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Read the Verse of the Day – Deuteronomy 2:11 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
The Context of Deuteronomy 2:11 KJV
Moses’ Farewell Speech
The Book of Deuteronomy is a powerful summary of the journey of the Israelites through the wilderness. Moses, their leader, is speaking to the new generation that is preparing to enter the Promised Land. These words are filled with history, warnings, and encouragement.
Chapter 2 focuses on Israel’s journey around Edom, Moab, and Ammon. These lands belonged to relatives of the Israelites—descendants of Esau and Lot. God told Israel not to fight them or take their land.
While recounting this history, Moses mentions the ancient inhabitants of these lands. In Deuteronomy 2:11, we are introduced to the Emims—a group of giants who lived in Moab. Moses compares them to the Anakims, another race of giants who lived in Canaan.
This verse helps explain why Israel should respect the land of Moab. God had already removed these powerful people (the Emims) from the land and gave it to Lot’s descendants. Now, Israel must trust that God will also drive out their enemies in Canaan.
Giants in the Old Testament
The Bible speaks of several groups of giants or powerful warriors. These include the Anakims, Rephaims, Emims, and others. These people were tall, strong, and feared. They were not just physically large but represented strongholds and opposition.
Israel had feared the giants in Canaan before. That fear led to disobedience and 40 years of wandering. Now, Moses reminds them: other nations faced giants too. But God helped them overcome. If God did it for Moab and Ammon, He will do it for Israel.
Deuteronomy 2:11 (KJV)
“Which also were accounted giants, as the Anakims; but the Moabites call them Emims.”
This short verse gives us a comparison. It shows that the Emims were known to be as strong and tall as the Anakims. Even though the names differ, their nature was the same. They were all considered mighty giants.
Let’s break down this verse into three parts:
“Which also were accounted giants” – The Emims were seen as giants, much like the other groups.
“As the Anakims” – The Anakims were already known as tall, mighty warriors. The Emims were compared to them.
“But the Moabites call them Emims” – While other people may have used different names (like Rephaim), the Moabites had their own name for these giants: Emims.
This verse helps explain the shared history of these lands and the power of God who gave victory over even the giants.
Deuteronomy 2:11 Meaning
A Reminder of God’s Power
This verse reminds us that God’s power is not limited to Israel. He worked in other nations too. The Moabites overcame the Emims. This wasn’t because the Moabites were strong. It was because God gave them victory.
Moses wanted Israel to see that what seemed impossible—overcoming giants—had already happened before. If others had done it with God’s help, Israel could too.
The giants (Emims and Anakims) symbolized fear, opposition, and obstacles. But they were not greater than God. This message encouraged Israel to trust and obey.
The Significance of the Emims
The Emims were part of the Rephaim family—a group of ancient giants. They lived in the land before the Moabites. Even though they were fierce and terrifying, they were eventually removed. That land was given to the descendants of Lot.
The Moabites were not part of God’s covenant people. Yet God had still blessed them by giving them land. This shows that God is just and generous to all people. He honors His word, even to those outside the covenant.
For Israel, this was both humbling and encouraging. They were not the only people God helped. But they were chosen for a special purpose, and they needed to trust Him fully.
Comparison with the Anakims
The Anakims were the giants Israel feared in Numbers 13. When the spies went to Canaan, they saw the Anakims and were terrified. They said they felt like grasshoppers in their sight (Numbers 13:33). That fear caused them to rebel and delayed their entrance into the Promised Land.
By comparing the Emims to the Anakims, Moses was telling Israel: “Look, other people have faced the same fears. But they overcame. So can you.”
This was a message of courage. It reminded Israel that the size of the enemy doesn’t matter when God is with you.
Emims, Rephaims, and Biblical History
The Emims were a branch of the Rephaims. The Rephaims were a broader group of giants who lived in several areas in ancient times. The Bible mentions them in places like:
- Genesis 14:5 – The Rephaims were defeated by Chedorlaomer and his allies.
- Deuteronomy 3:11 – King Og of Bashan is called the last of the Rephaims. His bed was over 13 feet long!
- Joshua 12:4 – Og was defeated by Moses, and Israel took his land.
These references help us understand that the battle against giants had a long history. But every time, victory came through the Lord.
Deuteronomy 2:11 Application in Life
1. God Can Overcome Any Giant
Life is full of challenges. Some of them seem too big—like giants. These giants can be fear, sickness, doubt, addiction, financial troubles, or broken relationships.
Deuteronomy 2:11 reminds us that God can remove giants. The Emims were powerful, but they were defeated. The same God who helped others will help us too.
We must not let fear stop us from trusting God. What looks impossible to us is possible with God (Luke 1:37).
2. Learn from the Testimonies of Others
Moses used the story of the Moabites to encourage Israel. Even though Moab was not part of God’s chosen people, their story still taught a lesson.
In our lives, we can also learn from others. God often places examples around us to strengthen our faith. When we see others overcome trials, it builds our hope.
We should listen to testimonies, read Scripture, and remember what God has done for others. If He did it for them, He can do it for us.
3. Don’t Be Intimidated by the Size of the Enemy
The Emims and Anakims were big, but God is bigger. Sometimes, problems in life seem overwhelming. But we must not focus on the size of the problem. Instead, we must focus on the power of God.
In 1 Samuel 17, David faced Goliath, a giant. Everyone else was afraid, but David trusted God. He said, “The battle is the Lord’s” (1 Samuel 17:47). That same truth applies today.
Deuteronomy 2:11 teaches us that giants can fall. We must face our fears with faith.
4. God Honors His Promises to All
God gave land to the descendants of Lot because of His promise. Even though they were not part of Israel, God kept His word.
This teaches us that God is faithful and just. He sees all people. He provides and protects even those outside our circle.
As believers, we should treat others with respect, knowing that God works in all nations and all people. He loves everyone, and He honors those who honor Him.
5. History Builds Our Faith
Moses used history to teach a spiritual lesson. We should do the same.
When we read the Bible, we see how God worked in the past. That builds our confidence for the present. If He healed then, He can heal now. If He saved then, He can save now.
Our faith grows when we remember what God has done. We can face the future with boldness because God never changes (Hebrews 13:8).
6. Giants May Have Many Names, But God Has One Name Above All
In this verse, the Emims and Anakims are different names for similar people. They all represent strong opposition. Today, we may face different “giants” with different names—depression, cancer, unemployment, or loss.
But God’s name is greater than any name. Philippians 2:9 says that Jesus has a name above every name. No matter the name of the battle you face, Jesus is stronger.
Call on His name. Trust in His strength. You will overcome.
Conclusion
Deuteronomy 2:11 may seem like a simple historical note, but it holds deep spiritual truth. It teaches us about giants, about courage, and about the faithfulness of God.
The Emims were giants like the Anakims. Yet they were defeated. Their land was given to Lot’s descendants. This was a reminder to Israel—and to us—that no obstacle is too big when God is on our side.
In life, we face giants too. But Deuteronomy 2:11 encourages us to trust God, remember His power, and follow Him faithfully. Just as He helped others overcome, He will help us. Let this verse strengthen your heart and build your faith today.
May we walk forward with courage, trusting in the God who overcomes giants.
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