The Midianites were a people group that descended from Midian, one of the sons of Abraham through his wife Keturah (Genesis 25:1-2). After Sarah’s death, Abraham took another wife named Keturah who bore him six sons, one of which was Midian. Midian and his brothers were sent away to the east by Abraham while he was still living (Genesis 25:6).
The Midianites inhabited the deserts of the Arabian peninsula and became nomadic herders. They were one of the many tribal groups that populated the Ancient Near East. The Midianites were concentrated in the northern Arabian Peninsula, east of the Gulf of Aqaba, an area referred to broadly as the “land of Midian” (Exodus 2:15).
The Midianites first appear by name in Genesis 37 when Joseph was sold by his brothers to a band of Midianite merchants passing by. “Then Midianite traders passed by. And they drew Joseph up and lifted him out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver. They took Joseph to Egypt” (Genesis 37:28). This passage indicates there was some overlap and alliance between the Midianites and Ishmaelites.
Moses spent 40 years in Midian after fleeing Egypt. Exodus 2:15-22 recounts how Moses defended the seven daughters of Reuel (also called Jethro), the priest of Midian, and watered their flock. Moses ended up marrying one of Reuel’s daughters, Zipporah. So Moses’ father-in-law was a Midianite. Moses was shepherding the flock of Jethro when God called Moses from the burning bush (Exodus 3:1).
After the Exodus from Egypt, the Israelites had numerous conflicts with the Midianites recorded in Numbers 25, 31 and Joshua 13. When passing through the wilderness, many of the Israelite men began to associate with Moabite and Midianite women and adopt their pagan practices of idolatry. This incurred God’s wrath. The LORD said to Moses, “Harass the Midianites and strike them down, for they have harassed you with their wiles, with which they beguiled you in the matter of Peor, and in the matter of Cozbi, the daughter of the chief of Midian, their sister, who was killed on the day of the plague on account of Peor” (Numbers 25:16-18).
As judgment for their part in turning the Israelites to idolatry, the LORD commanded Moses, “Avenge the people of Israel on the Midianites” (Numbers 31:2). The Israelites were commanded to destroy the Midianites as judgment for their spiritual corruption. An army of 12,000 men was sent and completely destroyed the five kings of Midian along with Balaam son of Beor by the sword. The women and children were taken captive and the Midianite settlements burned (Numbers 31:7-10).
While the Midianites lived a nomadic lifestyle, excavations in northwestern Saudi Arabia have uncovered permanent stone structures that were likely Midianite dwellings. Pottery and metal tools found at the sites date back to the late second millennium BC, coinciding with the general time period the Midianites interacted with Moses and the Israelites.
The Midianites worshiped a variety of gods, including Yahweh (Exodus 18:9-12). Yahweh was likely one of many deities in the Midianite pantheon. When Moses was called by Yahweh, the Midianite priest Jethro rejoiced saying, “Blessed be the Lord [Yahweh]…Now I know that the Lord [Yahweh] is greater than all gods” (Exodus 18:10-11). Yet, the Midianites also worshiped Baal (Numbers 25:18).
While the Midianites lived a nomadic lifestyle, excavations in northwestern Saudi Arabia have uncovered permanent stone structures that were likely Midianite dwellings. Pottery and metal tools found at the sites date back to the late second millennium BC, coinciding with the general time period the Midianites interacted with Moses and the Israelites.
After their defeat by Israel, the Midianites continued to be referenced sporadically in Scripture. However, they ceased to pose a major threat. Some of the places they are mentioned include:
- The “camel caravans of Midianites” in Judges 6 may refer to northern Arabian trading caravans.
- Gideon defeated the Midianites after they had crossed over the Jordan river to raid Israelite crops (Judges 6-7).
- The Midianites joined the Amalekites and other eastern peoples to fight against Israel (Judges 6:3).
- Psalms 83:9 refers to the Assyrian defeat of the Midianites.
- Isaiah 60:6 prophesies that the wealth of Midian would one day come to Israel.
While the Midianites originated as nomadic herders, over time they established settlements in the northern Arabian Peninsula and controlled lucrative caravan trade routes. They were a constant source of spiritual corruption and oppression for the Israelites until their defeat by God’s command. The story of the Midianites provides a sober warning about allowing pagan influences to creep into the community of God’s people.
