Topical Bible: Armies: March in Ranks: Among the Midianites

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Midianites, a nomadic people frequently mentioned in the Old Testament, were known for their military prowess and strategic organization. Their ability to march in ranks and execute coordinated attacks is notably illustrated in the biblical narrative of Gideon, found in the Book of Judges.

Historical Context

The Midianites were descendants of Midian, a son of Abraham by his concubine Keturah (Genesis 25:1-2). They inhabited the region east of the Jordan River and the Sinai Peninsula. As a nomadic tribe, the Midianites were skilled in desert warfare and often engaged in raids against settled communities, including the Israelites.

Military Organization

The Midianite army is depicted as a formidable force, capable of organizing large-scale military campaigns. In Judges 6-8, the Midianites, along with the Amalekites and other eastern peoples, are described as "numerous as locusts" (Judges 6:5), indicating their vast numbers and the disciplined manner in which they moved and encamped.

The Battle Against Gideon

The most significant biblical account of the Midianite army is their confrontation with Gideon. The Midianites had oppressed Israel for seven years, leading to a divine call for Gideon to deliver his people. The Midianite forces, described as "settled in the valley like a swarm of locusts" (Judges 7:12), were well-organized and intimidating.

Gideon's strategy, under divine guidance, involved reducing his own army to a mere 300 men to ensure that the victory would be attributed to God's intervention rather than human strength. The Midianites' disciplined ranks were thrown into chaos when Gideon's men, equipped with trumpets and torches concealed in jars, launched a surprise attack at night. The sound of the trumpets and the sudden appearance of lights caused confusion among the Midianites, leading them to turn on each other in panic (Judges 7:19-22).

Significance

The account of the Midianite army marching in ranks highlights the importance of military organization and the potential for divine intervention to disrupt even the most disciplined forces. The Midianites' ability to march in ranks underscores their military capabilities, yet their defeat by Gideon's small band of men serves as a testament to the power of faith and divine providence in overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds.

Conclusion

The Midianites' military organization and their ability to march in ranks are emblematic of their strength and strategic acumen. However, their defeat at the hands of Gideon illustrates a recurring biblical theme: that human strength and organization are ultimately subject to the will and power of God.

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Judges 7:21
And they stood every man in his place round about the camp; and all the host ran, and cried, and fled.
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Library

'Fit, Though Few'
... The narrative shows us the two armies confronting each ... the Midianites were on their
homeward march, laden with ... from this thinning of the ranks; namely, that we ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/fit though few.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... river, the river Kishon."O my soul, march on with ... at the head of his own contingent.*
Their armies were made ... the Kenites took the first place among them, and ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm