Sheshai שֵׁשַׁי
Anakite giant defeated by Caleb
Who is Sheshai in the Bible?
Sheshai was one of the three Anakite giants who inhabited Canaan before the Israelite conquest, mentioned alongside his brothers Ahiman and Talmai in Numbers 13:22. He lived in Hebron and was among the giants whose great stature intimidated the Israelite spies sent to scout the land. During the conquest of Canaan, Caleb defeated Sheshai and his brothers and took possession of Hebron as his inheritance (Joshua 15:14, Judges 1:10). Sheshai's defeat was significant because it demonstrated God's fulfillment of His promise to give the land to Israel and validated Caleb's faith in trusting God's power over the seemingly insurmountable strength of the giants.
Biography
Sheshai was one of the Anakite giants who inhabited the land of Canaan before the Israelite conquest. In Num.13.22, he is mentioned along with his brothers Ahiman and Talmai as descendants of Anak, living in Hebron. The Anakites were known for their great stature and strength, which greatly intimidated the Israelite spies who were sent to scout out the land.
In Jos.15.14 and Jdg.1.10, Sheshai is again mentioned as one of the three Anakite giants defeated by Caleb during the conquest of Hebron. Caleb, one of the faithful spies who had encouraged the Israelites to trust in God's power, was given Hebron as his inheritance. He successfully drove out Sheshai and his brothers, claiming the land for the tribe of Judah. The defeat of Sheshai and the other Anakites was a significant victory for the Israelites and a testament to Caleb's faith and courage.
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In Scripture
3 biblical books ; 1 with study contentNumbers 1 verse
- Numbers 13:22
"They went up through the Negev and came to Hebron, where Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the descendants of Anak, dwelled. It had been built seven years before Zoan in Egypt."
Joshua 1 verse
- Joshua 15:14
"And Caleb drove out from there the three sons of Anak—the descendants of Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai, the children of Anak."
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Judges 1 verse
- Judges 1:10
"Judah also marched against the Canaanites who were living in Hebron (formerly known as Kiriath-arba), and they struck down Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | שֵׁשַׁי |
Sheshai
the conquest and was expelled by Caleb (Nu 13:22, Codex Vaticanus Sessei; Codex Alexandrinus Semei; Jos 15:14, Codex Vaticanus Sousei; Codex Alexandrinus Sousai; Jud 1:10, Codex Vaticanus Sessei; Codex Alexandrinus Geththi).
she'-shan (sheshan; Sosan): A Jerahmeelite whose daughter married his servant Jarha (1Ch 2:31,34,35). The