Meaning of Deuteronomy 2:11

This verse from Deuteronomy provides a fascinating glimpse into the diverse peoples inhabiting the land of Canaan prior to Israel's conquest, specifically highlighting the eminence and formidable reputation of the Anakites and their association with other groups. The passage asserts that the Anakites, a race of giants or exceptionally tall people, were considered a subset of the Rephaites, an ancient and powerful people known for their size and strength. The Moabites, in their own linguistic and cultural context, referred to these same formidable inhabitants as the Emites, underscoring that different nations had distinct names for the same formidable populations, yet the underlying perception of their might remained consistent. This linguistic variation points to the complex ethnolinguistic landscape of the ancient Near East and the common human tendency to label and categorize those perceived as different or threatening.

Context and Background

Deuteronomy 2 recounts the Israelites' journey around the land of Edom and Moab, avoiding direct confrontation with these nations. As they approach the territory of the Amorites, Moses reminds the people of the inhabitants of the land they are about to conquer. The Anakites are particularly singled out due to their fearsome reputation, which had been previously established in the minds of the Israelites through the report of the spies in Numbers 13. The Rephaites are mentioned as an older, established group, and the Anakites are presented as a significant and perhaps dominant branch of this larger population. The Moabite designation of "Emites" indicates a local nomenclature for these same people, suggesting that the Moabites had their own interactions and understanding of these groups.

Key Themes and Messages

• The Formidable Nature of the Opposing Powers: The verse emphasizes the sheer power and imposing presence of the peoples inhabiting Canaan. The Anakites, in particular, were renowned for their stature, inspiring fear and awe.
• Linguistic and Cultural Diversity: The mention of different names for the same people (Anakites, Rephaites, Emites) highlights the linguistic and cultural variations among the ancient populations. It demonstrates that identity and nomenclature can be fluid and context-dependent.
• The Importance of Understanding the Enemy: For the Israelites, understanding the nature and reputation of their adversaries was crucial for their faith and strategy. Moses is recounting this information to prepare them spiritually and mentally.

Spiritual Significance and Application

The Anakites and their ilk represent more than just physical obstacles. In a theological sense, they can symbolize the daunting challenges and "giants" that believers face in their spiritual lives. These can be deeply ingrained sins, powerful temptations, overwhelming doubts, or seemingly insurmountable life circumstances. The fact that these peoples were described as "giants" (Anakites) and associated with other powerful, ancient groups (Rephaites) underscores the magnitude of the spiritual battles we may encounter. The verse encourages a sober assessment of these challenges, acknowledging their formidable nature, but also implicitly points to the power of God who has promised to grant victory.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This passage is integral to the narrative of the Israelite conquest of Canaan. It sets the stage for the immense faith required to trust God's promise of victory against seemingly impossible odds. The Anakites are a recurring motif, representing the ultimate opposition to God's plan for His people to possess the land. Their eventual defeat by the Israelites, though a long and arduous process, demonstrates God's faithfulness and power to overcome even the most fearsome adversaries. This narrative foreshadows God's ultimate victory over evil and His establishment of His kingdom.

Analogies

• A David and Goliath Scenario: The Anakites are analogous to the giant Goliath, whose imposing size and reputation struck fear into the hearts of the Israelite army. Just as David, with faith in God, defeated Goliath, so too would Israel, with faith in God, overcome the Anakites.
• Navigating a Treacherous Landscape: Imagine a seasoned explorer warning a novice about known dangerous terrains and the names locals give to particularly perilous areas. Moses is doing this for the Israelites, identifying the formidable inhabitants of the Promised Land.

Relation to Other Verses

• Numbers 13:33: This verse directly echoes the report of the spies: "There we saw the Nephilim (the sons of Anak, who come from the Nephilim), and we seemed to ourselves like grasshoppers, and so we seemed to them." This confirms the Anakites' reputation for immense size and the fear they instilled.
• Joshua 14:12-15: Caleb, in his old age, claims his inheritance in Hebron, an area where the Anakites dwelled, demonstrating his continued faith and reliance on God's strength to dispossess even these formidable inhabitants.
• 1 Samuel 17:4: Goliath is described as being "six cubits and a span high" (approximately 9 feet 9 inches), further illustrating the concept of giants in the biblical narrative.