“A people great, and many, and tall, as the Anakims; but the LORD destroyed them before them; and they succeeded them, and dwelt in their stead.”
Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Bible and is part of the Torah, which contains the laws and teachings of Moses to the Israelites.
In this verse, Moses recounts the events that took place during the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness.
Context:To provide some context, the Israelites were on their way to the Promised Land after their liberation from slavery in Egypt.
They had already passed through the territories of various nations, including the Edomites, Moabites, and Ammonites.
Now, they were approaching the land of the Amorites.
Historical Background:In Deuteronomy 2:10-11, Moses explains that the Emim, a people who were also known as the Anakims, previously dwelt in the land of the Amorites.
They were described as a great, numerous, and tall people.
However, God had already destroyed the Emim before the arrival of the Israelites.
Divine Intervention:The verse emphasizes that it was the Lord who accomplished the destruction of the Emim.
This serves as a reminder to the Israelites of God’s power and faithfulness.
It reaffirms that the Lord was actively involved in their journey and that He was capable of defeating any obstacle that stood in their way.
Consequences:The latter part of the verse states, “and they succeeded them, and dwelt in their stead.” This indicates that after the destruction of the Emim, the Israelites inherited their land.
God had cleared the way for the Israelites to occupy the territory previously occupied by the Emim.
This verse, like many others in the Bible, demonstrates the divine intervention and guidance that the Israelites experienced during their journey to the Promised Land.
It highlights God’s protection, provision, and fulfillment of His promises.
Conclusion:As we study the Bible, it is essential to consider the historical and cultural context of each passage, as well as the overall narrative and theological themes.
The verse you provided serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and His role in the Israelites’ journey, but it is just a small part of the broader story found in the Book of Deuteronomy and the Bible as a whole.
