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Deuteronomy 2:20 - Who were the Zamzummim giants?

Deuteronomy 2:20 - דברים 2:20

Hebrew Text

אֶרֶץ־רְפָאִים תֵּחָשֵׁב אַף־הִוא רְפָאִים יָשְׁבוּ־בָהּ לְפָנִים וְהָעַמֹּנִים יִקְרְאוּ לָהֶם זַמְזֻמִּים׃

English Translation

(That also was considered a land of Refa᾽im: Refa᾽im dwelt therein in old time; and the ῾Ammonim call them Zamzummim.

Transliteration

Eretz-refa'im techashev af-hi refa'im yashvu-vah lefanim veha'amonim yikre'u lahem zamzumim.

Hebrew Leining Text

אֶֽרֶץ־רְפָאִ֥ים תֵּחָשֵׁ֖ב אַף־הִ֑וא רְפָאִ֤ים יָֽשְׁבוּ־בָהּ֙ לְפָנִ֔ים וְהָֽעַמֹּנִ֔ים יִקְרְא֥וּ לָהֶ֖ם זַמְזֻמִּֽים׃
אֶֽרֶץ־רְפָאִ֥ים תֵּחָשֵׁ֖ב אַף־הִ֑וא רְפָאִ֤ים יָֽשְׁבוּ־בָהּ֙ לְפָנִ֔ים וְהָֽעַמֹּנִ֔ים יִקְרְא֥וּ לָהֶ֖ם זַמְזֻמִּֽים׃

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Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Refa'im and Zamzummim

The verse describes a land historically inhabited by the Refa'im, a people of great stature and strength, whom the Ammonites referred to as Zamzummim. This reflects the Torah's acknowledgment of ancient nations and their unique characteristics.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (Devarim 2:20) explains that the Refa'im were a mighty and fearsome people, descendants of the giants mentioned in Bereishit (14:5). The name "Zamzummim," used by the Ammonites, derives from the root זמם (to plan or devise), suggesting they were known for their strategic or warlike nature. Rashi also notes that the land's association with Refa'im underscores its former greatness before being conquered by other nations.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:50) discusses the Refa'im in the context of ancient history, emphasizing that the Torah records these details to provide context for the Israelites' encounters with these nations. Their mention serves as a reminder of Hashem's power in displacing mighty peoples to fulfill His promises to Avraham's descendants.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash Tanchuma (Chukat 11) links the Refa'im to Og, king of Bashan, who was the last of the giants. Their presence in the land highlights the divine intervention required for Bnei Yisrael to inherit it.
  • The Sifrei (Devarim 185) interprets "Zamzummim" as referring to their murmuring or whispering, possibly alluding to secretive or idolatrous practices that made them notorious.

Historical and Theological Significance

The verse underscores the theme of divine providence in settling nations and displacing them according to His will. The Refa'im's disappearance and the Ammonites' renaming of them as Zamzummim illustrate the transient nature of even the most powerful peoples when their time has passed. This aligns with the broader Torah narrative of Eretz Yisrael being designated for the Jewish people, despite the presence of earlier inhabitants.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who were the Refa'im mentioned in Deuteronomy 2:20?
A: The Refa'im were a nation of giants who lived in ancient times. According to Rashi and other commentators, they were called Refa'im because people's hearts would weaken (רפּא) when seeing their enormous size. The Torah mentions them in several places as inhabitants of Canaan before the Israelites entered the land.
Q: Why does the Torah mention that the Ammonites called them Zamzummim?
A: The Torah includes this detail to show how different nations had different names for the same ancient people. The name Zamzummim comes from the root זמם meaning 'to plot' or 'scheme,' possibly referring to their war-like nature. Ramban explains that the Torah provides these details to give historical context about the lands the Israelites would encounter.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the mention of the Refa'im in the Torah?
A: The mention of these ancient nations teaches us that Hashem clears the way for His people. Just as these mighty nations were removed from the land before the Israelites arrived, we learn that no obstacle is too great when fulfilling God's will. The Talmud (Sotah 34b) also uses the Refa'im as an example of how even the mightiest nations are subject to God's judgment.