Topical Encyclopedia The term "giants" in the Bible often refers to individuals of extraordinary size and strength, and they are mentioned in several passages throughout the Scriptures. These beings are typically associated with the Nephilim, the Rephaim, and other formidable groups encountered by the Israelites.Nephilim The first mention of giants in the Bible occurs in Genesis 6:4, which states: "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." The Nephilim are described as the offspring of the "sons of God" and the "daughters of men," leading to much speculation about their origins and nature. Rephaim The Rephaim are another group of giants mentioned in the Old Testament. Deuteronomy 2:10-11 notes: "The Emites used to live there, a people as great, numerous, and tall as the Anakites. Like the Anakites, they were also regarded as Rephaim, though the Moabites called them Emites." The Rephaim are often associated with other giant clans such as the Anakim and the Zamzummim. Anakim The Anakim are specifically mentioned in the context of the Israelite conquest of Canaan. Numbers 13:33 reports the spies' account: "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." The Anakim were known for their intimidating stature and were considered formidable adversaries. Goliath One of the most famous giants in the Bible is Goliath, the Philistine warrior defeated by David. 1 Samuel 17:4 describes him: "Then a champion named Goliath, who was from Gath, came out from the Philistine camp. He was six cubits and a span in height." Goliath's defeat by the young shepherd David is a pivotal moment, demonstrating God's power to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds. Og, King of Bashan Og, the king of Bashan, is another notable giant figure. Deuteronomy 3:11 states: "For only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of the Rephaim. His bed was made of iron and was more than nine cubits long and four cubits wide, by the standard cubit." Og's defeat by the Israelites under Moses' leadership is recorded as a significant victory. General References The presence of giants in the land of Canaan is a recurring theme in the narrative of Israel's conquest. Joshua 11:21-22 recounts: "At that time Joshua went and destroyed the Anakites from the hill country: from Hebron, Debir, and Anab, from all the hill country of Judah, and from all the hill country of Israel. Joshua completely destroyed them and their cities. No Anakites were left in Israelite territory; only in Gaza, Gath, and Ashdod did any survive." The biblical accounts of giants serve as a testament to the challenges faced by the Israelites and the divine assistance they received in overcoming these formidable foes. These narratives underscore themes of faith, courage, and the triumph of God's people against overwhelming odds. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 6:4There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of men, and they bore children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown. Nave's Topical Index Library Eusebius: Constantine. General Index. The Works of Philo that have Come Down to Us. What did Moses Write? City of God The Book of Enoch Chapter vi Justinian. The Carnal Mind Enmity against God The Creed of Jerusalem: Doctrine of the Holy Trinity. The Alleged Hostile Witness of Certain of the Early Fathers Proved ... Resources Was Goliath one of the Nephilim? | GotQuestions.orgWho / what were the Nephilim? | GotQuestions.org Are there descendants of the Nephilim in the world today? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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