Deuteronomy 9:2

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!

A people {H5971} great {H1419} and tall {H7311}, the children {H1121} of the Anakims {H6062}, whom thou knowest {H3045}, and of whom thou hast heard {H8085} say, Who can stand {H3320} before {H6440} the children {H1121} of Anak {H6061}!

a people great and tall, the 'Anakim, whom you know about and of whom you have heard it said, 'Who can stand before the descendants of 'Anak?'

The people are strong and tall, the descendants of the Anakim. You know about them, and you have heard it said, “Who can stand up to the sons of Anak?”

a people great and tall, the sons of the Anakim, whom thou knowest, and of whom thou hast heard say, Who can stand before the sons of Anak?

Commentary

Deuteronomy 9:2 serves as a vivid reminder of the formidable challenges the Israelites faced as they prepared to enter the Promised Land, specifically highlighting the imposing nature of the Anakim, a race of giants.

Historical and Cultural Context

Moses delivers this message to the new generation of Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before they cross the Jordan River into Canaan. The memory of the previous generation's failure to enter the land, largely due to their fear of these very inhabitants, was still fresh. This verse specifically recalls the terrifying reports from the twelve spies in Numbers 13, where they described the Anakim as so massive that the Israelites felt like grasshoppers in comparison. Moses uses this description to underscore that despite such overwhelming human opposition, God Himself would fight for Israel, emphasizing that their victory would be by divine power, not their own might or righteousness.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Formidable Foe: The phrase "a people great and tall, the children of the Anakims" immediately conveys the immense physical stature and intimidating presence of these inhabitants. Their reputation, encapsulated in the rhetorical question, "Who can stand before the children of Anak!", highlights the widespread fear and perceived invincibility associated with them.
  • Human Weakness, Divine Strength: By drawing attention to such a powerful adversary, Moses sets the stage for the crucial lesson of Deuteronomy 9: that Israel's success would not be due to their own strength or merit, but entirely to the Lord's intervention. This theme is further developed in Deuteronomy 9:3, where Moses declares that the Lord God would go before them as a consuming fire.
  • Overcoming Fear with Faith: The historical context of Israel's past failure due to fear (see Numbers 14:6-9) makes this verse a powerful reminder that while the obstacles may seem insurmountable from a human perspective, faith in God's promises can conquer even the greatest "giants."

Linguistic Insights

The term "Anakim" (Hebrew: עֲנָקִים, ‘Anakim) refers to a specific group of people known for their unusual height and strength, often associated with the Nephilim mentioned elsewhere in scripture. Their name itself evokes a sense of dread and awe due to their reputation as formidable warriors.

Practical Application

In our own lives, we often face "giants" – overwhelming challenges, deep-seated fears, or seemingly impossible situations. Deuteronomy 9:2 reminds us that these obstacles, no matter how intimidating, are not beyond God's power. Just as Israel’s victory depended not on their ability to defeat the Anakim but on God fighting for them, our ability to overcome life's great challenges depends on trusting in God's strength rather than our own. It encourages us to confront our fears with the assurance that God is on our side, making the impossible possible.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Numbers 13:22 (3 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.)

  • Job 11:10 (2 votes)

    If he cut off, and shut up, or gather together, then who can hinder him?

  • Deuteronomy 7:24 (2 votes)

    And he shall deliver their kings into thine hand, and thou shalt destroy their name from under heaven: there shall no man be able to stand before thee, until thou have destroyed them.

  • 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 2:11 (2 votes)

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

  • Deuteronomy 2:12 (2 votes)

    The Horims also dwelt in Seir beforetime; but the children of Esau succeeded them, when they had destroyed them from before them, and dwelt in their stead; as Israel did unto the land of his possession, which the LORD gave unto them.

  • Daniel 8:4 (2 votes)

    I saw the ram pushing westward, and northward, and southward; so that no beasts might stand before him, neither [was there any] that could deliver out of his hand; but he did according to his will, and became great.