Deuteronomy 2:10
(The Emites used to live there, a people great and many, as tall as the Anakites.
The Emites
The Emites, also known as the Emim, were a group of people mentioned in the Old Testament. The Hebrew root for "Emim" is "אֵימִים" (Eimim), which can be translated as "terrors" or "fearful ones." This name likely reflects the fear they instilled in others due to their formidable presence. Historically, the Emites were considered a powerful and numerous people, residing in the region of Moab before the Moabites. Their mention here serves to remind the Israelites of God's sovereignty in displacing mighty nations to fulfill His promises.

used to live there
This phrase indicates a past occupancy, suggesting that the Emites were no longer present in the land at the time of the Israelites' journey. The Hebrew verb "יָשַׁב" (yashav) means "to sit, dwell, or inhabit," emphasizing the Emites' established presence before being displaced. This historical context underscores the transient nature of human power and the enduring fulfillment of God's plans, as He orchestrates the rise and fall of nations according to His divine will.

a people great and many
The description of the Emites as "great and many" highlights their significant population and strength. The Hebrew word for "great" is "גָּדוֹל" (gadol), which can mean large in size, importance, or power. "Many" is derived from "רַב" (rav), indicating a multitude or abundance. This characterization serves to emphasize the formidable nature of the Emites, making their eventual displacement by the Moabites, and later the Israelites, a testament to God's power and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to His people.

as tall as the Anakites
The comparison to the Anakites, known for their great height and strength, further underscores the Emites' formidable stature. The Anakites were descendants of Anak, a race of giants mentioned in the Bible, particularly in the context of the Israelite spies' report in Numbers 13:33. The Hebrew word for "tall" is "רָם" (ram), meaning high or exalted. This comparison serves to remind the Israelites of God's ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles, as He had done with the Anakites and would continue to do in their conquest of the Promised Land.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Emites
A people described as great, numerous, and tall, similar to the Anakites. They were inhabitants of the land before the Moabites.

2. Anakites
A race of giants known for their height and strength, often mentioned in the context of the Israelites' fear and the challenges they faced in conquering the Promised Land.

3. Moab
The region where the Emites once lived, later inhabited by the Moabites, descendants of Lot.

4. Israelites
The people of God, journeying through the wilderness and receiving instructions from God through Moses.

5. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, who recounts their journey and God's commands in the book of Deuteronomy.
Teaching Points
Understanding God's Sovereignty
The presence of formidable peoples like the Emites and Anakites serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over all nations and peoples. Despite their strength, God had a plan for Israel.

Trusting in God's Promises
The Israelites' journey through lands inhabited by giants challenges believers to trust in God's promises, even when circumstances seem overwhelming.

Overcoming Fear with Faith
The fear of the giants is a metaphor for the fears we face in life. Believers are encouraged to overcome fear with faith, relying on God's power and presence.

Historical Context and Faith
Understanding the historical context of the Emites and Anakites enriches our faith, showing how God has worked through history to fulfill His purposes.

God's Faithfulness in Fulfillment
The eventual possession of the land by Israel demonstrates God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, encouraging believers to hold fast to His word.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the description of the Emites and Anakites challenge our understanding of God's power and sovereignty?

2. In what ways can the Israelites' fear of the giants be compared to fears we face today? How can we apply their experiences to our own lives?

3. How does the historical context of the Emites and Anakites enhance our understanding of God's promises to Israel?

4. What other biblical examples can you find where God helped His people overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles?

5. How can we apply the lessons from Deuteronomy 2:10 to trust in God's faithfulness in our personal lives today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 14:5
Mentions the Rephaim, another group of giants, which provides context for understanding the Emites and Anakites as part of the larger account of giant clans in the region.

Numbers 13:33
Describes the fear of the Israelites when they encountered the Anakites, highlighting the challenges they faced in trusting God's promises.

Deuteronomy 9:2
References the Anakites again, emphasizing the Israelites' need to rely on God's strength rather than their own when facing formidable foes.

Amos 2:9
Speaks of the Amorites, another group of giants, and God's power in overcoming them, reinforcing the theme of divine intervention.
God's Faithfulness in Dealing with Nations Outside the CovenantR.M. Edgar Deuteronomy 2:1-23
International RelationshipsD. Davies Deuteronomy 2:1-23
Edom, Moab, AmmonJ. Orr Deuteronomy 2:4-10, 17-20
The Emims, Horims, Zamzummins, EtcJ. Orr Deuteronomy 2:10-13, 20-24
People
Ammonites, Anakites, Avvites, Caphtorim, Caphtorites, Emites, Esau, Geber, Horites, Moabites, Moses, Rephaites, Seir, Sihon, Zamzummites
Places
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, Zered
Topics
Aforetime, Anakim, Anakims, Anakites, Dwelt, Emim, Emims, Equal, Formerly, Numbers, Numerous, Past, Strong, Tall, Therein
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Deuteronomy 2:8

     5336   highway

Library
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
'Now after the death of Moses the servant of the Lord it came to pass, that the Lord spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' minister, saying, 2. Moses My servant is dead: now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel. 3. Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses. 4. From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
Syria: the part played by it in the ancient world--Babylon and the first Chaldaean empire--The dominion of the Hyksos: Ahmosis. Some countries seem destined from their origin to become the battle-fields of the contending nations which environ them. Into such regions, and to their cost, neighbouring peoples come from century to century to settle their quarrels and bring to an issue the questions of supremacy which disturb their little corner of the world. The nations around are eager for the possession
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 4

The Section Chap. I. -iii.
The question which here above all engages our attention, and requires to be answered, is this: Whether that which is reported in these chapters did, or did not, actually and outwardly take place. The history of the inquiries connected with this question is found most fully in Marckius's "Diatribe de uxore fornicationum," Leyden, 1696, reprinted in the Commentary on the Minor Prophets by the same author. The various views may be divided into three classes. 1. It is maintained by very many interpreters,
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Deuteronomy
Owing to the comparatively loose nature of the connection between consecutive passages in the legislative section, it is difficult to present an adequate summary of the book of Deuteronomy. In the first section, i.-iv. 40, Moses, after reviewing the recent history of the people, and showing how it reveals Jehovah's love for Israel, earnestly urges upon them the duty of keeping His laws, reminding them of His spirituality and absoluteness. Then follows the appointment, iv. 41-43--here irrelevant (cf.
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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