Topical Bible: The Anakim: Hebron, Chief City of

◄ The Anakim: Hebron, Chief City of ►

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

Topical Encyclopedia

The Anakim were a formidable race of giants mentioned in the Old Testament, known for their great size and strength. They are often associated with the Nephilim and are considered descendants of Anak. The Anakim were inhabitants of the land of Canaan prior to the Israelite conquest, and their presence was a significant concern for the Israelites as they prepared to enter the Promised Land.

Hebron: The Chief City of the Anakim

Hebron holds a prominent place in the biblical narrative as the chief city of the Anakim. Located in the hill country of Judah, Hebron is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and is deeply rooted in biblical history. It is first mentioned in the context of the patriarchs, as Abraham settled in the area and purchased the Cave of Machpelah as a burial site for his wife Sarah (Genesis 23:2-20).

The city of Hebron is notably linked to the Anakim in the account of the Israelite spies sent by Moses to scout the land of Canaan. In Numbers 13:22, the spies report that they came to Hebron, where Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the descendants of Anak, resided. The presence of these giants instilled fear among the Israelites, as recorded 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."

Despite the initial fear, Hebron was later conquered by Caleb, one of the faithful spies, who trusted in God's promise to give the land to Israel. Joshua 14:12-15 recounts Caleb's request to inherit Hebron, and his successful conquest of the city: "Now give me this hill country that the LORD promised me that day. You yourself heard then that the Anakim were there and that their cities were large and fortified. But the LORD helping me, I will drive them out just as He said." Caleb's faith and courage led to the defeat of the Anakim in Hebron, and the city became part of the inheritance of the tribe of Judah.

Hebron's significance extends beyond its association with the Anakim. It became a Levitical city and a city of refuge (Joshua 21:11-13). Additionally, it served as the initial capital of King David's reign over Judah before he established Jerusalem as the capital of the united kingdom of Israel (2 Samuel 2:1-4, 5:1-5).

In summary, Hebron stands as a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the Israelites. The city's history with the Anakim highlights the challenges faced by the Israelites and the triumph of faith over fear.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Joshua 14:15
And the name of Hebron before was Kirjatharba; which Arba was a great man among the Anakims. And the land had rest from war.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Joshua 21:11
And they gave them the city of Arba the father of Anak, which city is Hebron, in the hill country of Judah, with the suburbs thereof round about it.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Canaan
... In the north they were known as Hivites, at Hebron they were called Anakim, at
Jerusalem they ... The Amorite "chief" himself was among those who followed the ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter ii canaan.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... or, as in the case of Kazarati, chief of Assur ... to Herodotus (v.55) Susa was the city
of Memnon ... Zamzummim; as formidable monsters**"Emim or Anakim, before whom ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm