Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version They were a people strong and numerous, and as tall as the Anakites. The LORD destroyed them from before the Ammonites, who drove them out and settled in their place. New Living Translation They were also as strong and numerous and tall as the Anakites. But the LORD destroyed them so the Ammonites could occupy their land. English Standard Version a people great and many, and tall as the Anakim; but the LORD destroyed them before the Ammonites, and they dispossessed them and settled in their place, Berean Standard Bible They were a people great and many, as tall as the Anakites. But the LORD destroyed them from before the Ammonites, who drove them out and settled in their place, King James Bible A people great, and many, and tall, as the Anakims; but the LORD destroyed them before them; and they succeeded them, and dwelt in their stead: New King James Version a people as great and numerous and tall as the Anakim. But the LORD destroyed them before them, and they dispossessed them and dwelt in their place, New American Standard Bible a people as great, numerous, and tall as the Anakim; but the LORD destroyed them before them. And they dispossessed them and settled in their place, NASB 1995 a people as great, numerous, and tall as the Anakim, but the LORD destroyed them before them. And they dispossessed them and settled in their place, NASB 1977 a people as great, numerous, and tall as the Anakim, but the LORD destroyed them before them. And they dispossessed them and settled in their place, Legacy Standard Bible a people as great, numerous, and tall as the Anakim, but Yahweh destroyed them before them. And they dispossessed them and settled in their place, Amplified Bible a great, numerous people, and tall as the Anakim, but the LORD destroyed them before the sons of Ammon. And they dispossessed them and settled in their place, Christian Standard Bible a great and numerous people, tall as the Anakim. The LORD destroyed the Rephaim at the advance of the Ammonites, so that they drove them out and settled in their place. Holman Christian Standard Bible a great and numerous people, tall as the Anakim. The LORD destroyed the Rephaim at the advance of the Ammonites, so that they drove them out and settled in their place. American Standard Version a people great, and many, and tall, as the Anakim; but Jehovah destroyed them before them; and they succeeded them, and dwelt in their stead; Contemporary English Version The Zamzummim were a large and powerful tribe and were as tall as the Anakim. But the LORD helped the Ammonites, and they killed many of the Zamzummim and forced the rest to leave. Then the Ammonites settled there. English Revised Version a people great, and many, and tall, as the Anakim; but the LORD destroyed them before them; and they succeeded them, and dwelt in their stead: GOD'S WORD® Translation These people were as strong, as numerous, and as tall as the people of Anak. But the LORD wiped them out before the Ammonites came so that the Ammonites claimed their land and took their place. Good News Translation They were as tall as the Anakim. There were many of them, and they were a mighty race. But the LORD destroyed them, so that the Ammonites took over their land and settled there. International Standard Version a great people, numerous, and tall as the Anakim. But the LORD destroyed the Rephaim, so that the Ammonites dispossessed them and settled there instead. NET Bible They are a people as powerful, numerous, and tall as the Anakites. But the LORD destroyed the Rephaites in advance of the Ammonites, so they dispossessed them and settled down in their place. New Heart English Bible a people great, and many, and tall, as the Anakim; but the LORD destroyed them before them; and they succeeded them, and lived in their place; Webster's Bible Translation A people great, and many, and tall as the Anakims; but the LORD destroyed them before them; and they succeeded them, and dwelt in their stead: Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThey were a people great and many, as tall as the Anakites. But the LORD destroyed them from before the Ammonites, who drove them out and settled in their place, World English Bible a great people, many, and tall, as the Anakim; but Yahweh destroyed them from before Israel, and they succeeded them, and lived in their place, Literal Translations Literal Standard Versiona people great, and numerous, and tall as the Anakim, and YHWH destroys them before them, and they dispossess them, and dwell in their stead, Young's Literal Translation a people great, and numerous, and tall, as the Anakim, and Jehovah destroyeth them before them, and they dispossess them, and dwell in their stead, Smith's Literal Translation A people great and many, and high as the Anakims; and Jehovah will destroy them from before their face; and they will inherit them and will dwell instead of them: Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleA people great and many, and of tall stature, like the Enacims whom the Lord destroyed before their face: and he made them to dwell in their stead, Catholic Public Domain Version They are a people, great and numerous, and of lofty stature, like the Anakim, whom the Lord wiped away before their face. And he caused them to live there in place of them, New American Bible a people great and numerous and as tall as the Anakim. But these, too, the LORD cleared out of the way for the Ammonites, so that they dispossessed them and dwelt in their place. New Revised Standard Version a strong and numerous people, as tall as the Anakim. But the LORD destroyed them from before the Ammonites so that they could dispossess them and settle in their place. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleA people great and many and tall, like giants; but the LORD destroyed them from before them; and they succeeded them, and dwelt in their land, Peshitta Holy Bible Translated A people great and many and high as giants, and LORD JEHOVAH destroyed them from before them, and they possessed them and dwelt in their land: OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917a people great, and many, and tall, as the Anakim; but the LORD destroyed them before them; and they succeeded them, and dwelt in their stead; Brenton Septuagint Translation A great nation and populous, and mightier than you, as also the Enakim: yet the Lord destroyed them from before them, and they inherited their land, and they dwelt there instead of them until this day. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Wanderings in the Wilderness…20(That too was regarded as the land of the Rephaim, who used to live there, though the Ammonites called them Zamzummites. 21They were a people great and many, as tall as the Anakites. But the LORD destroyed them from before the Ammonites, who drove them out and settled in their place, 22just as He had done for the descendants of Esau who lived in Seir, when He destroyed the Horites from before them. They drove them out and have lived in their place to this day.… Cross References Numbers 21:24 And Israel put him to the sword and took possession of his land, from the Arnon to the Jabbok—but only up to the border of the Ammonites, because it was fortified. Joshua 13:12 the whole kingdom of Og in Bashan, who had reigned in Ashtaroth and Edrei and had remained as a remnant of the Rephaim. Moses had struck them down and dispossessed them, Amos 2:9 Yet it was I who destroyed the Amorite before them, though his height was like that of the cedars, and he was as strong as the oaks. Yet I destroyed his fruit above and his roots below. Genesis 14:5 In the fourteenth year, Chedorlaomer and the kings allied with him went out and defeated the Rephaites in Ashteroth-karnaim, the Zuzites in Ham, the Emites in Shaveh-kiriathaim, Deuteronomy 3:11 (For only Og king of Bashan had remained of the remnant of the Rephaim. His bed of iron, nine cubits long and four cubits wide, is still in Rabbah of the Ammonites.) 1 Samuel 17:4 Then a champion named Goliath, who was from Gath, came out from the Philistine camp. He was six cubits and a span in height, Genesis 6:4 The Nephilim were on the earth in those days—and afterward as well—when the sons of God had relations with the daughters of men. And they bore them children who became the mighty men of old, men of renown. 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!” Joshua 11:21-22 At that time Joshua proceeded to eliminate the Anakim from the hill country of Hebron, Debir, and Anab, and from all the hill country of Judah and of 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. 2 Samuel 21:16-22 Then Ishbi-benob, a descendant of Rapha, whose bronze spear weighed three hundred shekels and who was bearing a new sword, resolved to kill David. / But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to his aid, struck the Philistine, and killed him. Then David’s men swore to him, “You must never again go out with us to battle, so that the lamp of Israel may not be extinguished.” / Some time later at Gob, there was another battle with the Philistines. At that time Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Saph, a descendant of Rapha. ... 1 Chronicles 20:4-8 Some time later, war broke out with the Philistines at Gezer. At that time Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Sippai, a descendant of the Rephaim, and the Philistines were subdued. / Once again there was a battle with the Philistines, and Elhanan son of Jair killed Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam. / And there was also a battle at Gath, where there was a man of great stature with six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot—twenty-four in all. He too was descended from Rapha, ... Hebrews 11:30-31 By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had marched around them for seven days. / By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies in peace, did not perish with those who were disobedient. Matthew 11:23 And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to heaven? No, you will be brought down to Hades! