Introduction:
Midian refers to both a person and a geographical region in the Bible. Midian was one of the sons of Abraham through his wife Keturah, as mentioned in Genesis 25:1-2: "Now Abraham had taken another wife, named Keturah, and she bore him Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah." The descendants of Midian, known as the Midianites, played a significant role in the history of Israel, often appearing as both adversaries and allies.

Geographical Location:
The land of Midian is generally associated with the northwestern region of the Arabian Peninsula, east of the Gulf of Aqaba. It is characterized by its desert terrain and was known for its trade routes and nomadic lifestyle. The Midianites were a nomadic people, often moving through the regions of Sinai, Moab, and Edom.

Historical and Biblical Significance:

1. Moses and Midian:
After fleeing from Egypt, Moses found refuge in the land of Midian. He married Zipporah, the daughter of Jethro (also known as Reuel), the priest of Midian. This period of Moses' life is detailed in Exodus 2:15-21: "When Pharaoh heard about this, he tried to kill Moses. But Moses fled from Pharaoh and settled in the land of Midian, where he sat down beside a well." Moses' time in Midian was formative, as he encountered God in the burning bush on Mount Horeb, which is traditionally associated with the region of Midian (Exodus 3:1-2).

2. The Midianite Oppression:
The Midianites are notably remembered for their oppression of Israel during the time of the Judges. Judges 6:1-2 states, "Again the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD, so He delivered them into the hand of Midian for seven years, and the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel." This oppression led to the rise of Gideon, whom God called to deliver Israel from Midianite control. Gideon's victory over the Midianites is a testament to God's power and deliverance (Judges 7:19-25).

3. Balaam and the Midianites:
The Midianites were involved in the incident with Balaam, a prophet hired by Balak, the king of Moab, to curse Israel. Although Balaam was unable to curse Israel, he advised the Midianites to lead the Israelites into sin, resulting in God's judgment upon Israel (Numbers 25:1-9). This led to a divine command for Israel to take vengeance on the Midianites, as recorded in Numbers 31:1-12.

4. Midian in Prophecy:
The Midianites are mentioned in prophetic literature as well. Isaiah 60:6 speaks of the wealth of the nations coming to Israel, including the camels of Midian and Ephah, indicating a future time of blessing and restoration for Israel.

Cultural and Religious Practices:
The Midianites, like many ancient Near Eastern peoples, practiced a polytheistic religion. They are often associated with the worship of Baal, as seen in the narrative of Baal-Peor (Numbers 25). Their religious practices and cultural interactions with Israel often led to conflict and syncretism, which the biblical narrative condemns.

Conclusion:
The Midianites, as descendants of Abraham, hold a complex place in biblical history. They are both kin and adversaries to Israel, serving as instruments of God's judgment and as recipients of His eventual blessings. The interactions between Israel and Midian highlight themes of faithfulness, repentance, and divine sovereignty throughout the biblical narrative.

Isaiah 9:2-8
... and quelled th' oppressor's sway,. Quick as the slaughtered squadrons fell. in Midian's
evil day. To us a Child of hope is barn; to us a Son is giv'n; ...
/.../anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/19 isaiah 9 2-8.htm

China Evangelized.
... A barley-cake o'erthrew the camp. Of Midian, tent by tent,. Ere morn the trumpet
and the lamp. Through all in triumph went. Though China's sons like Midian's fill ...
/.../montgomery/sacred poems and hymns/hymn cclxv china evangelized.htm

Chapter xxv
... 2-4. And she bore to him Zimran and Jokshan and Medan and Midian and Ishbak and
Shuah. ... And the sons of Midian: Ephah and Epher and Hanoch and Abida and Eldaah. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxv.htm

The Prophet --His Youth and his Call.
... As one has finely said of a rumour of invasion:". I saw the tents of Cushan in
affliction, The curtains of Midian's land were trembling.(104). ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/lecture iii the prophethis youth.htm

Wesley's Hymns Reconsidered
... Took all our load of guilt away; From sin, the world, and Satan's yoke,. (Like Israel
saved in Midian's day,). Redeemed us by our conquering Lord,. ...
/.../the hymns of wesley and watts five papers/wesleys hymns reconsidered.htm

Midian's (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Midian's (1 Occurrence). Judges 6:14 And the LORD
turned towards him, and said: 'Go in this thy might, and ...
/m/midian's.htm - 6k

Midianitish (4 Occurrences)
... Numbers 25:15 And the name of the Midianitish woman that was slain was Cozbi, the
daughter of Zur; he was head over a people, and of a chief house in Midian. ...
/m/midianitish.htm - 8k

Midnight (14 Occurrences)

/m/midnight.htm - 12k

Midianites (30 Occurrences)
...MIDIAN; MIDIANITES. ... Moses, on fleeing from Egypt, found refuge in the land of Midian,
and became son-in-law of Jethro, the priest of Midian (Exodus 2:15, 21). ...
/m/midianites.htm - 21k

Midian (60 Occurrences)
...MIDIAN; MIDIANITES. ... Moses, on fleeing from Egypt, found refuge in the land of Midian,
and became son-in-law of Jethro, the priest of Midian (Exodus 2:15, 21). ...
/m/midian.htm - 32k

What is the significance of Midian in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Was Yahweh originally a Edomite or Canaanite god? | GotQuestions.org

Why is Gideon referred to as Jerubbaal? | GotQuestions.org

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