Topical Bible: The Anakim: Descent of

◄ The Anakim: Descent of ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The Anakim are a formidable race of giants mentioned in the Old Testament, known for their great size and strength. They are primarily associated with the land of Canaan and are often depicted as a significant obstacle to the Israelites during their conquest of the Promised Land. The Anakim are descendants of Anak, a notable figure whose lineage is traced back to the Nephilim, the giants mentioned in Genesis 6:4.

Biblical References and Lineage

The Anakim are first introduced in the context of the Israelite spies' report in Numbers 13:33 : "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." This passage highlights the fear and intimidation the Anakim inspired among the Israelites due to their imposing stature.

The lineage of the Anakim is further detailed in Deuteronomy 2:10-11 : "The Emites used to live there, a people as great, numerous, and tall as the Anakim. Like the Anakim, they were also regarded as Rephaim, though the Moabites called them Emites." This passage suggests that the Anakim were part of a broader group of giant peoples, including the Rephaim and Emites, who inhabited the region.

Geographical Distribution

The Anakim were primarily located in the hill country of Canaan, particularly in the cities of Hebron, Debir, and Anab. Joshua 11:21-22 records the campaign against them: "At that time Joshua went and destroyed the Anakim from the hill country of Hebron, Debir, and Anab, from all the hill country of Judah and Israel. Joshua devoted them to destruction along with their cities. No Anakim were left in the land of the Israelites; only in Gaza, Gath, and Ashdod did any survive."

This passage indicates that while Joshua's conquest was largely successful in eradicating the Anakim from the central regions of Canaan, some remnants of the Anakim persisted in the Philistine cities of Gaza, Gath, and Ashdod. This survival is significant, as it is later suggested that Goliath, the giant defeated by David, may have been a descendant of the Anakim, given his association with Gath.

Cultural and Theological Significance

The Anakim are emblematic of the challenges faced by the Israelites in their quest to settle in the Promised Land. Their presence in the biblical narrative serves to underscore the might and faithfulness of God, who empowers His people to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. The defeat of the Anakim is a testament to the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel, as articulated in Deuteronomy 9:1-3 : "Hear, O Israel: Today you are about to cross the Jordan to enter and drive out 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?' But understand that today the LORD your God goes across ahead of you as a consuming fire; He will destroy them and subdue them before you. And you will drive them out and annihilate them quickly, as the LORD has promised you."

The narrative of the Anakim thus serves as a powerful reminder of divine intervention and the importance of faith and obedience in the face of daunting challenges.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 13:22
And they ascended by the south, and came to Hebron; where Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the children of Anak, were. (Now Hebron was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt.)
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Joshua 15:13
And to Caleb the son of Jephunneh he gave a part among the children of Judah, according to the commandment of the LORD to Joshua, even the city of Arba the father of Anak, which city is Hebron.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Canaan
... north they were known as Hivites, at Hebron they were called Anakim, at Jerusalem ...
The Kenites came from the desert, and were apparently of Midianitish descent. ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter ii canaan.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... men of prodigious strength"Zuzim; as having a buzzing and indistinct manner of
speech"Zamzummim; as formidable monsters**"Emim or Anakim, before whom ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm