Topical Encyclopedia
The Anakims, also known as the Anakites, are a formidable race of giants mentioned in the Old Testament, primarily within the context of the Israelite conquest of Canaan. They are described as descendants of Anak, a notable figure whose lineage is associated with great size and strength. The Anakims are often depicted as fearsome adversaries, instilling dread in the hearts of the Israelites.
Biblical References:The Anakims are first introduced in the Book of Numbers during the account of the twelve spies sent by Moses to scout the land of Canaan. Upon their return, ten of the spies report, "We even saw the Nephilim there—the descendants of Anak that come from the Nephilim. We seemed like grasshoppers in our own sight, and we must have seemed the same to them" (
Numbers 13:33). This report highlights the imposing stature of the Anakims and the fear they inspired.
In Deuteronomy, Moses recounts the journey of the Israelites and the challenges they faced. He reminds the people of God's promise to deliver the land of Canaan into their hands, despite the presence of the Anakims: "Hear, O Israel: Today you are about to cross the Jordan to go in and dispossess nations greater and stronger than you, with large cities that have walls up to the sky. The people are strong and tall, the descendants of the Anakim. You know about them and have heard it said: 'Who can stand up to the sons of Anak?'" (
Deuteronomy 9:1-2).
The conquest of the Anakims is detailed in the Book of Joshua. Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelites successfully drive out the Anakims from the hill country: "At that time Joshua went and destroyed the Anakim from the hill country—Hebron, Debir, Anab, and from all the hill country of Judah and Israel. Joshua devoted them to destruction along with their cities" (
Joshua 11:21). This victory is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Israel.
Historical and Theological Significance:The Anakims are often associated with the Nephilim, a mysterious group mentioned in
Genesis 6:4, which has led to various interpretations regarding their origins and nature. Some scholars suggest that the Anakims were remnants of these ancient giants, while others view them as a distinct group known for their extraordinary height and strength.
Theologically, the narrative of the Anakims serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His promises. Despite the seemingly insurmountable obstacles posed by the Anakims, the Israelites' eventual triumph underscores the importance of faith and obedience to God's commands.
Cultural and Archaeological Context:The Anakims are believed to have inhabited the region of Canaan, particularly in areas such as Hebron, which is frequently mentioned in connection with them. Archaeological evidence from the region, while not directly linked to the Anakims, provides insight into the ancient Canaanite culture and the fortified cities that the Israelites encountered.
In summary, the Anakims represent both a literal and symbolic challenge to the Israelites during their conquest of the Promised Land. Their presence in the biblical narrative highlights themes of faith, divine intervention, and the ultimate victory of God's people over seemingly insurmountable foes.
Library
Exploring Canaan by Faith
... could. Not far from where your feet rest now we got our first sight of the
Anakims, giants of Canaan. They were giants indeed. Their...
Discouragement
... heart, saying, The people is greater and taller than we; the cities are great and
walled up to heaven; and moreover we have seen the sons of theAnakims there...
Conflicts with Giant Mistake
... One of my greatest joys is to teach pilgrims the strategy of spiritual warfare and
tell them how to overcome theAnakims of Canaan [2 Corinthians 10:4]....
The Third Part.
... Tell Nehemiah of Samballat, hee answereth, Shall such a man as I feare? Tell Caleb
there areAnakims, and hee will say, Let us goe upp at once, &c....
Caleb --A Green Old Age
... He gives a chivalrous reason for his petition when he says,' Now, therefore, give
me this mountain, for theAnakims (the giants) are there; and the cities...
The Sin of Unbelief
... It was not theAnakims that destroyed Israel; it was not the howling wilderness
which devoured them; it was not the Jordan which proved a barrier to Canaan...
Thankfulness for Mercies Received, a Necessary Duty
... Be not like those cowardly persons, who were affrighted at the report of the false
spies, that came and said, that there were people tall as theAnakims to be...
The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <....
Thesaurus
Anakims (9 Occurrences)...Anakims (9 Occurrences).
... (KJV WBS). Deuteronomy 2:10 The Emims dwelt therein in times
past, a people great, and many, and tall, as the
Anakims; (KJV WBS).
...Emims (2 Occurrences)
... Emims (2 Occurrences). Deuteronomy 2:10 The Emims dwelt therein in times past,
a people great, and many, and tall, as theAnakims; (KJV WBS)....
Giants (18 Occurrences)
... (4.) Hebrews `emin, a warlike tribe of the ancient Canaanites. They were "great,
and many, and tall, as theAnakims" (Genesis 14:5; Deuteronomy 2:10, 11)....
Anakites (8 Occurrences)
Anakim (10 Occurrences)
Dwelt (307 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Deuteronomy 2:10 The Emims dwelt therein in times past, a people great,
and many, and tall, as theAnakims; (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT)....
Zamzummims (1 Occurrence)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary A race of giants; "a people great, and many, and
tall, as theAnakims" (Deuteronomy 2:20, 21). They were...
Kirjatharba (6 Occurrences)
... (KJV). Joshua 14:15 And the name of Hebron before was Kirjatharba; which Arba was
a great man among theAnakims. And the land had rest from war. (KJV)....
Greatness (63 Occurrences)
... 27:1, "Esau his eldest son," the Revised Version (British and American) "elder";
probably also of great stature: "a great man among theAnakims," the Revised...
Walls (152 Occurrences)
... heart, saying, The people is greater and taller than we; the cities are great and
walled up to heaven; and moreover we have seen the sons of theAnakims there....
Resources
Who were the Anakim / Anakites? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the Rephaim? | GotQuestions.orgIs there any evidence for the giants mentioned in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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