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. Luke 10:15 And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to heaven? No, you will be brought down to Hades! Acts 13:19 And having vanquished seven nations in Canaan, He gave their land to His people as an inheritance. Treasury of Scripture A people great, and many, and tall, as the Anakims; but the LORD destroyed them before them; and they succeeded them, and dwelled in their stead: great Deuteronomy 2:10,11 The Emims dwelt therein in times past, a people great, and many, and tall, as the Anakims; … Deuteronomy 1:28 Whither shall we go up? our brethren have discouraged our 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 the Anakims there. Deuteronomy 3:11 For only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of giants; behold, his bedstead was a bedstead of iron; is it not in Rabbath of the children of Ammon? nine cubits was the length thereof, and four cubits the breadth of it, after the cubit of a man. Deuteronomy 2:22 As he did to the children of Esau, which dwelt in Seir, when he destroyed the Horims from before them; and they succeeded them, and dwelt in their stead even unto this day: Judges 11:24 Wilt not thou possess that which Chemosh thy god giveth thee to possess? So whomsoever the LORD our God shall drive out from before us, them will we possess. Jeremiah 27:7,8 And all nations shall serve him, and his son, and his son's son, until the very time of his land come: and then many nations and great kings shall serve themselves of him… Jump to Previous Ammon Ammonites Anakim Anakims Anakites Children Destroyed Destroyeth Destruction Dispossess Dispossessed Drove Dwell Dwelt Equal Numerous Settled Stead Strong Succeeded TallJump to Next Ammon Ammonites Anakim Anakims Anakites Children Destroyed Destroyeth Destruction Dispossess Dispossessed Drove Dwell Dwelt Equal Numerous Settled Stead Strong Succeeded TallDeuteronomy 2 1. The story is continued, that they were not to meddle with the Edomites9. nor with the Moabites 16. nor with the Ammonites 24. but Sihon the Amorite was subdued by them They were a people great and many, as tall as the Anakites. This phrase describes the Rephaim, a group of ancient people known for their formidable size and strength, similar to the Anakites. The Anakites were a race of giants mentioned in the Bible, known for their intimidating stature and presence, which instilled fear in the Israelites (Numbers 13:33). The Rephaim's comparison to the Anakites highlights their significant physical prowess and the challenge they posed to other nations. This context emphasizes the miraculous nature of their defeat, as it was not by human strength but by divine intervention. But the LORD destroyed them from before the Ammonites, who drove them out and settled in their place, Persons / Places / Events 1. The AnakimA race of giants mentioned in the Old Testament, known for their great size and strength. They were considered formidable opponents by the Israelites. 2. The LORD (Yahweh) The covenant God of Israel, who actively intervenes in the history of His people, demonstrating His power and sovereignty. 3. The Ammonites Descendants of Lot, they were related to the Israelites but often found themselves in conflict with them. In this context, they are the beneficiaries of God's intervention. 4. The Destruction of the Rephaim The Rephaim were another group of giants, similar to the Anakim, who were destroyed by God to make way for the Ammonites. 5. The Settlement of the Ammonites After the destruction of the Rephaim, the Ammonites took over their land, illustrating God's provision and judgment. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty and PowerGod is sovereign over all nations and peoples, and His plans will prevail. He can raise up and bring down nations according to His purposes. Divine Judgment and Mercy God's judgment on the Rephaim and His provision for the Ammonites demonstrate His justice and mercy. He judges sin but also provides for those He chooses. Trust in God's Promises Just as God fulfilled His promise to the Ammonites, He will fulfill His promises to us. We can trust Him to act in His perfect timing. Overcoming Fear with Faith The Israelites' fear of the Anakim contrasts with God's ability to overcome any obstacle. We should not let fear hinder our faith in God's power. God's Provision for His People God provides for His people, often in unexpected ways. We should remain open to His guidance and provision in our lives. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 2:21?2. How does Deuteronomy 2:21 demonstrate God's power over nations and peoples? 3. What lessons can we learn from God's actions in Deuteronomy 2:21? 4. How does Deuteronomy 2:21 connect with God's sovereignty in other scriptures? 5. How can we apply God's justice in Deuteronomy 2:21 to our lives today? 6. What does Deuteronomy 2:21 teach about God's faithfulness to His promises? 7. How does Deuteronomy 2:21 align with archaeological evidence of ancient civilizations? 8. Why did God allow the destruction of the Rephaim in Deuteronomy 2:21? 9. What does Deuteronomy 2:21 reveal about God's justice and mercy? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 2? 11. Deuteronomy 2:21 says the Ammonites destroyed the Zamzummim; why is there no secular record or evidence of such a significant conquest? 12. Who were the Zamzummim in ancient history? 13. Who were the Zamzummim in ancient history? 