Deuteronomy 2:11

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

Deuteronomy 2:11 (KJV)

Context

Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Bible and part of the Pentateuch, attributed to Moses. Here Moses speaks to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. This verse belongs to a historical review of their journey through the wilderness and their encounters with various nations. It is a parenthetical note within a larger passage where Moses recounts how God gave the descendants of Lot their lands and dispossessed the giants before them.

Meaning

The verse explains that the Emims, who lived in Moab, were counted as giants, just like the Anakims. The Anakims were descendants of Anak and were known for their great size and strength. The Moabites called these people Emims, while the Israelites knew them by another name. This shows that different nations had different names for the same groups of people.

The term “giants” refers to people of extraordinary size and strength. The Hebrew word behind this description is rephaim, a term used for ancient peoples of notable stature. The Anakims were a race of giants, and the Emims were of the same kind. The name Emims likely means “terrors” or “fearsome ones,” fitting their intimidating reputation. This detail helps confirm the historical reality of these peoples and their fearsome reputation. It also shows the cultural and linguistic diversity of the ancient world, where the same group could be known by different names.

Biblical connections

This verse connects to the earlier report of the spies, who described the Anakims as giants (Numbers 13:33). That report caused fear among the Israelites. Here Moses reminds them that the Emims were just as formidable. Yet God had promised to give Israel the land, driving out nations greater and mightier than they. The larger context shows that God had already driven out the Rephaim before the Moabites and Ammonites, demonstrating His power over mighty peoples. This shows that human strength and stature are no match for divine power. The mention of the Emims and Anakims together ties the conquest narrative to the earlier spy account, providing continuity in the biblical story.

Application

This verse teaches us to trust in God’s promises. Just as the Israelites had to trust God to give them the land despite the giants, we should have faith in God’s guidance and promises in our lives. The historical note that God dispossessed giants before other nations reinforces that He is sovereign over all peoples and faithful to His word.

It also encourages us to overcome obstacles. The presence of giants signifies the challenges we may face. Like the Israelites, we should not be discouraged or fearful. Instead, we should rely on God’s strength and courage to face and overcome those obstacles.

The different names used by the Moabites and the Israelites for the same people remind us of diversity among nations. Despite our differences, we can find common ground and unity in God’s redemptive plan for all people.

Reflection

This brief verse enriches our understanding of the biblical world. It shows God’s sovereignty over all nations and His ability to fulfill His covenant despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles. When we face what seems too great, we can remember that God is greater. The verse also reinforces the reliability of the historical account, reminding us that God faithfully keeps His promises even when the obstacles appear overwhelming.