Topical Encyclopedia The Midianites, descendants of Midian, a son of Abraham by Keturah (Genesis 25:1-2), play a significant role in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of their interactions with the Israelites. The Midianites were a nomadic people who inhabited the region east of the Jordan River and the Sinai Peninsula. Throughout the Old Testament, they are frequently mentioned in connection with various events and prophecies.Prophetic Context in the Pentateuch The Midianites first appear in the biblical narrative during the time of Moses. In Numbers 22-25, they are associated with the Moabites in their attempt to curse Israel through the prophet Balaam. This incident leads to a divine judgment against them. In Numbers 25:16-18, the LORD commands Moses to treat the Midianites as enemies because they deceived the Israelites into idolatry and immorality at Peor: "The LORD said to Moses, 'Treat the Midianites as enemies and strike them down, for they treated you as enemies when they deceived you in the Peor incident involving their sister Cozbi, the daughter of a Midianite leader, who was killed on the day of the plague because of Peor.'" This command is fulfilled in Numbers 31, where Moses sends a thousand men from each tribe to war against Midian, resulting in the defeat of the Midianite kings and the death of Balaam. This event is a direct fulfillment of the divine directive and serves as a judgment against the Midianites for their role in leading Israel astray. Prophetic References in the Historical Books The Midianites reappear during the time of the Judges, where they are depicted as oppressors of Israel. Judges 6-8 recounts the account of Gideon, whom God raises up to deliver Israel from Midianite oppression. The Midianites, along with the Amalekites and other eastern peoples, would invade Israel, destroying crops and causing great distress. In Judges 6:14, the LORD commissions Gideon: "The LORD turned to him and said, 'Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?'" Gideon's victory over the Midianites is a significant event, demonstrating God's power and faithfulness to deliver His people. The defeat of the Midianites is prophesied through a dream given to a Midianite soldier, which Gideon overhears, confirming God's promise of victory (Judges 7:13-14). Prophetic Imagery in the Prophets The prophets also reference the Midianites in their oracles, often using them as a symbol of God's deliverance and judgment. In Isaiah 9:4, the prophet speaks of a future deliverance for Israel, likening it to the day of Midian's defeat: "For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, You have shattered the yoke of their burden, the bar across their shoulders, and the rod of their oppressor." This reference to the Midianite defeat under Gideon serves as a metaphor for the ultimate deliverance that God will bring to His people. Similarly, in Habakkuk 3:7, the prophet mentions the tents of Midian in the context of God's powerful intervention in history: "I saw the tents of Cushan in distress; the dwellings of Midian were trembling." This imagery underscores the fear and trembling that accompany the manifestation of God's judgment and salvation. Throughout the biblical narrative, the Midianites serve as both a literal and symbolic representation of opposition to God's people. The prophecies concerning them highlight themes of divine judgment, deliverance, and the ultimate triumph of God's purposes. Nave's Topical Index Isaiah 60:6The multitude of camels shall cover you, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense; and they shall show forth the praises of the LORD. Nave's Topical Index Habakkuk 3:7 Library Concerning Balaam the Prophet and what Kind of Man He Was. The Antiquities of the Jews Discouragement Balaam The Pentateuch. Of the Three Woe Trumpets. And ii. The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt Resources Who were the Midianites? | GotQuestions.orgWhy 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 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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