Topical Encyclopedia The Midianites were a nomadic people descended from Midian, one of the sons of Abraham by his wife Keturah. The account of Midian's birth is found in Genesis 25:1-2 : "Now Abraham had taken another wife, named Keturah, and she bore him Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah." As descendants of Abraham, the Midianites were distant relatives of the Israelites, yet their interactions were often marked by conflict and enmity.Geographical Location and Lifestyle The Midianites primarily inhabited the region east of the Jordan River and the Sinai Peninsula, extending into the northwestern Arabian Peninsula. They were known for their nomadic lifestyle, often dwelling in tents and moving with their herds. This mobility allowed them to engage in trade and commerce, particularly in spices and other goods, as suggested by the caravan of Ishmaelites and Midianites that transported Joseph to Egypt (Genesis 37:28). Biblical Interactions The Midianites appear in several key biblical narratives. One of the earliest interactions with the Israelites occurs during the time of Moses. After fleeing Egypt, Moses found refuge in Midian, where he married Zipporah, the daughter of Jethro, a priest of Midian (Exodus 2:15-21). Jethro later provided Moses with wise counsel on governance (Exodus 18:17-24). Despite these peaceful interactions, the Midianites are often depicted as adversaries of Israel. In Numbers 22-25, the Midianites, in alliance with the Moabites, sought to curse Israel through the prophet Balaam. When this plan failed, they resorted to seducing the Israelites into idolatry and immorality, leading to God's judgment upon Israel (Numbers 25:1-9). In response, God commanded Moses to take vengeance on the Midianites, resulting in a significant military campaign against them (Numbers 31:1-12). During the period of the Judges, the Midianites oppressed Israel for seven years, leading to the rise of Gideon as a deliverer. The Midianites, along with the Amalekites and other eastern peoples, would invade Israel during harvest time, devastating the land (Judges 6:1-6). God called Gideon to lead a small force against the Midianite army, resulting in a miraculous victory that delivered Israel from their oppression (Judges 7:19-25). Cultural and Religious Practices The Midianites, like many ancient Near Eastern peoples, practiced a polytheistic religion. Their worship included the veneration of Baal and other deities, as evidenced by the incident at Peor (Numbers 25:3). The Midianites' religious practices often led to moral and spiritual corruption, which posed a significant threat to the covenantal purity of Israel. Legacy and Influence The Midianites' interactions with Israel highlight the complex relationships between the descendants of Abraham and the surrounding nations. While they occasionally served as allies or provided refuge, their influence often led Israel into idolatry and conflict. The biblical narrative portrays the Midianites as both a tool of divine judgment and a people subject to God's sovereign purposes. The Midianites eventually faded from the biblical record, but their legacy endures as a reminder of the challenges Israel faced in maintaining faithfulness to God amidst a world of competing religious and cultural influences. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 25:1,2,4Then again Abraham took a wife, and her name was Keturah. Nave's Topical Index 1 Chronicles 1:32,33 Strong's Hebrew 4080. Midyan -- a son of Abraham and Keturah, also his desc. and ...... settled NASB Word Usage Midian (54), Midianites (5). ... same as midyan; Midjan, a son of Abraham ... his country and (collectively) his descendants -- Midian, Midianite ... /hebrew/4080.htm - 6k Library The Nations of the South-East The Israelites The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt Resources What are some biblical examples of dream interpretation? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Gideon in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about revenge? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Midianites with Amalek Opposed Gideon Midianites with the Moabites: Punished for Seducing Israel Midianites with the Moabites: Seduced Israel to Idolatry Midianites with the Moabites: Sent for Balaam to Curse Israel Midianites: A Small Part of Dwelt Near Horeb Midianites: A Small Part of Retained the Knowledge and Worship of Jehovah Midianites: A Snare to the Israelites Midianites: Allowed to Oppress Israel Midianites: And Rich Spoil Taken Midianites: Buy Joseph and Sell Him to Potiphar Midianites: Called Ishmaelites Midianites: Completeness of Their Destruction, Alluded To Midianites: Conquered by Hadad Midianites: Defeated by Gideon Midianites: Descendants of Midian, Son of Abraham by Keturah Midianites: Descended Form Midian, Son of Abraham by Keturah Midianites: Dwelt East of Jordan, Beside Moab Midianites: Engaged in Commerce Midianites: Excited by Moab Against Israel Midianites: Gideon Raised up Against Midianites: Miraculously Defeated and Destroyed by Gideon Midianites: Owned Multitudes of Camels, and Dromedaries, and Large Quantities of Gold Midianites: Prophecies Concerning Midianites: Shall Minister to Future Glory of the Church Midianites: Terrified at Approach of Israel Related Terms |
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