The Midianites worshiped a variety of gods, including Yahweh (Exodus 18:9-12). Yahweh was likely one of many deities in the Midianite pantheon. When Moses was called by Yahweh, the Midianite priest Jethro rejoiced saying, “Blessed be the Lord [Yahweh]…Now I know that the Lord [Yahweh] is greater than all gods” (Exodus 18:10-11). Yet, the Midianites also worshiped Baal (Numbers 25:18).
While the Midianites lived a nomadic lifestyle, excavations in northwestern Saudi Arabia have uncovered permanent stone structures that were likely Midianite dwellings. Pottery and metal tools found at the sites date back to the late second millennium BC, coinciding with the general time period the Midianites interacted with Moses and the Israelites.
After their defeat by Israel, the Midianites continued to be referenced sporadically in Scripture. However, they ceased to pose a major threat. Some of the places they are mentioned include:
- The “camel caravans of Midianites” in Judges 6 may refer to northern Arabian trading caravans.
- Gideon defeated the Midianites after they had crossed over the Jordan river to raid Israelite crops (Judges 6-7).
- The Midianites joined the Amalekites and other eastern peoples to fight against Israel (Judges 6:3).
- Psalms 83:9 refers to the Assyrian defeat of the Midianites.
- Isaiah 60:6 prophesies that the wealth of Midian would one day come to Israel.
While the Midianites originated as nomadic herders, over time they established settlements in the northern Arabian Peninsula and controlled lucrative caravan trade routes. They were a constant source of spiritual corruption and oppression for the Israelites until their defeat by God’s command. The story of the Midianites provides a sober warning about allowing pagan influences to creep into the community of God’s people.
The Midianites worshiped a variety of gods, including Yahweh (Exodus 18:9-12). Yahweh was likely one of many deities in the Midianite pantheon. When Moses was called by Yahweh, the Midianite priest Jethro rejoiced saying, “Blessed be the Lord [Yahweh]…Now I know that the Lord [Yahweh] is greater than all gods” (Exodus 18:10-11). Yet, the Midianites also worshiped Baal (Numbers 25:18).
While the Midianites lived a nomadic lifestyle, excavations in northwestern Saudi Arabia have uncovered permanent stone structures that were likely Midianite dwellings. Pottery and metal tools found at the sites date back to the late second millennium BC, coinciding with the general time period the Midianites interacted with Moses and the Israelites.
After their defeat by Israel, the Midianites continued to be referenced sporadically in Scripture. However, they ceased to pose a major threat. Some of the places they are mentioned include:
- The “camel caravans of Midianites” in Judges 6 may refer to northern Arabian trading caravans.
- Gideon defeated the Midianites after they had crossed over the Jordan river to raid Israelite crops (Judges 6-7).
- The Midianites joined the Amalekites and other eastern peoples to fight against Israel (Judges 6:3).
- Psalms 83:9 refers to the Assyrian defeat of the Midianites.
- Isaiah 60:6 prophesies that the wealth of Midian would one day come to Israel.
While the Midianites originated as nomadic herders, over time they established settlements in the northern Arabian Peninsula and controlled lucrative caravan trade routes. They were a constant source of spiritual corruption and oppression for the Israelites until their defeat by God’s command. The story of the Midianites provides a sober warning about allowing pagan influences to creep into the community of God’s people.
The Midianites worshiped a variety of gods, including Yahweh (Exodus 18:9-12). Yahweh was likely one of many deities in the Midianite pantheon. When Moses was called by Yahweh, the Midianite priest Jethro rejoiced saying, “Blessed be the Lord [Yahweh]…Now I know that the Lord [Yahweh] is greater than all gods” (Exodus 18:10-11). Yet, the Midianites also worshiped Baal (Numbers 25:18).
While the Midianites lived a nomadic lifestyle, excavations in northwestern Saudi Arabia have uncovered permanent stone structures that were likely Midianite dwellings. Pottery and metal tools found at the sites date back to the late second millennium BC, coinciding with the general time period the Midianites interacted with Moses and the Israelites.
