What does the Bible say about midianites?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible presents the Midianites as descendants of Abraham who at times showed kindness to God’s people but also became enemies whose rebellion brought divine judgment. Genesis 25:1-2 and 1 Chronicles 1:32 trace them through Abraham and Keturah. Moses found refuge in Midian, married into Jethro’s family, and received Jethro’s joyful confession that the Lord is greater than all gods (Exodus 2:15-16; 3:1; 18:9-12). Yet in Numbers 22:1-4, Midian joined Moab in fearing and opposing Israel, and Numbers 31:8 records judgment on Midian’s leaders. Their history displays both God’s common grace among the nations and His holy defense of His covenant people.
Study outline
Curated topical outlines from classic public-domain study works.
Nave's Topical Bible
- Descendants of Midian, son of Abraham by Keturah Genesis 25:1; Genesis 25:2; Genesis 25:4; 1 Chronicles 1:32; 1 Chronicles 1:33
- Called ISHMAELITES Genesis 37:25; Genesis 37:28; Judges 8:24
- Were merchantmen Genesis 37:28
- Buy Joseph and sell him to Potiphar Genesis 37:28; Genesis 37:36
- Defeated by the Israelites under Phineas
- Five of their kings killed
- The women taken captive
- Cities burned
- And rich spoil taken Numbers 31
- Defeated by Gideon Judges 6; Judges 7; Judges 8
- Owned multitudes of camels, and dromedaries, and large quantities of gold Isaiah 60:6
- A snare to the Israelites Numbers 25:16-18
- Prophecies concerning Isaiah 60:6; Habakkuk 3:7
Torrey's New Topical Textbook
- Descended form Midian, son of Abraham by Keturah Genesis 25:1; Genesis 25:2; 1 Chronicles 1:32
- Dwelt east of Jordan, beside Moab Numbers 22:1; Numbers 22:4
- A small part of
- Dwelt near Horeb Exodus 2:15; Exodus 3:1
- Retained the knowledge and worship of Jehovah Exodus 2:16; Exodus 18:9-12
- Governed by kings Numbers 31:8; Judges 8:5
- Dwelt in tents Habakkuk 3:7
- Engaged in commerce Genesis 37:28; Genesis 37:36
- Conquered by Hadad Genesis 36:25; 1 Chronicles 1:46
- Excited by Moab against Israel Numbers 22:4
- Terrified at approach of Israel Habakkuk 3:3-7
- With the moabites
- Sent for Balaam to curse Israel Numbers 22:5-7
- Seduced Israel to idolatry Numbers 25:1-6
- Punished for seducing Israel Numbers 25:16-18; Numbers 31:1-12
- Allowed to oppress Israel Judges 6:1-6
- Gideon raised up against Judges 6:11-14
- With Amalek, &c opposed Gideon Judges 6:33
- Miraculously defeated and destroyed by Gideon Judges 7:16-22; Judges 8:10; Judges 8:11
- Princes of, slain Judges 7:24; Judges 7:25; Judges 8:12; Judges 8:21
- Completeness of their destruction, alluded to Psalms 83:9-11; Isaiah 9:4; Isaiah 10:26
- Shall minister to future glory of the church Isaiah 60:6
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