The Midianites were a nomadic people descended from Midian, a son of Abraham and Keturah (Genesis 25:1-2). Throughout the Old Testament, they are frequently depicted as adversaries of the Israelites. One of the most notable encounters between the Israelites and the Midianites is the account of their defeat by Gideon, as recorded in the Book of Judges.

Background and Oppression

During the period of the Judges, the Israelites fell into a cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. After turning away from God, they were subjected to seven years of oppression by the Midianites, who, along with the Amalekites and other eastern peoples, would invade Israel during harvest time. They would encamp against the Israelites, destroy the produce of the land, and leave no sustenance for Israel, neither sheep, nor ox, nor donkey (Judges 6:3-4). This oppression was so severe that the Israelites were forced to hide in mountain clefts, caves, and strongholds (Judges 6:2).

The Call of Gideon

In response to Israel's cries for help, the LORD raised up Gideon, the son of Joash, from the tribe of Manasseh. Gideon was initially hesitant and doubted his ability to save Israel, questioning, "How can I save Israel? Indeed, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the youngest in my father’s house" (Judges 6:15). However, the LORD assured him, "Surely I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites as one man" (Judges 6:16).

The Reduction of Gideon's Army

Gideon gathered an army of 32,000 men to fight against the Midianites, but God instructed him to reduce the number, stating, "The people with you are too many for Me to deliver Midian into their hands, lest Israel boast against Me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me’" (Judges 7:2). Through a series of tests, the army was reduced to just 300 men. This small force was chosen to demonstrate that the victory would be by God's power, not by human might.

The Battle and Victory

Gideon divided his 300 men into three companies and equipped them with trumpets, empty jars, and torches. In a surprise nighttime attack, they surrounded the Midianite camp. At Gideon's signal, they blew their trumpets, broke the jars, and shouted, "A sword for the LORD and for Gideon!" (Judges 7:20). The Midianites were thrown into confusion, and in their panic, they turned their swords against one another. The LORD caused the Midianite army to flee, and the Israelites pursued them, securing a decisive victory (Judges 7:21-22).

Aftermath and Significance

The defeat of the Midianites by Gideon was a pivotal moment in Israel's history, showcasing God's deliverance and faithfulness. It also served as a reminder of the importance of reliance on God rather than human strength. Following this victory, the land had peace for forty years during Gideon's lifetime (Judges 8:28). This account highlights the recurring theme of God's sovereignty and His ability to use unlikely individuals to accomplish His purposes.Judges 6:1
And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD delivered them into the hand of Midian seven years.
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Judges 7:1
Then Jerubbaal, who is Gideon, and all the people that were with him, rose up early, and pitched beside the well of Harod: so that the host of the Midianites were on the north side of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley.
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Judges 8:1
And the men of Ephraim said to him, Why have you served us thus, that you called us not, when you went to fight with the Midianites? And they did chide with him sharply.
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The Judges.
... (4) The Midianites came in from the east and greatly oppressed Israel until
Gideon defeated and destroyed these bold oppressors. ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter ix the judges.htm

Encouragement for the Depressed
... Then Gideon shall go forth against the Midianites; and as ... the sword of the Lord and
of Gideon at the ... stir heaven and earth, rather than be defeated in winning ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 61 1915/encouragement for the depressed.htm

The Last Farewell in the Presence of the one Hundred and Fifty ...
... [4338] or the Midianites to Moses ... How do the three hundred men with Gideon, who bravely
lapped ... of thousands whom, few as they were, they overtook and defeated? ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xlii the last farewell.htm

The Seventh Book
... 372] Against the Midianites also, who ... He left Gideon, to fight against countless
thousands of barbarians ... aid of Hunnish auxiliaries, but was defeated and captured ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the seventh book.htm

Canaan
... The Philistine forces were defeated in battle after battle ... Amalekite bands joined
with the Midianites in devastating the ... Israel in the days of Gideon, and the ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter ii canaan.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... The judges, Ehud, Deborah, Jerubbaal or Gideon and the ... case would have been Edomites
and Midianites, who were ... with no better success; they were defeated at the ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Who were the Midianites? | GotQuestions.org

Why did God command the Israelites to completely destroy the Midianites in Numbers 31:17? | GotQuestions.org

What is the significance of Midian in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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