A people great, and many, and tall, as the Anakims: but the Lord destroyed them before them, and they succeeded them & dwelt in their stead:) Deuteronomy 2:21 (KJV)
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 passage Moses recounts events during the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness as they traveled toward 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, and were now approaching the land of the Amorites.
Deuteronomy 2:10-11 (KJV) states: “The Emim dwelt therein in times past, a people great, and many, and tall, as the Anakims; Which also were accounted giants, as the Anakims; but the Moabites call them Emim.” This describes the Emim, a people who inhabited Seir (the territory later given to Edom), and notes their resemblance to the Anakims in stature, though they were distinct groups. The Anakims were a separate people group associated with Canaan.
In Deuteronomy 2:21 (KJV) Moses writes: “As the LORD did for the children of Esau, which dwelt in Seir, when he destroyed the Horims from before them; and they succeeded them, and dwelt in their stead; even as the LORD did for the children of Israel, when he destroyed the Amorites from before them.” This verse highlights God’s action in clearing the way for the Edomites and Israelites to inherit lands previously occupied by other nations, underscoring His faithfulness in fulfilling His promises and guiding His people.
The passage demonstrates divine intervention and guidance throughout Israel’s journey. It reflects God’s protection, provision, and sovereignty, reminding readers of His active role in history. The verse emphasizes that it was the Lord who accomplished the destruction of the Emim, serving as a reminder 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.
The latter part of the verse, “and they succeeded them, and dwelt in their stead,” 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, demonstrates the divine intervention and guidance the Israelites experienced on their way to the Promised Land and highlights God’s protection, provision, and fulfilment of His promises.
As we study the Bible it is important to consider the historical and cultural context of each passage, as well as the overall narrative and theological themes. The verse serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and His role in the Israelites’ journey, yet it is only a small part of the broader story found in the Book of Deuteronomy and the Bible as a whole.
