Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ISBE • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: Madian, often referred to as Midian in many biblical translations, is a significant region and people group mentioned in the Bible. The Midianites, descendants of Abraham through his wife Keturah, play a crucial role in various biblical narratives, particularly in the Old Testament. The land of Midian is generally associated with the northwestern Arabian Peninsula, near the Gulf of Aqaba. Biblical References and Historical Context: The Midianites are first introduced in Genesis 25:1-2, where it is recorded that Abraham took another wife, Keturah, and she bore him several children, including Midian. This lineage establishes the Midianites as distant relatives of the Israelites. In the narrative of Joseph, the Midianites are mentioned as traders who played a part in Joseph's journey to Egypt. Genesis 37:28 states, "When the Midianite merchants passed by, his brothers pulled Joseph out of the pit and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt." The most notable interaction between the Israelites and the Midianites occurs during the time of Moses. After fleeing Egypt, Moses finds refuge in Midian, where he marries Zipporah, the daughter of Jethro, the priest of Midian (Exodus 2:15-21). This period in Midian is pivotal for Moses, as it is here that he encounters the burning bush and receives his divine commission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt (Exodus 3:1-10). The Midianites later become adversaries of Israel during their wilderness wanderings. In Numbers 25, the Israelites are led into sin through the influence of Midianite women, resulting in a divine plague. In response, God commands Moses to take vengeance on the Midianites (Numbers 25:16-18). This leads to a military campaign against Midian, as recorded in Numbers 31, where the Israelites defeat the Midianites and execute judgment upon them. Cultural and Religious Significance: The Midianites were a nomadic people, often associated with trade and commerce. Their interactions with the Israelites were complex, ranging from familial ties to hostile encounters. The Midianites worshiped a variety of deities, which sometimes influenced the Israelites, leading them into idolatry and away from the worship of Yahweh. Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, is a significant figure in the biblical narrative, representing a positive interaction between the Israelites and the Midianites. As a priest of Midian, Jethro acknowledges the power of Yahweh and offers wise counsel to Moses, suggesting the establishment of a judicial system to help govern the people (Exodus 18:13-24). Prophetic and Theological Themes: The account of Midian serves as a backdrop for several theological themes in the Bible. The Midianites' role in the narrative of Joseph highlights God's providence and the unfolding of His plan for Israel. Moses' time in Midian underscores themes of preparation and divine calling, as God uses this period to equip Moses for his leadership role. The conflict with Midian in the wilderness illustrates the dangers of idolatry and the importance of faithfulness to God's covenant. The judgment against Midian serves as a reminder of God's holiness and the consequences of leading His people astray. Conclusion: While the Midianites are often portrayed as adversaries in the biblical narrative, their interactions with the Israelites are multifaceted, involving both conflict and cooperation. The accounts involving Midian provide valuable insights into the challenges faced by the Israelites and the overarching narrative of God's redemptive plan for His people. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary Madianjudgment; striving; covering; chiding Smith's Bible Dictionary MadianInternational Standard Bible Encyclopedia MADIANma'-i-an (the King James Version Judith 2:26; Acts 7:29 the King James Version). Greek 3099. Madiam -- Midian, a region of Arabia ... Madian. Of Hebrew origin (Midyan); Madian (ie Midian), a region of Arabia -- Madian. see HEBREW Midyan. (madiam) -- 1 Occurrence. 3098, 3099. Madiam. 3100 ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3099.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 4075. Maday -- an inhabitant of Media... of Media NASB Word Usage Mede (1). Mede. Patrial from Maday; a Madian or native of Madai -- Mede. see HEBREW Maday. 4074, 4075. Maday. 4076 . Strong's Numbers /hebrew/4075.htm - 6k Library Psalm LXXXIII. Further Exposition of the Heresy of the Naasseni; Profess to ... How the Nation of the Troglodytes were Derived from Abraham by ... Whether it is Lawful for Clerics to Kill Evil-Doers? Examples of Such Offences under the Old Dispensation no Pattern ... Aron, Brother of Moses, 486, 487. The Journey of the Three Holy Kings to Bethlehem Thesaurus Madian (1 Occurrence)...MADIAN. ma'-i-an (the King James Version Judith 2:26; Acts 7:29 the King James Version). See MIDIAN. Multi-Version Concordance Madian (1 Occurrence). ... /m/madian.htm - 6k Madly (2 Occurrences) Madiam (1 Occurrence) Begat (112 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Madian (1 Occurrence)Acts 7:29 Subtopics Related Terms |
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