And at that time (see Joshua 11:18). What is meant is, during the continuance of the war in which the country above described was conquered. The destruction of the Anakim was the conclusion of the work, and was rendered necessary by their having reoccupied the places Joshua had taken (see notes on Joshua 10:36-39).
The Anakims. Literally, the long-necked men. Called the "children of Anak" (Numbers 13:28, Numbers 13:33; also Joshua 15:13, Joshua 15:14). Gesenius would derive the German nacken and the English neck from this root.
The word is used of the chains on the necks of camels ( 8:26. So also So 4:9, of a necklace). They were men of gigantic stature (Numbers 13:32), and were no doubt a hill tribe of the Amorites. It is worthy of remark that to the two fearless men whose faith did not fail them at the sight of the walled cities, and of the giant forms of their inhabitants, was entrusted the task of overcoming these antagonists, and thus of proving the truth of their own words.
Thus it ever is in the counsels of God. "To him that hath shall be given, and from him that hath not, even that which he hath shall be taken away." To Joshua, who had confidence in God, the whole land of Canaan was given into subjection.
From the Israelites, who had not that confidence, the inheritance of their fathers was taken away (cf. also Matthew 25:21, Matthew 25:28). Many writers suppose that these Anakim (like the Rephaim of Joshua 12:4) were the aboriginal inhabitants, and of Turanian descent (see note on next verse).
Anab. A town about ten miles southwest of Hebron (cf. Joshua 15:50). It was apparently one of the daughter cities of Debir, and there is still a place of that name in the immediate vicinity of Dhaharijeh.
Mountains of Judah. For this and the "mountains of Israel" see note on verse 16.