The Anakim, often referred to as the "Sons of Anak," are a group of people mentioned in the Old Testament, known for their formidable size and strength. They are primarily associated with the land of Canaan, which the Israelites were commanded to conquer and possess.

Biblical References:

The Anakim are first introduced in the Book of Numbers during the account of the Israelite spies sent by Moses to scout the land of Canaan. In Numbers 13:22, the spies report encountering the descendants of Anak in Hebron: "They went up through the Negev and came to Hebron, where Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the descendants of Anak, were living." The report of the spies instilled fear among the Israelites, as described in Numbers 13:28, 33: "Nevertheless, the people living in the land are strong, and the cities are large and fortified. We even saw the descendants of Anak there... We seemed like grasshoppers in our own sight, and we must have seemed the same to them."

The Anakim are also mentioned in Deuteronomy 1:28, where the Israelites express their fear of the Anakim, describing them as "people greater and taller than we are." In Deuteronomy 9:2, they are referred to as "a people great and tall, the descendants of the Anakim, whom you know and of whom you have heard it said, 'Who can stand against the sons of Anak?'"

Historical and Cultural Context:

The Anakim are often associated with the Nephilim, a mysterious group mentioned in Genesis 6:4, although the exact relationship between the two is not explicitly detailed in the Scriptures. The term "Anakim" is believed to be derived from the name Anak, who is considered their ancestor. The Anakim were known for their impressive stature, which contributed to their reputation as mighty warriors.

Conquest and Defeat:

The conquest of the Anakim is a significant event in the narrative of Israel's settlement in Canaan. Under the leadership of Joshua, the Israelites were able to defeat the Anakim and take possession of their land. Joshua 11:21-22 records this victory: "At that time Joshua went and destroyed the Anakim from the hill country of Hebron, Debir, Anab, and from all the hill country of Judah and 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 remain."

Legacy:

The Anakim's legacy continued through the Philistine cities where some of their descendants remained. Goliath, the giant warrior defeated by David, is often thought to be a descendant of the Anakim, as he hailed from Gath, one of the cities where the Anakim were said to have survived (1 Samuel 17:4).

The presence of the Anakim in the biblical narrative serves as a testament to the challenges faced by the Israelites in their quest to fulfill God's promise of the land. Their defeat underscores the theme of divine assistance and faith in God's power to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.Numbers 13:33
And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Afraid of Giants
... a great chalky plateau, and might almost be called a steppe ... own sight as grasshoppers.'
No doubt they were gigantic, but ... It is well to see the Anakim in their ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/afraid of giants.htm

Statement of the Reasons Wherefore the Matters, Treated of Shortly ...
... some treatise concerning the Faith, and had yourself called me to ... that the wise man
escaped through being bound, as it were, in the ... [2100] The Anakim, or "sons ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter i statement of the.htm

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