After their defeat by Israel, the Midianites continued to be referenced sporadically in Scripture. However, they ceased to pose a major threat. Some of the places they are mentioned include:
- The “camel caravans of Midianites” in Judges 6 may refer to northern Arabian trading caravans.
- Gideon defeated the Midianites after they had crossed over the Jordan river to raid Israelite crops (Judges 6-7).
- The Midianites joined the Amalekites and other eastern peoples to fight against Israel (Judges 6:3).
- Psalms 83:9 refers to the Assyrian defeat of the Midianites.
- Isaiah 60:6 prophesies that the wealth of Midian would one day come to Israel.
While the Midianites originated as nomadic herders, over time they established settlements in the northern Arabian Peninsula and controlled lucrative caravan trade routes. They were a constant source of spiritual corruption and oppression for the Israelites until their defeat by God’s command. The story of the Midianites provides a sober warning about allowing pagan influences to creep into the community of God’s people.
The Midianites worshiped a variety of gods, including Yahweh (Exodus 18:9-12). Yahweh was likely one of many deities in the Midianite pantheon. When Moses was called by Yahweh, the Midianite priest Jethro rejoiced saying, “Blessed be the Lord [Yahweh]…Now I know that the Lord [Yahweh] is greater than all gods” (Exodus 18:10-11). Yet, the Midianites also worshiped Baal (Numbers 25:18).
While the Midianites lived a nomadic lifestyle, excavations in northwestern Saudi Arabia have uncovered permanent stone structures that were likely Midianite dwellings. Pottery and metal tools found at the sites date back to the late second millennium BC, coinciding with the general time period the Midianites interacted with Moses and the Israelites.
After their defeat by Israel, the Midianites continued to be referenced sporadically in Scripture. However, they ceased to pose a major threat. Some of the places they are mentioned include:
- The “camel caravans of Midianites” in Judges 6 may refer to northern Arabian trading caravans.
- Gideon defeated the Midianites after they had crossed over the Jordan river to raid Israelite crops (Judges 6-7).
- The Midianites joined the Amalekites and other eastern peoples to fight against Israel (Judges 6:3).
- Psalms 83:9 refers to the Assyrian defeat of the Midianites.
- Isaiah 60:6 prophesies that the wealth of Midian would one day come to Israel.
While the Midianites originated as nomadic herders, over time they established settlements in the northern Arabian Peninsula and controlled lucrative caravan trade routes. They were a constant source of spiritual corruption and oppression for the Israelites until their defeat by God’s command. The story of the Midianites provides a sober warning about allowing pagan influences to creep into the community of God’s people.
The Midianites worshiped a variety of gods, including Yahweh (Exodus 18:9-12). Yahweh was likely one of many deities in the Midianite pantheon. When Moses was called by Yahweh, the Midianite priest Jethro rejoiced saying, “Blessed be the Lord [Yahweh]…Now I know that the Lord [Yahweh] is greater than all gods” (Exodus 18:10-11). Yet, the Midianites also worshiped Baal (Numbers 25:18).
While the Midianites lived a nomadic lifestyle, excavations in northwestern Saudi Arabia have uncovered permanent stone structures that were likely Midianite dwellings. Pottery and metal tools found at the sites date back to the late second millennium BC, coinciding with the general time period the Midianites interacted with Moses and the Israelites.
After their defeat by Israel, the Midianites continued to be referenced sporadically in Scripture. However, they ceased to pose a major threat. Some of the places they are mentioned include:
- The “camel caravans of Midianites” in Judges 6 may refer to northern Arabian trading caravans.
- Gideon defeated the Midianites after they had crossed over the Jordan river to raid Israelite crops (Judges 6-7).
- The Midianites joined the Amalekites and other eastern peoples to fight against Israel (Judges 6:3).
- Psalms 83:9 refers to the Assyrian defeat of the Midianites.
- Isaiah 60:6 prophesies that the wealth of Midian would one day come to Israel.
While the Midianites originated as nomadic herders, over time they established settlements in the northern Arabian Peninsula and controlled lucrative caravan trade routes. They were a constant source of spiritual corruption and oppression for the Israelites until their defeat by God’s command. The story of the Midianites provides a sober warning about allowing pagan influences to creep into the community of God’s people.