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? Deuteronomy 9:2 (KJV)

Deuteronomy, the fifth book of the Old Testament, records Moses’ speeches to the Israelites as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. In this verse Moses recalls the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness and the fears that arose as they approached Canaan.

The Anakim were a group of people who lived in Canaan and were renowned for their great stature. They were descendants of Anak and are described elsewhere in Scripture as giants (see Numbers 13:22‑33; Deuteronomy 2:11‑12). The Israelites had heard stories about them, and those stories had instilled a deep sense of intimidation.

God had promised the land of Canaan to the Israelites as their inheritance, but the land was already inhabited by various nations, including the formidable Anakim. Having been delivered from slavery in Egypt, the people stood on the brink of possessing the land that had been promised to their forefathers.

The verse emphasizes the imposing nature of the Anakim, portraying them as a people “great and tall.” The rhetorical question, “Who can stand before the children of Anak!” captures the fear and doubt that may have crept into the Israelites’ minds as they contemplated the conquest of such powerful opponents.

(Note: This wording does not appear in Deuteronomy 9:2 in the standard Masoretic Text or most common English translations. The Anakim are mentioned elsewhere in Deuteronomy, but the exact phrasing and rhetorical question are not found in chapter 9, verse 2.)

Later verses in Deuteronomy 9 (especially verses 3‑4) make clear that the Israelites were not to rely on their own strength. Instead, they were to recognize that God would go before them and fight on their behalf, shifting the focus from the might of the Anakim to the power and faithfulness of God.

Deuteronomy 9:2 reminds us that we often encounter obstacles that seem overwhelming—whether a daunting circumstance, a difficult task, or an intimidating opponent. Like the Israelites, we are called to place our trust in God, who is greater than any challenge we face. When we rely on His strength and guidance, we find the courage and confidence to move forward, assured that He is with us.

Overall, this passage underscores the importance of faith and trust in God’s power. It encourages believers to look beyond their own limitations and rely on God’s strength, knowing that He is able to help us overcome any obstacle in our path.