Topical Encyclopedia The Midianites were a nomadic people descended from Midian, a son of Abraham through his wife Keturah (Genesis 25:1-2). They are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament, often as adversaries of the Israelites. The Midianites were known for their wealth, particularly in livestock and trade, and they played a significant role in the events of the Exodus and the period of the Judges.One of the most notable encounters between the Israelites and the Midianites occurred during the time of Gideon, a judge of Israel. The Midianites, along with the Amalekites and other eastern peoples, had been oppressing Israel, leading to a period of great hardship. In response to the Israelites' cries for help, God raised up Gideon to deliver them. The account of the Midianite princes being slain is found in the Book of Judges. After Gideon was called by God to lead Israel against the Midianites, he gathered an army. However, God instructed Gideon to reduce the number of his troops to ensure that the victory would be attributed to divine intervention rather than human strength. Gideon ended up with just 300 men. In a divinely orchestrated battle plan, Gideon and his men surrounded the Midianite camp at night, creating confusion and panic among the Midianites. The Midianites turned on each other, and those who survived fled. Gideon pursued them, and during this pursuit, two Midianite princes, Oreb and Zeeb, were captured and killed. Judges 7:25 records, "They captured the two princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb. They killed Oreb at the rock of Oreb and Zeeb at the winepress of Zeeb. They pursued the Midianites and brought the heads of Oreb and Zeeb to Gideon, who was by the Jordan." The defeat of the Midianites and the death of their princes marked a significant victory for Israel and demonstrated God's power and faithfulness in delivering His people. The narrative highlights the theme of divine deliverance and the importance of obedience and faith in God's plan. Later, in Judges 8, Gideon continued his pursuit of the Midianite kings Zebah and Zalmunna. After capturing them, Gideon questioned them about the men they had killed at Tabor. When they admitted to killing Gideon's brothers, Gideon executed them as retribution. Judges 8:21 states, "So Zebah and Zalmunna said, 'Rise yourself and kill us, for as the man is, so is his strength.' So Gideon arose and killed Zebah and Zalmunna, and he took the crescent ornaments that were on the necks of their camels." The slaying of the Midianite princes and kings by Gideon was a pivotal moment in Israel's history, symbolizing the triumph of God's chosen leader over the oppressors of His people. This victory brought peace to the land for a time and underscored the recurring biblical theme of God's deliverance through unlikely means and individuals. Torrey's Topical Textbook Judges 7:24,25And Gideon sent messengers throughout all mount Ephraim, saying, come down against the Midianites, and take before them the waters to Bethbarah and Jordan. Then all the men of Ephraim gathered themselves together, and took the waters to Bethbarah and Jordan. Torrey's Topical Textbook Judges 8:12,21 Library The Story of Gideon and his Three Hundred Soldiers Judges Concerning Balaam the Prophet and what Kind of Man He Was. The Nations of the South-East A Sermon Made by M. Hugh Latimer, at the Time of the Insurrection ... A Cloud of Witnesses. The Necessity of Increased Faith The Israelites Palestine under Pagan Kings. The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Resources Why is Gideon referred to as Jerubbaal? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the story of Joseph and Potiphar? | GotQuestions.org Who were the Nethinim? | 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 |
    |