“And they ascended by the south, and came unto Hebron; where Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the children of Anak, were. (Now Hebron was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt.)”
Context:The book of Numbers records the events that took place during the Israelites’ wilderness journey, as they traveled from Mount Sinai toward the Promised Land.
In this particular passage, Moses sends twelve spies to explore the land of Canaan, with the purpose of assessing its fertility, inhabitants, and resources.
The journey and arrival:The spies had been commissioned to survey the land, and in verse 22, it states that they traveled by the south and arrived at Hebron. Hebron was one of the cities in the region of Canaan and is known for its significance in biblical history. It was situated in the hill country of Judah and held great historical and spiritual importance.
The inhabitants of Hebron:The passage mentions three individuals who were descendants of Anak: Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai. The Anakim were a race of giants who lived in the land of Canaan. They were known for their physical stature and were often associated with strength and military might. This information was significant because it revealed that the land of Canaan was inhabited by formidable people, which would be important for the spies to report back to Moses.
Historical comparison:The verse also provides a historical context by mentioning that Hebron was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt. Zoan (also known as Tanis) was an ancient city in Egypt. The purpose of this comparison is to highlight the antiquity and significance of Hebron. It suggests that Hebron had a rich history and had been established long before the mightiest city in Egypt was built.
Overall, Numbers 13:22 provides geographical and historical details regarding the spies’ exploration of Canaan. It gives insight into the region of Hebron, the existence of the Anakim, and establishes the historical significance of Hebron in comparison to the city of Zoan in Egypt.
