There was none of the Anakim left in the land of the people of Israel. Only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod did some remain.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse highlights a crucial detail: while the Anakim were destroyed in the land of Israel, they weren't completely eradicated from the region. Their presence in these Philistine cities foreshadows later encounters with giants like Goliath, showing that God's judgment can fall on specific lands and peoples while remnants persist in unexpected places.
There was none of the Anakim left in the land of the people of Israel. Only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod did some remain.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After a series of sweeping victories that subjugated much of the land and its inhabitants, Joshua systematically drove out the fearsome Anakim from the mountainous regions and other territories. This passage marks the near-complete eradication of this giant race within the promised land, with only a few remnants found in key Philistine cities, indicating that the conquest, while decisive, wasn't absolute everywhere just yet. The land then experienced a period of rest from war, setting the stage for the eventual division of the conquered territories among the Israelite tribes.
Why did God allow some enemies to remain? It wasn't an oversight, but part of His perfect plan.
The text highlights that Joshua achieved total victory, fulfilling God's command. However, verse 22 notes a specific exception: some Anakim remained in Philistine cities. This might seem like a contradiction, but it reveals God's intricate sovereignty. As Calvin noted, God sometimes 'hardens hearts' to accomplish His purposes. This wasn't about the enemies' free will winning out, but about God orchestrating events to ensure His promises were met, even through prolonged struggle. The lingering giants served to keep Israel alert and to demonstrate God's power in subsequent victories, preventing complacency and showcasing His manifold grace.
The Anakim were feared giants, but their near-total destruction points to a larger spiritual reality.
The Anakim, a race of giants, were a significant obstacle and source of fear for Israel. Their near-annihilation, as described in verses 16-21, was a crucial part of the conquest. However, the fact that some remained in Gaza, Gath, and Ashdod – key Philistine cities – is noteworthy. These weren't just any cities; they were strongholds of Israel's future enemies. As commentators observe, remnants of these giants, like Goliath, appear even in David's time. This suggests that while the immediate military threat of the Anakim within Israel's territory was eliminated, the spiritual battle against the forces that opposed God's people was not entirely over. The lingering giants serve as a reminder that our spiritual warfare continues, and complete victory often unfolds over time.
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This verse highlights that while the sweeping conquest eliminated the Anakim from most of Israel's territory, their lineage persisted in key Philistine cities, becoming a recurring challenge for Israel for centuries to come.
~1400 BC
Israelites Enter Canaan
Following their exodus from Egypt and 40 years in the wilderness, the Israelites, led by Joshua, cross the Jordan River to begin the conquest of Canaan.
c. 1400 BC
Conquest of Southern Canaan
Joshua leads a series of swift military campaigns, defeating numerous Canaanite kings and armies, including the initial defeat of the Anakim in the hill country.
c. 1400 BC— this verse
Anakim Driven from Hill Country
Joshua campaigns against the Anakim in their strongholds like Hebron, Debir, and Anab, driving them out of the mountainous regions of Judah and Israel.
c. 1400 BC
Lingering Resistance in Philistine Cities
While most of the Anakim are destroyed or driven out, some remain concentrated in the Philistine cities of Gaza, Gath, and Ashdod, which were not fully conquered at this time.
c. 1400 BC
Land Rested from War
After the major campaigns, the land experiences a period of relative peace, though pockets of resistance, like those in the Philistine cities, persist.
~1000 BC
Anakim Descendants in David's Time
Centuries later, during the reign of King David, descendants of the Anakim, particularly giants like Goliath from Gath, still pose a threat and are eventually defeated.
This passage directly mentions Goliath of Gath, who is described as a giant, echoing the presence of the Anakim who remained in Gath.
2 Samuel 21:16This passage details a later encounter with giants, descendants of the Anakim, specifically mentioning Ishbi-benob who intended to kill David, showing the lingering threat of these people.
1 Chronicles 20:4This passage, which parallels the account in 2 Samuel, further emphasizes that giants descended from the Anakim were still present in Gath during the time of David, proving that they had not been fully eradicated.
Deuteronomy 2:23This earlier command from God to Moses, mentioning how the Caphtorim destroyed the Avvim and dwelt in their stead, provides background context for why the Philistine cities like Gaza and Ashdod held these remnants.
calvinJoshua 11:16-23: "So Joshua took all that land, the hills, and all the south country, and all the land of Goshen, and the valley, and the plain, and the mountain of Israel, and the valley of the same;"
For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts, that they should come against Israel in battle, that he might destroy them utterly, and that they might have no favor, but that he might destroy them, as the LORD commanded Moses.
Quia a Jehova fuit, ut induraretcor eorum in occursum belli c…
pulpitJoshua 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."
Verse 22. - Only in Gaza. This statement is confirmed by what we afterwards read. In Gath especially (1 Samuel 17:4; 2 Samuel 21:18-22; 1 Chronicles 20:4-8, the last passage preserving the true text, which has become hopelessly corrupt in the second Book of Samuel) we find the race of giants remaining till David's time. But it had almost died out. Golia…
This verse highlights a crucial detail: while the Anakim were destroyed in the land of Israel, they weren't completely eradicated from the region. Their presence in these Philistine cities foreshadows later encounters with giants like Goliath, showing that God's judgment can fall on specific lands and peoples while remnants persist in unexpected places.
After a series of sweeping victories that subjugated much of the land and its inhabitants, Joshua systematically drove out the fearsome Anakim from the mountainous regions and other territories. This passage marks the near-complete eradication of this giant race within the promised land, with only a few remnants found in key Philistine cities, indicating that the conquest, while decisive, wasn't absolute everywhere just yet. The land then experienced a period of rest from war, setting the stage for the eventual division of the conquered territories among the Israelite tribes.
After a series of sweeping victories that subjugated much of the land and its inhabitants, Joshua systematically drove out the fearsome Anakim from the mountainous regions and other territories. This passage marks the near-complete eradication of this giant race within the promised land, with only a few remnants found in key Philistine cities, indicating that the conquest, while decisive, wasn't absolute everywhere just yet. The land then experienced a period of rest from war, setting the stage for the eventual division of the conquered territories among the Israelite tribes.
"There was none of the Anakim left in the land of the people of Israel. Only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod did some remain." — This verse highlights a crucial detail: while the Anakim were destroyed in the land of Israel, they weren't completely eradicated from the region. Their presence in these Philistine cities foresh…
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Last reviewed October 2026