They were a people great and many, as tall as the Anakites. But the LORD destroyed them from before the Ammonites, who drove them out and settled in their place, a people great and many and tall as the AnakitesThis phrase describes the formidable nature of the people who once inhabited the land. The Anakites were known for their great size and strength, often instilling fear in others. The Hebrew word for "great" (גָּדוֹל, gadol) conveys not only physical size but also might and influence. Historically, the Anakites were considered giants, and their presence in the land was a significant obstacle for the Israelites. This comparison emphasizes the challenge faced by the Ammonites, highlighting their victory as remarkable and divinely aided. But the LORD destroyed them before the Ammonites who drove them out and settled in their place Persons / Places / Events 1. The AnakimA race of giants mentioned in the Old Testament, known for their great size and strength. They were considered formidable opponents by the Israelites. 2. The LORD (Yahweh) The covenant God of Israel, who actively intervenes in the history of His people, demonstrating His power and sovereignty. 3. The Ammonites Descendants of Lot, they were related to the Israelites but often found themselves in conflict with them. In this context, they are the beneficiaries of God's intervention. 4. The Destruction of the Rephaim The Rephaim were another group of giants, similar to the Anakim, who were destroyed by God to make way for the Ammonites. 5. The Settlement of the Ammonites After the destruction of the Rephaim, the Ammonites took over their land, illustrating God's provision and judgment. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty and PowerGod is sovereign over all nations and peoples, and His plans will prevail. He can raise up and bring down nations according to His purposes. Divine Judgment and Mercy God's judgment on the Rephaim and His provision for the Ammonites demonstrate His justice and mercy. He judges sin but also provides for those He chooses. Trust in God's Promises Just as God fulfilled His promise to the Ammonites, He will fulfill His promises to us. We can trust Him to act in His perfect timing. Overcoming Fear with Faith The Israelites' fear of the Anakim contrasts with God's ability to overcome any obstacle. We should not let fear hinder our faith in God's power. God's Provision for His People God provides for His people, often in unexpected ways. We should remain open to His guidance and provision in our lives. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the destruction of the Rephaim by God before the Ammonites illustrate His sovereignty over nations?2. In what ways can we see God's justice and mercy in the events described in Deuteronomy 2:21? 3. How can the fear of the Anakim by the Israelites in Numbers 13 inform our understanding of faith and fear in our own lives? 4. What are some modern-day "giants" that we face, and how can we rely on God's power to overcome them? 5. How does the account of the Ammonites settling in the land of the Rephaim encourage us to trust in God's provision and timing? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 14The Rephaim are mentioned as part of the coalition of kings defeated by Abraham, showing their longstanding presence in the region. Numbers 13 The Anakim are described as giants in the land of Canaan, causing fear among the Israelite spies, which delayed their entry into the Promised Land. Joshua 11 Joshua's conquest of the land includes the defeat of the Anakim, fulfilling God's promise to give the land to Israel. Psalm 136 Celebrates God's enduring love and mighty acts, including the defeat of powerful kings and peoples, similar to His actions in Deuteronomy 2:21.
People Ammonites, Anakites, Avvites, Caphtorim, Caphtorites, Emites, Esau, Geber, Horites, Moabites, Moses, Rephaites, Seir, Sihon, ZamzummitesPlaces Ammon, Ar, Arabah, Aroer, Caphtor, Elath, Ezion-geber, Gaza, Gilead, Heshbon, Jabbok River, Jahaz, Jordan River, Kadesh-barnea, Kedemoth, Moab, Mount Seir, Red Sea, Seir, Valley of the Arnon, ZeredTopics Ammon, Ammonites, Anakim, Anakims, Anakites, Destroyed, Destroyeth, Destruction, Dispossess, Dispossessed, Drove, Dwell, Dwelt, Equal, Numerous, Settled, Stead, Succeeded, TallDictionary of Bible Themes Deuteronomy 2:14Library A Great Part of South Judea Cut Off under the Second Temple. Jewish Idumean. The Talmudic girdle ends, as you see, in "Kadesh, Barnea, and Ascalon." Hence it cannot but be observed, that these two places are placed, as it were, in parallel; and whatsoever space lies between Ascalon and the river of Egypt, is excluded,--to wit, fifty-four miles. And one might, indeed, almost see some footsteps of that exclusion under the first Temple, in that very common expression, "From Dan even to Beer-sheba." This country, that was excluded, was something barren. The Talmudists speak thus … John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The New Leaders Commission The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt The Section Chap. I. -iii. Deuteronomy Links Deuteronomy 2:21 NIVDeuteronomy 2:21 NLT Deuteronomy 2:21 ESV Deuteronomy 2:21 NASB Deuteronomy 2:21 KJV Deuteronomy 2:21 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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