Lexical Summary Madiam: Midian Original Word: Μαδιάμ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Madian. Of Hebrew origin (Midyan); Madian (i.e. Midian), a region of Arabia -- Madian. see HEBREW Midyan NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Hebrew origin Midyan Definition Midian, a region of Arabia NASB Translation Midian (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3099: ΜαδιάμΜαδιάμ, ἡ (Hebrew מִדְיָן (i. e. 'strife')), Midian (in A. V. (the 1611 edition) N. T. Madian), proper name of the territory of the Midianites in Arabia; it took its name from Midian, son of Abraham and Keturah (Genesis 25:1f): Acts 7:29. Topical Lexicon Historical Background and Geography Madiam, the Greek form of Midian, designates both a son of Abraham and Keturah (Genesis 25:1-2) and the territory settled by his descendants. The land lay east of the Gulf of Aqaba and the Arabah, extending into the northwestern Arabian Peninsula and parts of the Sinai wilderness. Caravan routes connected Midian with Egypt, Canaan, and the kingdoms of the Trans-Jordan, making the region a strategic crossroads for trade and cultural exchange (cf. Genesis 37:28). Patriarchal Roots and Early Relations with Israel Midianites shared a common ancestry with Israel through Abraham, yet they developed distinct tribal identities. The earliest biblical contact is commercial: Midianite traders purchased Joseph and carried him to Egypt (Genesis 37:36). While distant relatives, their relationship with Israel alternated between alliance and antagonism, demonstrating the complex dynamics of kinship in the ancient Near East. Midian in the Life and Ministry of Moses Stephen recounts that after Moses “fled and lived as a stranger in the land of Midian” (Acts 7:29), he remained there forty years. Exodus 2:15-22 describes this exile in fuller detail. Key ministry implications emerge: 1. Preparation in Obscurity – Shepherding Jethro’s flock in Midian shaped Moses’ character for future leadership. Midianite Hostility during the Wilderness Journey Despite earlier positive interactions, Midian opposed Israel en route to the Promised Land. Midianite chiefs conspired with Moab, engaging Balaam to curse Israel (Numbers 22–24). Their seduction of Israel at Peor provoked divine judgment (Numbers 25:1-9). Consequently, the LORD commanded, “Treat the Midianites as enemies and strike them” (Numbers 25:17-18). The punitive campaign of Numbers 31 fulfilled this word, demonstrating the seriousness of spiritual compromise. Oppression in the Era of the Judges Centuries later, Midian dominated Israel for seven years, ravaging crops and driving the people into mountain hiding places (Judges 6:1-6). God raised Gideon who, with three hundred men, routed an army “as numerous as locusts” (Judges 7:12). The victory highlighted divine deliverance through weakness and fulfilled Isaiah’s later prophecy: “For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, You have shattered the yoke that burdens them” (Isaiah 9:4). Prophetic Echoes and Ultimate Defeat Prophets employ Midian as a paradigm of decisive, God-wrought victory. Isaiah 10:26 foresees the LORD’s strike upon Assyria “as He struck Midian at the rock of Oreb.” Habakkuk 3:7 pictures Midian in anguish before the marching presence of the LORD. These texts anticipate the consummate triumph of God’s kingdom over every oppressor. New Testament Citation and Christ-Centered Implications Acts 7:29 bridges Old and New Covenants, reminding Stephen’s hearers that Moses’ Midianite sojourn preceded Israel’s redemption. The pattern points to Jesus: exile before exodus, humiliation before exaltation. Midian thus serves the larger biblical motif of wilderness preparation for redemptive mission. Theological Themes 1. Sovereignty – God orchestrates international movements (trade, exile, warfare) to advance His redemptive plan. Practical Reflections for Believers • Times of obscurity, like Moses in Midian, can be divine appointments for spiritual formation. Forms and Transliterations Μαδιαμ Μαδιάμ μαελέθ Μαζουρώθ μαθήματα Madiam MadiámLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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