What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 2:21? 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. |
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