Topical Bible: Unholy Fear: Midianites

◄ Unholy Fear: Midianites ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Midianites, descendants of Midian, a son of Abraham by his concubine 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, idolatry, and divine judgment, often instilling an unholy fear among the Israelites.

Historical Context and Biblical Narrative

The Midianites first appear in the biblical narrative as traders to whom Joseph was sold by his brothers (Genesis 37:28). However, their most significant interactions with Israel occur during the period of the Exodus and the Judges.

During the Exodus, the Midianites are associated with the Moabites in their opposition to Israel. In Numbers 22-24, Balak, the king of Moab, allies with the Midianites to hire Balaam to curse Israel. This alliance leads to the seduction of the Israelites into idolatry and immorality at Peor, provoking God's wrath (Numbers 25:1-3). The Lord commands Moses to take vengeance on the Midianites, resulting in a military campaign that decimates their forces (Numbers 31:1-12).

In the time of the Judges, the Midianites again become a significant threat. Judges 6-8 recounts how they, along with the Amalekites and other eastern peoples, oppressed Israel for seven years. The Midianites' raids were so severe that the Israelites were driven to hide in mountain clefts and caves (Judges 6:2). This oppression led to a pervasive fear among the Israelites, who cried out to the Lord for deliverance.

Gideon's Deliverance

God raised up Gideon as a judge to deliver Israel from the Midianite oppression. Despite his initial fear and reluctance, Gideon is assured by God, "The LORD is with you, mighty warrior" (Judges 6:12). Gideon's account is a testament to overcoming unholy fear through faith and obedience to God. With a mere 300 men, Gideon defeats the vast Midianite army, demonstrating that victory comes not by human might but by divine intervention (Judges 7:7, 22).

Spiritual Implications

The Midianites symbolize the spiritual and moral threats that lead to unholy fear and compromise among God's people. Their influence often resulted in Israel's idolatry and disobedience, which brought about divine judgment. The fear of the Midianites was rooted in a lack of trust in God's promises and power.

The narrative of the Midianites serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of succumbing to fear and the importance of relying on God's strength. It underscores the need for spiritual vigilance and faithfulness to God's covenant, as well as the assurance that God is faithful to deliver His people when they turn to Him in repentance and faith.

Key Verses

· "The LORD said to Moses, 'Take vengeance on the Midianites for the Israelites. After that, you will be gathered to your people.'" (Numbers 31:1-2)
· "The LORD is with you, mighty warrior." (Judges 6:12)
· "The LORD said to Gideon, 'With the three hundred men that lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hands. Let all the others go home.'" (Judges 7:7)

The account of the Midianites and their interactions with Israel highlights the recurring theme of unholy fear and the necessity of trusting in God's deliverance.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Judges 7:21,22
And they stood every man in his place round about the camp; and all the host ran, and cried, and fled.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of Preparation.
... from above, strikes down the tents of the Midianites of infernal ... all my neighbours:
that living in thy fear, I may ... makes the use of all holy things unholy to us ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bayly/the practice of piety/i of preparation.htm

The Last Farewell in the Presence of the one Hundred and Fifty ...
... whom his blood was righteously shed for his unholy sheddings of ... [4338] or the Midianites
to Moses ... in their teaching, or under pressure of fear, being themselves ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xlii the last farewell.htm