King James Version
What Does Deuteronomy 2:10 Mean?
“The Emims dwelt therein in times past, a people great, and many, and tall, as the Anakims;”
Context
8
And when we passed by from our brethren the children of Esau, which dwelt in Seir, through the way of the plain from Elath, and from Eziongaber, we turned and passed by the way of the wilderness of Moab.
9
And the LORD said unto me, Distress not the Moabites, neither contend with them in battle: for I will not give thee of their land for a possession; because I have given Ar unto the children of Lot for a possession. Distress: or, Use no hostility against Moab
10
The Emims dwelt therein in times past, a people great, and many, and tall, as the Anakims;
11
Which also were accounted giants, as the Anakims; but the Moabites call them Emims.
12
The Horims also dwelt in Seir beforetime; but the children of Esau succeeded them, when they had destroyed them from before them, and dwelt in their stead; as Israel did unto the land of his possession, which the LORD gave unto them. succeeded: Heb. inherited stead: or, room
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(10-12) These three verses which follow should be read parenthetically.
**The Emims.**—See Genesis 14:5-6, for the first mention of Rephaim, Zuzim, Emim, and Horim. (The termination *im *is plural in Hebrew, and, like cherubim, does not need the additional *s.*) These tribes were flourishing in the time of Abraham, but were conquered before the exodus.
**The children of Esau succeeded them.**—A partial mixture of the two races resulted in this case, and from their union sprang the Amalekites, Israel’s inveterate foes (Genesis 36:12; Genesis 36:22).
**As Israel did unto the land of his possession.**—On the east of Jordan in Moses’ lifetime, as well as on the west of Jordan under Joshua. It is not necessary, therefore, to make the parenthesis (Deuteronomy 2:10-12) editorial, though it forms no essential part of Moses’ speech.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Deuteronomy 2:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Deuteronomy 2:10
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge