The Old Testament introduces a fascinating narrative of giants, weaving their presence into tales of divine beings, the daughters of humans, and human women who bore children to these towering figures. From the Nephilim in Genesis to the descendants of Anak in the land of Canaan, these giants are tied to both ancient texts like the Book of Enoch and archaeological discoveries such as the Dead Sea Scrolls. These narratives portray the race of giants as symbols of rebellion, divine judgment, and the struggles of the men of Israel to conquer the face of the land promised to them.
The giants of the Hebrew Bible embody a clash between spirit beings and human beings, reflecting themes of faith, courage, and divine power. Giants like Goliath’s height and Og’s iron bed illustrate their massive size, while references to the valley of the giants and Rabbath of the children of Ammon ground their existence in geography. From the great flood to battles involving the most remarkable men like David, the Bible portrays giants as powerful yet always subject to God’s sovereignty. Their presence in biblical texts invites reflection on eternal life, spiritual victory, and the enduring power of the Word of God.
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
1 Samuel 17:4
A champion out of the camp of the Philistines named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span.
Reflection:
Goliath is one of the most famous giants in the Bible. His immense stature and defiance of Israel represent obstacles that seem insurmountable. The story reminds us that, like David, faith and reliance on God can overcome even the most formidable challenges. Giants in our lives might not be physical beings but metaphorical struggles, yet the same principle of trust in divine power applies.
Deuteronomy 1:28
Where are we going up? Our brothers have made our hearts melt, saying, “The people are greater and taller than we; the cities are great and fortified up to heaven; and moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakim there.”
Reflection:
The Anakim were renowned for their size and strength, causing fear among the Israelites. This verse illustrates the power of perception—seeing ourselves as inadequate can prevent us from stepping into God’s promises. Trusting in God allows us to face overwhelming circumstances with courage and hope.
Amos 2:9
Yet I destroyed 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.
Reflection:
This passage highlights God’s sovereignty over even the mightiest enemies. The Amorites’ strength symbolized human pride and opposition to God’s people, but their downfall reflected divine justice. It’s a reminder that no power can stand against God’s will.
2 Samuel 21:18
After this, there was again war with the Philistines at Gob. Then Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Saph, who was of the sons of the giant.
Reflection:
Even in repeated encounters with giants, Israel found victory through individuals empowered by God. Saph’s defeat emphasizes the importance of perseverance and faithfulness in spiritual battles.
Joshua 11:21
Joshua came at that time and cut off the Anakim from the hill country, from Hebron, from Debir, from Anab, and from all the hill country of Judah, and from all the hill country of Israel. Joshua utterly destroyed them with their cities.
Reflection:
Joshua’s conquest of the Anakim shows that no enemy is too great when God is with His people. The destruction of these giants reflects the fulfillment of God’s promises and His call to obedience.
Deuteronomy 2:21
A people great, many, and tall, as the Anakim; but Yahweh destroyed them before them, and they succeeded them, and lived in their place.
Reflection:
This verse emphasizes God’s intervention in securing victories for His people. Despite the physical superiority of the Anakim, their downfall was orchestrated by God. It teaches us to rely on divine strength rather than our own abilities when faced with giants in life.
Jude 1:6
Angels who didn’t keep their first domain, but deserted their own dwelling place, he has kept in everlasting bonds under darkness for the judgment of the great day.
Reflection:
This passage connects fallen angels to the Nephilim, suggesting a spiritual dimension to the giants’ origin. It serves as a caution against rebellion and reminds believers of God’s ultimate authority over both spiritual and physical realms.
Genesis 6:1-2
When men began to multiply on the surface of the ground, and daughters were born to them, God’s sons saw that men’s daughters were beautiful, and they took any that they wanted for themselves as wives.
Reflection:
The union of the “sons of God” and the “daughters of men” introduces the mysterious origins of the Nephilim. This verse underscores the consequences of crossing boundaries set by God and invites contemplation about maintaining purity and obedience in all areas of life.
Genesis 6:1-4
When men began to multiply on the surface of the ground, and daughters were born to them, God’s sons saw that men’s daughters were beautiful, and they took any that they wanted for themselves as wives. Yahweh said, “My Spirit will not strive with man forever, because he also is flesh; so his days will be one hundred twenty years.” The Nephilim were in the earth in those days, and also after that, when God’s sons came in to men’s daughters and had children with them. Those were the mighty men who were of old, men of renown.
Reflection:
The Nephilim are described as “mighty men” and “men of renown,” blending the divine and human realms. Their existence points to the consequences of humanity’s departure from God’s design. In modern times, we face similar challenges when worldly pursuits compromise spiritual truths.
Joshua 15:13-14
He gave to Caleb the son of Jephunneh a portion among the children of Judah, according to the commandment of Yahweh to Joshua, even Kiriath Arba, named after the father of Anak (also called Hebron). Caleb drove out the three sons of Anak: Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai, the children of Anak.
Reflection:
Caleb’s bravery in confronting the sons of Anak demonstrates the power of unwavering faith. Even when facing giants, Caleb trusted God’s promise and took decisive action. His story inspires believers to approach challenges confidently rooted in God’s Word.
