share torah logo

Deuteronomy 2:10 - Giants' legacy in Canaan?

Deuteronomy 2:10 - דברים 2:10

Hebrew Text

הָאֵמִים לְפָנִים יָשְׁבוּ בָהּ עַם גָּדוֹל וְרַב וָרָם כָּעֲנָקִים׃

English Translation

(The Emim dwelt there in times past, a people great, and many, and tall, like the ῾Anaqim;

Transliteration

Ha'emim lefanim yashvu bah am gadol verav varam ka'anakim.

Hebrew Leining Text

הָאֵמִ֥ים לְפָנִ֖ים יָ֣שְׁבוּ בָ֑הּ עַ֣ם גָּד֥וֹל וְרַ֛ב וָרָ֖ם כָּעֲנָקִֽים׃
הָאֵמִ֥ים לְפָנִ֖ים יָ֣שְׁבוּ בָ֑הּ עַ֣ם גָּד֥וֹל וְרַ֛ב וָרָ֖ם כָּעֲנָקִֽים׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Devarim 2:10) describes the Emim, an ancient people who once inhabited the land of Moav before being displaced. The Torah compares them to the Anaqim (giants), emphasizing their physical stature and formidable nature.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Devarim 2:10) explains that the Emim were called such because they were "emim" (terrifying) to others due to their size and strength. He notes that they were similar to the Anaqim, the giants mentioned in Bamidbar 13:33, who instilled fear in the spies sent by Moshe.

Ramban's Insight

The Ramban (Devarim 2:10) elaborates that the Torah mentions the Emim to highlight the might of the nations that Hashem helped Bnei Yisrael overcome. Their greatness in size and number underscores the miraculous nature of the conquest, demonstrating that victory came through divine intervention rather than human strength.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 1:18) connects the Emim to the Rephaim, another nation of giants, suggesting that these groups were remnants of the pre-Flood generation known for their corruption and physical prowess. Their presence in the land served as a test for Bnei Yisrael to trust in Hashem’s promise.

Halachic and Moral Lessons

  • Divine Providence: The mention of the Emim reinforces the idea that Hashem removes powerful nations to fulfill His promises (Rambam, Hilchot Melachim 11:4).
  • Overcoming Fear: Just as the Emim were feared, yet ultimately defeated, we learn that obstacles—no matter how imposing—can be overcome with faith (Talmud, Sotah 35a).

Linguistic Note

The term "Anaqim" is derived from the root ענק, meaning "necklace" or "to choke," symbolizing their oppressive dominance (Ibn Ezra, Devarim 2:10). This reinforces the idea that their physical might was used to subjugate others.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who were the Emim mentioned in Deuteronomy 2:10?
A: The Emim were an ancient people who lived in the land of Moab before the Moabites. According to Rashi, they were called 'Emim' (meaning 'terrors') because they were feared due to their great size and strength, similar to the Anakim (giants). The Torah mentions them to show the formidable nations that once inhabited these lands.
Q: Why does the Torah compare the Emim to the Anakim?
A: The Torah compares the Emim to the Anakim (another race of giants) to emphasize their physical stature and fearsome reputation. Rashi explains that both were known for their extraordinary height and strength, making them formidable opponents. This comparison helps us understand why the Israelites might have been intimidated by such nations.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Deuteronomy 2:10 about facing challenges?
A: This verse reminds us that even seemingly insurmountable challenges (like facing giants) are part of history and human experience. The Talmud teaches that Hashem tests us with difficulties to help us grow. Just as the Israelites later overcame mighty nations with divine help, we too can face our own 'giants' with faith and perseverance.
Q: How does this verse connect to the broader narrative in Deuteronomy?
A: This verse appears in Moses' recounting of Israel's wilderness journeys. By mentioning the Emim and other ancient nations, the Torah emphasizes that the lands Israel would inherit were once occupied by powerful peoples. Ramban explains this shows that no nation's possession of land is permanent unless granted by Hashem's will, preparing the Israelites to trust in their divinely promised inheritance.
Q: Are the Emim and Anakim mentioned elsewhere in the Torah?
A: Yes, the Anakim appear in Numbers 13 (as the giants the spies reported) and Deuteronomy 1-3. The Emim are uniquely mentioned here and in Genesis 14:5 (as defeated by ancient kings). Midrashim connect them to the Nephilim of Genesis 6, but mainstream Jewish interpretation focuses on their historical role as formidable pre-Israelite inhabitants of Canaan and surrounding regions.