Deuteronomy 2:21

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Deuteronomy 2:21 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “a people great, and many, and tall, as the Anakim; but Jehovah destroyed them before them; and they succeeded them, and dwelt in their stead;” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

a people great, and many, and tall, as the Anakim; but Jehovah destroyed them before them; and they succeeded them, and dwelt in their stead;
Deuteronomy 2:21 — American Standard Version

Context — Deuteronomy 2

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
21a people great, and many, and tall, as the Anakim; but Jehovah destroyed them before them; and they succeeded them, and dwelt in their stead;

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“A people great and many, and tall as the Anakims, etc.] As the Emims were, (<050210>Deuteronomy 2:10) but the Lord destroyed them before them; destroyed the Zamzummims before the children of Amman; or otherwise they would have been an too much for them, being so numerous, and of such a gigantic stature: and they succeeded them, and dwelt in their stead; and in this way, and by these means, he gave them their land for a possession, (<050219>Deuteronomy 2:19).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“These verses, like Deuteronomy 2:10-12, are in all likelihood an addition made by a later reviser. Deuteronomy 2:20 Zamzummims - A giant race usually identified with the Zuzims of Genesis 14:5. Deuteronomy 2:23 The Avims which dwelt in Hazerim, even unto Azzah - Read (Gaza, of which Azzah is the Hebrew form. “Hazerim” is not strictly a proper name, but means “villages,” or “enclosures,” probably such as are still common in the East. The Avims are no doubt identical with the Avites of Joshua 13:3, and were doubtless a scattered remnant of a people conquered by the Caphtorim (Genesis 10:14 note) and living in their “enclosures” in the neighborhood of Gerar. The word, which means “ruins,” seems…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“great: Deu 2:10, Deu 2:11, Deu 1:28, Deu 3:11 but the Lord: These fragments of ancient history seem to be introduced to encourage the Israelites. If the Lord destroyed these gigantic people before the posterity of Lot and of Esau, what cause had the posterity of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, his chosen servants and friends, to fear the Anakims, or the Canaanites? especially as Israel acted by commission from God, and had his promise as their security of success, and the pledge of it in his presence, and the wonders which he had already wrought for them; and as they were the only nation of worshippers of the Lord, in the ordinances of his institution, which could be found on earth. This is so…”
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Sources and verification