14. In 2 Samuel 21:5-6, why does David permit the execution of Saul's descendants if Deuteronomy 24:16 forbids punishing children for a parent's wrongdoing? What Does Deuteronomy 2:21 Mean A people great and many“They were a people great and many …” • Scripture presents the Zamzummim (also called Rephaites) as a historically large, formidable nation. Genesis 14:5 recounts their defeat by eastern kings, confirming their real presence in Canaan’s early history. • The description parallels other giant-clans in the land, such as King Og of Bashan (Deuteronomy 3:11) and the strong fortified cities the spies observed (Numbers 13:28). • By calling them “great and many,” the text underscores that sheer numbers or military might never thwart God’s purposes for the descendants of Abraham (Genesis 15:18-21). As tall as the Anakites “… as tall as the Anakites.” • The Anakites (or Anakim) were the benchmark for physical stature in Canaan (Numbers 13:33; Deuteronomy 9:2). • Stature symbolized invincible strength in the ancient world, yet God repeatedly showed that size does not decide outcomes—faith and obedience do (1 Samuel 17:45-47). • Mentioning the Anakites reminds Israel of past fears and exhorts them not to judge by appearance when God has promised victory. But the LORD destroyed them “But the LORD destroyed them …” • The verb highlights divine initiative; Ammon could not have displaced such giants without God’s direct intervention (Psalm 44:3). • Similar wording appears in Joshua 24:12-13, where God sent “the hornet” ahead to drive out nations. The pattern is clear: the LORD fights first; His people follow. • This underscores the covenant truth announced in Exodus 14:14—“The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Before the Ammonites “… from before the Ammonites …” • Ammon, descended from Lot’s younger son (Genesis 19:38), received a defined inheritance east of the Jordan. Deuteronomy 2:19 states, “I have given it to the descendants of Lot as a possession.” • God’s dealings with Ammon mirror His commitment to set boundaries for every nation (Acts 17:26) and prove His faithfulness even toward peoples outside Israel. Who drove them out “… who drove them out …” • After the LORD’s decisive blow, the Ammonites acted. Divine sovereignty does not cancel human responsibility; it empowers it (Philippians 2:13). • The same partnership appears in Exodus 23:31, where Israel was to “drive them out” little by little in dependence on God’s ongoing help. • For modern believers, it illustrates pressing forward to claim promises already secured at the cross (Colossians 2:15). And settled in their place “… and settled in their place.” • The final result is lasting occupation, a theme echoed when Israel later inherited Canaan (Joshua 21:43-45). • Deuteronomy 2:12 records Edom’s parallel history: “The Horites formerly lived there, but the descendants of Esau drove them out … and settled in their place.” God orders history so every promise finds a home. • Such settlement previews the believer’s eternal rest, guaranteed by the same faithful God (Hebrews 4:9-11). summary Deuteronomy 2:21 testifies that an enormous, intimidating nation fell not to human strength but to the LORD’s sovereign power, clearing the way for Lot’s descendants to inherit their allotted land. Each clause highlights God’s supremacy over giants, His care for all peoples within His redemptive plan, and the seamless blend of His initiative with human obedience. What He promises, He performs—making room for His people to live where He places them. (21) The Lord destroyed them before them.--It is noticeable that the conquest of Canaan is here brought into the domain of common history, by comparison with the conquests of gigantic races accomplished by Edom, Moab, and Ammon. The value of this analogy to Moses and Israel is plain. If the children of Lot, Ishmael, and Esau--who were but Gentiles, although they were Abraham's seed--were able to dispossess these gigantic races, how much more would Israel be able to dispossess the Canaanites under the personal guidance of Jehovah?Hebrew [They were] a peopleעַ֣ם (‘am) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock great גָּד֥וֹל (gā·ḏō·wl) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 1419: Great, older, insolent and many, וְרַ֛ב (wə·raḇ) Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 7227: Much, many, great as tall וָרָ֖ם (wā·rām) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 7311: To be high actively, to rise, raise as the Anakites. כָּעֲנָקִ֑ים (kā·‘ă·nā·qîm) Preposition-k, Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural Strong's 6062: Anakim -- 'neck', a giant people around Hebron and in Philistia But the LORD יְהוָה֙ (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel destroyed them וַיַּשְׁמִידֵ֤ם (way·yaš·mî·ḏêm) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine plural Strong's 8045: To be exterminated or destroyed before [the Ammonites], מִפְּנֵיהֶ֔ם (mip·pə·nê·hem) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 6440: The face who drove them out וַיִּירָשֻׁ֖ם (way·yî·rā·šum) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural | third person masculine plural Strong's 3423: To occupy, to seize, to rob, to inherit, to expel, to impoverish, to ruin and settled וַיֵּשְׁב֥וּ (way·yê·šə·ḇū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry in their place, תַחְתָּֽם׃ (ṯaḥ·tām) Preposition | third person masculine plural Strong's 8478: The bottom, below, in lieu of Links Deuteronomy 2:21 NIVDeuteronomy 2:21 NLT Deuteronomy 2:21 ESV Deuteronomy 2:21 NASB Deuteronomy 2:21 KJV Deuteronomy 2:21 BibleApps.com Deuteronomy 2:21 Biblia Paralela Deuteronomy 2:21 Chinese Bible Deuteronomy 2:21 French Bible Deuteronomy 2:21 Catholic Bible OT Law: Deuteronomy 2:21 A people great and many and tall (Deut. 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