Topical Bible: Anakim: Defeated by Caleb

◄ Anakim: Defeated by Caleb ►

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The Anakim were a formidable race of giants mentioned in the Old Testament, known for their great size and strength. They were descendants of Anak, a notable figure among the giants, and were primarily associated with the region of Hebron in the land of Canaan. The presence of the Anakim in Canaan posed a significant challenge to the Israelites during their conquest of the Promised Land.

The Anakim are first introduced in the biblical narrative when the twelve spies, sent by Moses to scout the land of Canaan, reported their findings. In Numbers 13:28, the spies describe the inhabitants of the land, saying, "Nevertheless, the people living in the land are strong, and the cities are large and fortified. We even saw the descendants of Anak there." This report instilled fear among the Israelites, leading to a lack of faith in God's promise to give them the land.

Despite the initial fear, Caleb, one of the two faithful spies along with Joshua, demonstrated unwavering faith in God's promise. In Numbers 13:30, Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, "We must go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly conquer it." Caleb's confidence was rooted in his trust in God's power and faithfulness.

The Anakim's defeat is recorded in the book of Joshua, where Caleb's faith and courage are prominently highlighted. After the Israelites entered the Promised Land under Joshua's leadership, Caleb approached Joshua to claim the inheritance promised to him by Moses. In Joshua 14:12, Caleb declared, "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 request was granted, and he led the charge against the Anakim in Hebron. Joshua 15:14 records the fulfillment of this conquest: "And Caleb drove out from there the three sons of Anak—Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai—the descendants of Anak." This victory was a testament to Caleb's faith and God's faithfulness in delivering the land into the hands of the Israelites.

The defeat of the Anakim by Caleb is a significant event in the biblical narrative, symbolizing the triumph of faith over fear and the fulfillment of God's promises. Caleb's reliance on God's strength serves as an enduring example of courage and trust in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

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Joshua 14:12,15
Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the LORD spoke in that day; for you heard in that day how the Anakims were there, and that the cities were great and fenced: if so be the LORD will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the LORD said.
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Joshua 15:13,14
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.
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Judges 1:20
And they gave Hebron to Caleb, as Moses said: and he expelled there the three sons of Anak.
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Library

Two Ways of Seeing
... through their doubts, and their doubts magnified the Anakim. ... their faith to Joshua
and Caleb, they listened ... was that they were turned back, defeated by their ...
//christianbookshelf.org/naylor/heart talks/talk eight two ways of.htm

Canaan
... as Hivites, at Hebron they were called Anakim, at Jerusalem ... from the capture of Hebron
by Caleb, which must ... The Philistine forces were defeated in battle after ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter ii canaan.htm