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)

Context

Deuteronomy records Moses’ speeches to Israel on the plains of Moab, just before they crossed the Jordan to possess Canaan. In this verse, Moses reminds the people of the Anakim, a group renowned for their great height and strength. They were descendants of Anak, and other passages describe them as giants (Numbers 13:22-33; Deuteronomy 2:11-12). The Israelites had both seen and heard of these people, and their reputation stirred deep fear. The common saying, “Who can stand before the children of Anak!” shows how invincible they seemed.

Meaning

The phrase “great and tall” stresses the Anakim’s imposing size. The rhetorical question captures the dread that gripped Israel. Yet the question is not meant to exalt the Anakim. It sets the stage for what follows: the LORD Himself would go before Israel as a consuming fire to destroy these nations (Deuteronomy 9:3). The Anakim’s apparent invincibility contrasts with God’s absolute power. Their defeat would not come by Israel’s might but by God’s intervention. This points to the truth that salvation and victory come from the Lord alone.

Biblical connections

Moses later warns Israel not to think their own righteousness earned them the land (Deuteronomy 9:4). The land was given because of the wickedness of those nations and God’s faithfulness to His promise. This connects to the broader narrative of Israel’s unworthiness and God’s grace. The Anakim serve as a tangible reminder of obstacles that only God can overcome. Their defeat prefigures the truth that God alone is the source of victory.

Application

We often face obstacles that seem overwhelming—a daunting task, a difficult relationship, or a fear that will not fade. Like Israel, we may hear voices that ask, “Who can stand?” The answer is that God stands before His people. He is greater than any challenge we face. When we rely on His strength, we can move forward with courage, knowing He is with us. This does not mean problems disappear, but that God’s power is sufficient for every trial.

Reflection

This verse calls us to examine where we place our trust. Do we focus on the size of our problems, or on the power of our God? The Anakim were real and fearsome, but they were not greater than the LORD. He who led Israel into Canaan is the same God who helps us today. Our part is to trust Him, not our own ability. The rhetorical question “Who can stand?” finds its ultimate answer in God, who stands before His people.