“The Emims dwelt therein in times past, a people great, and many, and tall, as the Anakims.”
Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Old Testament and is part of the Torah, which is the foundational text of the Hebrew Bible. It consists mainly of speeches given by Moses to the Israelites just before they enter the Promised Land.
In this verse, Moses is recounting the events and history of the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness. He mentions the Emims, who were a people group that previously inhabited a specific region. The term “Emims” is derived from the Hebrew word “Emim,” which means “terrors” or “fearsome ones.” They are described as a great and numerous people, similar to the Anakims.
The Anakims, also known as the Anakites, were a group of giants who lived in the land of Canaan. They were known for their height and strength, which made them formidable adversaries. The mention of both the Emims and the Anakims serves as a reminder to the Israelites of the challenges they faced and overcame during their journey.
Historical Context:The historical context of this verse is important to understand. At this point, the Israelites are preparing to enter the Promised Land, which was inhabited by various nations and tribes. Moses recounts their encounters with different people groups to emphasize God’s faithfulness in leading them and delivering them from these formidable opponents.
Deuteronomy as a whole emphasizes the importance of obedience to God’s commandments and the consequences of disobedience. The mention of the Emims and the Anakims in this verse can be seen as a reminder to the Israelites of the power of God, who had defeated these mighty nations in the past. It serves as a reassurance that God will continue to be with them as they face the challenges of conquering the Promised Land.
In summary, Deuteronomy 2:10 recounts the existence of the Emims, a great and numerous people group who dwelled in a particular region. They are described as being tall, similar to the Anakims. This verse serves as a reminder to the Israelites of the challenges they faced and overcame with God’s help during their journey. It also reinforces the faithfulness and power of God as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.
