Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who are the 'children of Anakim' mentioned in Deuteronomy 9:2?
A: The 'children of Anakim' (בְּנֵי עֲנָקִים) were a race of giants who lived in the land of Canaan. According to Rashi and the Talmud (Sotah 34b), they were descendants of the Nephilim (mentioned in Genesis 6:4) and were known for their enormous size and strength. The spies sent by Moshe later reported seeing them (Numbers 13:33).
Q: Why does the verse emphasize that no one can stand before the children of Anak?
A: The verse highlights the intimidating nature of the Anakim to show that conquering the land of Canaan would be impossible through human strength alone. As Ramban explains, this sets the stage for demonstrating that only with Hashem's help could Bnei Yisrael succeed. It teaches reliance on divine assistance rather than human capability.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Deuteronomy 9:2 about facing challenges?
A: The verse teaches that even when facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles ('who can stand before the children of Anak?'), we must remember that with Hashem's help, nothing is impossible. The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah) connects this to the idea that when Jews are worthy, even giants cannot stand against them. It's a lesson about faith in divine providence.
Q: How does this verse connect to the story of the spies in the Torah?
A: This verse foreshadows the episode of the spies (Numbers 13-14), where the scouts reported seeing the Anakim and felt daunted by them. As Rashi notes here, Moshe is reminding the people that while the Anakim are formidable, they should remember that Hashem will fight for them. The contrast is between Moshe's faith here and the spies' later lack of faith.
Q: Why does the Torah mention both 'you have known' and 'you have heard' about the Anakim?
A: The double language ('whom you know and you have heard') teaches two aspects, as explained by the Kli Yakar: 1) They knew from the spies' report (Numbers 13), and 2) They heard legendary accounts of the Anakim's strength. This emphasizes how universally feared they were, making the eventual victory (with Yehoshua) even more miraculous.
Understanding the Verse in Context
The verse (Devarim 9:2) describes the formidable nature of the inhabitants of Canaan, specifically the Bnei Anakim (children of Anak), whom the Israelites were about to confront. The Torah emphasizes their intimidating stature and reputation to highlight the miraculous nature of the upcoming conquest.
Rashi's Commentary
Rashi explains that the phrase "whom you know" refers to the spies sent by Moshe, who had firsthand experience of the Anakim's size and strength. "And of whom you have heard" alludes to the longstanding reputation of the Anakim as giants, instilling fear in those who heard of them. Rashi further notes that the rhetorical question "Who can stand before the children of Anak?" underscores the impossibility of overcoming them through natural means—only with divine assistance could Israel prevail.
Rambam's Perspective
Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 7:1) discusses the broader principle of trusting in Hashem during warfare. The mention of the Anakim serves as a test of faith for Bnei Yisrael—would they rely on their own strength or recognize that victory comes from Hashem? The Anakim's fearsome reputation was meant to reinforce this lesson.
Midrashic Insights
Theological Implications
The verse teaches that human limitations are irrelevant when fulfilling Hashem's will. The Anakim represent any seemingly insurmountable obstacle, whether physical (e.g., enemies) or spiritual (e.g., yetzer hara). The conquest of Canaan was not a military campaign but a divine mission, demonstrating that faith transcends natural boundaries.