If the Midianites were as numerous “as locusts,” as described in Judges 7:12, where is the historical or archaeological evidence for such a massive force?

Historical Context of the Midianites

The Midianites are referenced numerous times throughout ancient records and Scripture, including their association with nomadic trade, pastoral activities, and alliances with other regional groups. Originating from descendants traced through Abraham (Genesis 25:1–2), their presence spanned desert regions east of the Jordan and extended toward the Arabian Peninsula. Their lifestyle and geographic location, coupled with alliances such as those with the Amalekites, contributed to their considerable influence during the period described in Judges 6–8.

Biblical Description of Their Numbers

Judges 7:12 states, “Now the Midianites, Amalekites, and all the people of the East covered the valley like locusts in abundance, and their camels were as countless as the sand on the seashore.” This vivid picture conveys a vast, overwhelming assembly. In ancient Near Eastern literature, similes like “as locusts” were commonly employed to describe enormous or daunting forces. While meant to highlight immense numbers, it also allows for the possibility of figurative depiction. Nevertheless, it underscores that the combined forces presented an overwhelming threat to the Israelites.

Nomadic Confederations and Allied Forces

One important note is that this “Midianite” force was not simply composed of Midian alone. The text clearly mentions Amalekites and “all the people of the East.” In the ancient tribal context, multiple clans and subtribes often joined in confederations for military campaigns. This created a large, loosely organized collective with resources, manpower, and widespread encampments that could appear formidable to those who faced them.

Archaeological Considerations of Nomadic Populations

Locating direct archaeological remains of nomadic or semi-nomadic tribes is challenging because such groups typically used temporary dwellings and moved frequently with their herds. Consequently, encampments leave fewer permanent structures or sizable city-level ruins. Evidence often comes in the form of small campsites, pottery shards, animal pens, or simple open-air hearths in desert-scape regions. Since these structures were not substantial, their visibility today may be minimal.

Still, Midianite presence is attested through scattered archaeological findings:

• Excavations in the Timna Valley (southern Israel) have revealed “Midianite” wares and a possible shrine site (Late Bronze to Early Iron Age). While it does not provide exact numbers, it demonstrates the region’s Midianite connections and the sophistication of their material culture.

• Midianite pottery exhibits distinctive designs and indicates trade routes that extended widely throughout the Arabian Peninsula and into the Levant. This broad trade network suggests a population with economic and social influence well-suited to mobilizing large-scale armed expeditions.

Hyperbolic and Literal Dimensions

Ancient Near Eastern texts, including the biblical record, frequently utilize hyperbolic language. Describing an encampment “like locusts” emphasizes a formidable multitude, but does not necessarily demand a modern census-like enumeration. Even so, the phrase remains historically plausible, especially considering that multiple clans and tribal factions joined forces in seasonal campaigns.

The reliability of Scripture, which consistently weaves historical references into its narratives, is supported by broader lines of evidence, including:

• Internal consistency with other biblical passages and genealogical lines.

• Documented geographic sites and known place names confirmed by archaeological surveys (e.g., places like Ophrah in Judges 6:11).

• External Ancient Near Eastern documents (Egyptian, Moabite, and others) that also reference large-scale movements of desert tribes, even if they do not name Midianites directly in every instance.

Impact of Regional Alliances

When Judges notes the Midianites joined with the Amalekites and “peoples of the East,” it suggests a coalition that might have represented an entire season’s muster of fighting-age men. Historical parallels exist in other regions, such as the “Sea Peoples” who formed confederations and moved across territories in large numbers. Although Midian in isolation may not have boasted staggering population figures, the synergy of multiple groups easily multiplied the size of the encampment.

Evidence of Widespread Raiding

Judges 6:3–5 describes raiding tactics: “Whenever the Israelites would plant their crops, the Midianites, Amalekites, and the people of the East would come up and invade them… they would come in like a great swarm…” These cross-border raids could involve large contingents for short spans, devastating local agriculture and herds. Archaeologists examining tell (mound) sites dating to the Late Bronze and Early Iron Age (ca. 1500–1000 BC) have noted layers of destruction or abandoned settlements, possibly reflecting the impact of such raids and skirmishes. Although directly attributing them to Midianites can be challenging, the pattern of conflict mirrors the biblical account.

Lack of Permanent Midianite Cities

The Midianites were primarily nomadic or semi-nomadic, with a social structure favoring movement based on climatic and herding needs. Because of this, we do not see the vast permanent fortresses or city remains often associated with urban cultures like the Canaanites or Hittites. When evidence of Midianite living quarters does appear—such as in the Timna area—it is generally modest and indicative of a temporary settlement.

Consistency with Ancient Warfare Descriptions

Accounts from other ancient civilizations, including Egyptian and Mesopotamian texts, describe large-scale raids of pastoral tribes. The textual emphasis is frequently on overwhelming numbers, swift mobility (often aided by camels or horses), and expansive coverage. In Judges 7:12, the mention of “camels as countless as the sand on the seashore” accurately reflects the invaluable role of camels in desert campaigns and indicates a swift, far-reaching force capable of gathering quickly and covering significant terrain.

Preservation of the Biblical Account

The textual reliability of the Old Testament—including Judges—has been affirmed by an extensive manuscript tradition. The discovery of ancient manuscripts, such as the Dead Sea Scrolls, confirm the consistency of Old Testament passages over centuries. Detailed work by textual critics suggests that the transmission of Judges remains substantially accurate, giving added weight to the historical references contained within.

Conclusion

Archaeological and textual data, when all factors are considered, align with the notion that a large contingent of Midianites and their allies posed a formidable threat. While nomadic populations rarely leave behind the kind of massive city ruins or extensive written records that settled kingdoms do, we do see evidence of Midianite cultural artifacts, their widespread raiding patterns, and historical capacity to field substantial war parties with allied tribes.

Even allowing for a measure of rhetorical flair, the depiction of such an overwhelming horde can be recognized amid the broader picture of periodic tribal coalitions in the ancient Near East. The biblical text consistently portrays them as a severe threat, and outside evidence supports the presence and impact of the Midianites and their confederates, validating the core historical claim of Judges 7:12 that their force was dauntingly large—“like locusts in abundance.”