Topical Bible: The Anakim: Driven from Hebron by Caleb

◄ The Anakim: Driven from Hebron 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 considered a significant obstacle to the Israelites during their conquest of Canaan. The Anakim inhabited the hill country, particularly around Hebron, a region that would become central to the narrative of Israel's settlement in the Promised Land.

Biblical Background

The Anakim are first introduced in the context of the Israelite spies' report in Numbers 13. When Moses sent twelve spies to explore the land of Canaan, they returned with a mixed report. While acknowledging the land's abundance, ten of the spies expressed fear, saying, "We seemed like grasshoppers in our own sight, and we must have seemed the same to them" (Numbers 13:33). This report highlighted the intimidating presence of the Anakim, contributing to the Israelites' initial reluctance to enter the land.

Caleb's Faith and Promise

Caleb, one of the two faithful spies along with Joshua, demonstrated unwavering faith in God's promise. Despite the daunting presence of the Anakim, Caleb urged the people to trust in the Lord's power to deliver the land into their hands. As a result of his faithfulness, God promised Caleb that he would inherit the land he had explored. "But because My servant Caleb has a different spirit and has followed Me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he has entered, and his descendants will inherit it" (Numbers 14:24).

Conquest of Hebron

The fulfillment of God's promise to Caleb is recorded in the Book of Joshua. After the Israelites had entered Canaan and begun their conquest, Caleb approached Joshua at Gilgal to claim his inheritance. At the age of eighty-five, Caleb declared his readiness to take possession of the land, saying, "Now give me this hill country that the LORD promised me on 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" (Joshua 14:12).

With God's assistance, Caleb successfully drove out the Anakim from Hebron, fulfilling the divine promise. "So Hebron has belonged to Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite ever since, because he followed the LORD, the God of Israel, wholeheartedly" (Joshua 14:14). This victory not only demonstrated Caleb's faith and courage but also served as a testament to God's faithfulness in delivering His promises to those who trust in Him.

Significance in Israel's History

The expulsion of the Anakim from Hebron by Caleb holds significant theological and historical importance. It underscores the theme of divine faithfulness and the rewards of steadfast faith. Caleb's conquest of Hebron became a symbol of God's power to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles, reinforcing the belief that faith in God can lead to victory over formidable challenges.

Furthermore, Hebron's significance as a city is highlighted throughout biblical history. It became a Levitical city and a city of refuge, and it was later associated with King David, who reigned there for seven years before establishing Jerusalem as his capital. The legacy of Caleb's faith and the defeat of the Anakim continued to inspire future generations of Israelites in their pursuit of God's promises.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Canaan
... the goal at which they aimed when driven out of ... as Hivites, at Hebron they were called
Anakim, at Jerusalem ... only a few years from the capture of Hebron by Caleb ...
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