2 Samuel 21:20
There was again war at Gath, where there was a man of great stature, who had six fingers on every hand and six toes on every foot, twenty-four in number; and he also was born to the giant.
Reflection:
The unique physical features of this giant emphasize the extraordinary nature of these beings. His defeat in battle shows that extraordinary foes, no matter their strength or oddity, cannot prevail against God’s purposes.
Joshua 11:22
There were none of the Anakim left in the land of the children of Israel. Only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod, did some remain.
Reflection:
This verse highlights the effectiveness of Israel’s conquest under God’s guidance. However, the survival of some giants reminds us of the ongoing spiritual battles in life. Complete victory requires continued reliance on God’s direction.
Deuteronomy 2:10-11
(The Emim lived there before, a people great, and many, and tall, as the Anakim. These also are considered to be Rephaim, as the Anakim; but the Moabites call them Emim.)
Reflection:
The Emim, like the Anakim, were seen as significant and fearsome. Their existence reveals how widespread giants were in biblical times. It calls us to recognize that challenges may appear in many forms but can be overcome through faith in God.
Deuteronomy 2:20
(That also is considered a land of Rephaim: Rephaim lived there before; but the Ammonites call them Zamzummim.)
Reflection:
The Zamzummim, another group of giants, illustrates the diversity of these ancient peoples. This verse reinforces the idea that God prepares the way for His people, removing obstacles and ensuring victory for those who trust Him.
Deuteronomy 3:11
(For only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of the Rephaim. Behold, his bedstead was a bedstead of iron. Isn’t it in Rabbah of the children of Ammon? Nine cubits was its length, and four cubits its width, after the cubit of a man.)
Reflection:
King Og’s massive iron bedstead symbolizes his impressive size and strength. His defeat shows that God’s power is greater no matter how daunting an adversary appears. This encourages believers to trust in divine providence over personal limitations.
Numbers 13:33
There we saw the Nephilim, the sons of Anak, who come from the Nephilim. We were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.
Reflection:
The spies’ report of the Nephilim reveals how fear distorts perception. They saw themselves as insignificant and doubted God’s promise. This passage challenges us to view obstacles through the lens of God’s power rather than our own limitations.
Deuteronomy 3:13
The rest of Gilead, and all Bashan, the kingdom of Og, I gave to the half-tribe of Manasseh—all the region of Argob, even all Bashan. The same is called the land of Rephaim.
Reflection:
Despite its association with giants, the land of the Rephaim became part of the inheritance of God’s people. This verse reminds us that even the most daunting challenges can become blessings when we follow God’s direction.
Joshua 12:4
and the border of Og king of Bashan, of the remnant of the Rephaim, who lived at Ashtaroth and at Edrei.
Reflection:
Og’s kingdom represents a tangible example of God’s ability to deliver victory over overwhelming odds. By conquering the remnant of the Rephaim, God demonstrated His faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Israel.
Joshua 13:12
all the kingdom of Og in Bashan, who reigned in Ashtaroth and in Edrei (he alone was left of the remnant of the Rephaim); for Moses attacked these, and drove them out.
Reflection:
Moses’ defeat of Og, the last of the Rephaim, marks the end of an era dominated by giants. It underscores the importance of leadership rooted in faith and obedience to God, which can lead to victory even against formidable foes.
Joshua 17:15
Joshua said to them, “If you are a numerous people, go up to the forest, and clear land for yourself there in the land of the Perizzites and of the Rephaim; since the hill country of Ephraim is too narrow for you.”
Reflection:
The mention of the Rephaim in this context reflects their legacy as a people who once dominated the land. Joshua’s directive to clear the land symbolizes the importance of actively participating in God’s plans, even when challenges remain.
Joshua 18:16
The border went down to the farthest part of the mountain that lies before the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, which is in the valley of Rephaim northward. It went down to the Valley of Hinnom, to the side of the Jebusite southward, and down to En Rogel.
Reflection:
Once associated with giants, the Valley of Rephaim became a boundary marker in Israel’s inheritance. This transition from a place of fear to blessing reminds believers of God’s power to transform areas of struggle into symbols of His faithfulness.
The Bible’s references to giants, whether the Nephilim, Anakim, or Rephaim, paint a vivid picture of the physical and spiritual challenges faced by God’s people. These giants symbolize fear, rebellion, and obstacles threatening faith and obedience. Yet, the overarching theme in these passages is God’s sovereignty and the power of trust in Him.
Giants represented seemingly insurmountable barriers, from the legendary Goliath to the towering Anakim and King Og. However, each story highlights the triumph of faith, divine intervention, and the fulfillment of God’s promises. For believers today, these narratives inspire courage to face life’s “giants” with unwavering trust in God. They remind us that no challenge—physical, spiritual, or emotional—is beyond the reach of God’s power and love.
These stories encourage us to live boldly, knowing that God equips His people to overcome any obstacle, just as He did for Israel in ancient times. Giants may come in various forms, but God is always with his people.
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