Were the Giants Truly Defeated or Still Roaming?
In this article, you will learn how Deuteronomy 2:21 contradicts Genesis 6:4, Numbers 13:33, Deuteronomy 9:2, Joshua 11:22 and Amos 2:9. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
The Bible presents intriguing stories about giants, often leading to fascinating discussions on their existence and fate. A prominent verse, Deuteronomy 2:21, asserts that God aided His people by eliminating the giants from their lands, ensuring a safe haven for the Israelites. This message conveys divine protection and care. However, several other passages appear to challenge this narrative, raising questions about the timeline and extent of the giants' defeat.
Genesis 6:4 introduces the Nephilim, who existed before the flood. This earlier mention poses a timeline contradiction when compared to Deuteronomy 2:21, where the giants' demise is described much later. Think of it like watching a movie series out of order, where a character thought to be long gone reappears in unexpected scenarios, disrupting the continuity.
Numbers 13:33 adds another layer of complexity by presenting the Anakim, giants perceived by Israelite spies during a significant reconnaissance mission. This account causes one to wonder about the timing and thoroughness of their supposed destruction in Deuteronomy 2:21. Similarly, Deuteronomy 9:2 depicts a land populated with tall and formidable people, suggesting their presence in Canaan contradicts the earlier claim of their defeat.
Further discrepancies appear in Joshua 11:22, where remnants of the Anakim are found inhabiting regions such as Gaza, Gath, and Ashdod. Imagine cleaning a room and finding toys still scattered around despite claims of thorough tidiness; this visual aligns with the giants supposedly lingering in these territories. Likewise, Amos 2:9 describes the Amorites as being tall and powerful, similar to cedars, which hints at the enduring existence of giant-like peoples.
These passages suggest differing narratives about giants within the Bible, leading one to ponder whether the giants were indeed vanquished or if they continued to roam the ancient lands.
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Deuteronomy 2:21 | A people great, and many, and tall, as the Anakims; but the LORD destroyed them before them; and they succeeded them, and dwelt in their stead: |
| 2. | Genesis 6:4 | There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare [children] to them, the same [became] mighty men which [were] of old, men of renown. |
| 3. | Numbers 13:33 | And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, [which come] of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight. |
| 4. | Deuteronomy 9:2 | A people great and tall, the children of the Anakims, whom thou knowest, and [of whom] thou hast heard [say], Who can stand before the children of Anak! |
| 5. | Joshua 11:22 | There was none of the Anakims left in the land of the children of Israel: only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod, there remained. |
| 6. | Amos 2:9 | Yet destroyed I the Amorite before them, whose height [was] like the height of the cedars, and he [was] strong as the oaks; yet I destroyed his fruit from above, and his roots from beneath. |