The Midianites, descendants of Midian, a son of Abraham by Keturah (Genesis 25:1-2), are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament as adversaries of the Israelites. Their interactions with Israel are marked by conflict and divine judgment, culminating in their near-total destruction as recorded in the Scriptures.

The Midianites first appear as a significant threat during the time of Moses. In Numbers 22-25, they join forces with the Moabites to hire Balaam to curse Israel. When this plan fails, they resort to seducing the Israelites into idolatry and immorality, leading to a divine plague that kills 24,000 Israelites (Numbers 25:1-9). This act of treachery incurs God's wrath, prompting a command for their destruction.

The completeness of the Midianites' destruction is vividly described in Numbers 31. God instructs Moses to take vengeance on the Midianites, and a thousand men from each tribe of Israel are sent to war against them. The campaign is thorough: "They waged war against Midian, as the LORD had commanded Moses, and they killed every male" (Numbers 31:7). The Israelites also kill the five kings of Midian and Balaam, who had counseled the Midianites (Numbers 31:8).

The destruction extends beyond the battlefield. The Israelites capture the women and children, seize livestock, and burn all the Midianite cities and encampments (Numbers 31:9-11). However, Moses commands that all the male children and non-virgin women be killed, ensuring that no future threat arises from the Midianite lineage (Numbers 31:17-18).

The annihilation of the Midianites serves as a divine retribution for their role in leading Israel into sin. It underscores the severity of God's judgment against those who oppose His chosen people and His covenant. The Midianites' destruction is alluded to in later biblical texts as a symbol of God's deliverance and justice. For instance, in Judges 6-8, the Midianites reappear as oppressors of Israel, only to be decisively defeated by Gideon, further emphasizing their ultimate downfall.

The prophetic literature also reflects on the Midianites' fate. In Isaiah 9:4, the prophet speaks of breaking the yoke of oppression "as in the day of Midian," alluding to the comprehensive victory God granted Israel over their enemies. This reference serves as a reminder of God's power to deliver His people and execute judgment on those who lead them astray.

The narrative of the Midianites' destruction is a testament to the seriousness with which God regards His covenant and the lengths to which He will go to protect and purify His people. It serves as a historical and theological marker of divine justice, illustrating the consequences of enmity against God's purposes.Psalm 83:9-11
Do to them as to the Midianites; as to Sisera, as to Jabin, at the brook of Kison:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 9:4
For you have broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian.
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Isaiah 10:26
And the LORD of hosts shall stir up a whip for him according to the slaughter of Midian at the rock of Oreb: and as his rod was on the sea, so shall he lift it up after the manner of Egypt.
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