Interesting Facts

• Anah, son of Zibeon, is specifically noted for finding the Yemim in the wilderness while he was feeding the donkeys of his father. This distinguishes him from his contemporaries mentioned in the lineage.
• His encounter with the Yemim involved a dramatic event where about one hundred and twenty “great and terrible animals” emerged from across the sea during a storm.
• These creatures are described as having a dual nature, resembling humans from the middle down and bears or “keephas” from the middle up, also possessing tails.
• These animals mounted and led away Anah’s donkeys.
• One of the creatures physically attacked Anah by striking him with its tail, causing him to fear for his life and flee.

Genealogy

• Anah was the son of Zibeon.
• His sibling was Ajah.
• Zibeon was among the children of Seir the Horite [as established in previous analyses of his relatives].

Historical Context

The context in which Anah lived, as indicated by his lineage, places him in the land of Seir during a time before its primary association with the Edomites, descendants of Esau. The genealogical nature of the provided texts offers limited insight into specific cultural dynamics or major historical events of Anah’s lifetime. However, the narrative of his encounter with the ‘Yemim’ suggests a world where the boundaries between the natural and the possibly fantastical were perceived differently, or at least recorded in a manner that includes extraordinary elements. His occupation of tending his father’s donkeys points to a pastoral society where such tasks were significant. The fear and wonder associated with the ‘Yemim’ imply that such creatures, whatever their nature, were considered unusual and potentially dangerous.

Narrative

The personal narrative of Anah, son of Zibeon, centers around his singular encounter with the enigmatic Yemim [28b, 29-34]. While feeding his father’s donkeys near the seashore, a severe storm arose, and from across the sea, a multitude of bizarre creatures emerged. These beings, hybrid in form, attacked and carried away his livestock. Anah himself was struck by one of these entities, instilling in him a profound fear for his life, leading to his hasty retreat to the safety of the city. Upon his return, he shared this extraordinary tale with his sons and brothers. This event appears to have been significant enough to be recorded, marking Anah’s experience with the inexplicable and the perilous within his otherwise likely routine pastoral life. The narrative does not elaborate further on any other actions or dialogues of Anah, but this remarkable incident serves as the defining element of his portrayal within the provided texts.