Moabites. This verse identifies a formidable group known as the "Emims," whom the Moabites displaced, and equates them with the "Anakims," a race known for their imposing stature.

Context

This verse is part of Moses's retrospective address to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. He recounts their forty years of wilderness wanderings, highlighting God's faithfulness and guidance. In Deuteronomy 2:9, God instructs Israel not to distress the Moabites, as their land has been given to them as a possession. Verses 10-12 then provide a historical note about the former inhabitants of Moab, paralleling it with God's later actions for Israel. The Emims, mentioned here, were a powerful, giant people, much like the Anakims, who struck fear into the Israelite spies when they first scouted Canaan (Numbers 13:33).

Key Themes

  • Ancient Giant Races: The Bible frequently mentions various groups of unusually large stature, often referred to as "giants." This verse specifically links the Emims to the Anakims, reinforcing the idea of such peoples existing in the ancient Near East. Their presence underscores the challenges faced by early inhabitants and later, the Israelites.
  • Divine Allocation of Land: Just as God was preparing to give the land of Canaan to Israel, He had previously empowered the Moabites to dispossess the Emims from their territory. This highlights God's sovereign control over the nations and their boundaries, demonstrating His consistent plan for the settlement of different peoples (Deuteronomy 32:8).
  • Historical Validation: The detail about the Moabites calling them "Emims" (while they were "accounted giants, as the Anakims") suggests a common understanding or local nomenclature for these formidable peoples, adding a layer of historical realism to Moses's account.

Linguistic Insights

The term "giants" in the KJV often translates the Hebrew word Rephaim, which refers to an ancient, powerful race or tribe, often associated with great size. While the Emims are not explicitly called Rephaim here, their comparison to the Anakims, who are elsewhere linked to the Rephaim (Deuteronomy 2:20), suggests they were part of this broader category of formidable inhabitants. The name "Emims" itself is believed to mean "the dreadful ones" or "terrible ones," emphasizing their intimidating presence.

Practical Application

Deuteronomy 2:11, though descriptive of ancient history, carries timeless implications. It reminds us that God is sovereign over all of history and every nation. He prepares the way for His purposes, often clearing obstacles that seem insurmountable to human eyes. For the Israelites, seeing how God enabled the Moabites to overcome the "dreadful" Emims would have been an encouragement that God would likewise enable them to conquer the Anakims and other inhabitants of Canaan. Today, this verse encourages us to trust in God's power to remove obstacles in our own lives and to fulfill His plans, knowing that He is always working, even in unseen ways, to prepare the path for His people.

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Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 9:2 (2 votes)

    A people great and tall, the children of the Anakims, whom thou knowest, and [of whom] thou hast heard [say], Who can stand before the children of Anak!

  • Numbers 13:28 (2 votes)

    Nevertheless the people [be] strong that dwell in the land, and the cities [are] walled, [and] very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there.

  • Deuteronomy 1:28 (2 votes)

    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.

  • Numbers 13:33 (2 votes)

    And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, [which come] of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.

  • Genesis 14:5 (2 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,

  • 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.)