The Zamzummites were a race of giants who lived in the land of Ammon before the Ammonites took possession of it. They are described in Deuteronomy 2:20 as part of the Rephaim, the broader group of ancient giants that included the Anakites, Emites, and Zuzites. Like the other pre-Israelite giant clans, the Zamzummites were eventually defeated and displaced by a smaller nation, demonstrating that God was preparing the land for the descendants of Abraham.
While little is known about them, their presence in the biblical narrative reinforces the reality that the Promised Land was full of mighty adversaries before Israel’s arrival. Despite their great size and strength, they were not invincible—proving that God determines the fate of nations, not human power.
This essay will explore the Zamzummites’ biblical identity, geographic location, cultural practices, religious beliefs, and role in biblical history, connecting them to other ancient giant clans.
Words: 1118 / Time to read: 6 minutes
Who Were the Zamzummites?
The Zamzummites are directly mentioned in one key passage:
- Deuteronomy 2:20-21 – “(That too was considered a land of the Rephaites, who used to live there; but the Ammonites called them Zamzummites. They were a people strong and numerous, and as tall as the Anakites. The Lord destroyed them before the Ammonites, who drove them out and settled in their place.)”
🔹 Key Takeaways from This Passage:
- The Zamzummites were giants – They are described as being as tall as the Anakites, another race of formidable giants.
- They were part of the Rephaim – This places them in the same category as the Emites and Zuzites, all of whom lived in Canaan or the Transjordan region.
- They were conquered by the Ammonites – Despite their physical superiority, they were defeated and removed from history.
- God played a role in their downfall – The Lord destroyed them before the Ammonites, preparing the land for smaller, weaker nations who trusted in Him.
The name Zamzummites (Hebrew: זמזמים, Zamzummim) is believed to mean “mutterers” or “noisy ones”, possibly describing their speech, war cries, or reputation among neighboring tribes.
Geographic Location and Cultural Practices
The Zamzummites lived in Ammonite territory, which was east of the Jordan River, in modern-day Jordan.
1. The Land of Ammon (East of the Jordan River)
- Their territory was eventually occupied by the Ammonites, who were descendants of Lot (Genesis 19:38).
- This places them east of the Dead Sea and the Jordan River, in an area known for hilly terrain and fortified cities.
- Their proximity to Moab suggests they were neighbors of the Emites, another Rephaim giant tribe.
2. A Warrior Society
Like other giant clans, the Zamzummites were likely:
- Warlike and territorial, defending their lands against outsiders.
- Builders of strongholds, constructing fortified settlements in the hill country.
- Nomadic raiders or mercenaries, possibly fighting for Canaanite kings in regional conflicts.
Despite their military strength, they were ultimately driven out by the Ammonites, showing that even mighty nations fall when God removes His favor from them.
Biblical References to the Zamzummites
1. The Zamzummites as a Giant Race (Deuteronomy 2:20-21)
The main biblical reference describes their Rephaim connection and destruction:
- Deuteronomy 2:20-21 – “That too was considered a land of the Rephaites, who used to live there; but the Ammonites called them Zamzummites. They were a people strong and numerous, and as tall as the Anakites. The Lord destroyed them before the Ammonites, who drove them out and settled in their place.”
🔹 Key Insights from This Passage:
- The Zamzummites were not just tall but also numerous, implying they had a strong tribal or military structure.
- They were part of the Rephaim, confirming their connection to other giant clans in the region.
- Their downfall was attributed to divine intervention, showing that God controls the fate of nations.
2. Possible Connection to the Zuzites (Genesis 14:5)
Some scholars believe the Zuzites and Zamzummites were the same people, as their names sound similar and both were giant clans in the region. If this is true:
- Their first recorded defeat was under King Kedorlaomer in Genesis 14:5.
- They may have recovered and reestablished themselves, only to be later defeated by the Ammonites in Deuteronomy 2:20-21.
This would indicate that the Zamzummites/Zuzites had a long history in the region, resisting invaders before their final downfall.
Religious Beliefs and Deities of the Zamzummites
Like other Canaanite and Transjordanian tribes, the Zamzummites were almost certainly polytheistic, worshiping gods similar to:
- Milcom (God of the Ammonites)
- Since the Ammonites took over their land, they may have absorbed some of their religious traditions.
- Milcom was associated with war and fertility, fitting the Zamzummites’ warrior culture.
- Baal and Asherah (Canaanite Fertility and War Deities)
- Baal was widely worshiped across Canaan and the Transjordan region, meaning the Zamzummites likely participated in Baal-centered rituals and sacrifices.
- Ancestor Worship and Warrior Deities
- As a giant warrior race, they may have honored fallen kings and warriors, believing them to be divine protectors or guides.
Their religious practices likely included idol worship, sacrifices, and war rituals, making them spiritually opposed to God’s covenant people, Israel.
Conclusion
The Zamzummites were one of the last remnants of the giant clans in the Transjordan region, closely related to the Rephaim, Anakites, and Emites. They were known for their great size, strength, and military dominance, yet they were ultimately defeated and driven out by the smaller Ammonite nation.
🔹 Key Lessons from Their History:
- Size and strength do not guarantee survival – Despite their imposing stature and numbers, the Zamzummites could not withstand God’s judgment.
- God determines who possesses the land – He removed the Zamzummites to make way for the Ammonites, just as He did with Israel and the Canaanites.
- Faith, not physical might, is the path to victory – The Ammonites were weaker than the Zamzummites, yet they triumphed because God willed it.
Though they once dominated the land, the Zamzummites are now a forgotten race, reminding us that no nation can stand against God’s sovereign plan.
Deuteronomy 2:20-21
“That too was considered a land of the Rephaites, who used to live there; but the Ammonites called them Zamzummites. They were a people strong and numerous, and as tall as the Anakites. The Lord destroyed them before the Ammonites, who drove them out and settled in their place.”
All Scripture quoted from:
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
