Who Was Midian in the Bible?
Man Living at the Time of the Patriarchs
Midian is a figure from the time of the Patriarchs, mentioned in Genesis 25:2. He was the son of Abraham and Keturah, making him a half-brother of Ishmael and Isaac and a full brother of Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Ishbak, and Shuah (Genesis 25:2; 1 Chronicles 1:32-33). Midian was the father of five sons: Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah (Genesis 25:4; 1 Chronicles 1:32-33).
The Significance of Midian in the Biblical Narrative
The Descendants of Midian
The descendants of Midian, known as the Midianites, play a significant role in various biblical narratives. The Midianites were a nomadic people who interacted frequently with the Israelites. They are notable for their complex and often adversarial relationship with the descendants of Jacob.
Moses and the Midianites
One of the most well-known connections between the Midianites and the Israelites is the story of Moses. After fleeing Egypt for killing an Egyptian, Moses took refuge in Midian. There, he married Zipporah, the daughter of Jethro (also called Reuel), a priest of Midian (Exodus 2:15-21). This period in Midian was crucial for Moses, providing a time of preparation before he was called by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.
“Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters, and they came and drew water and filled the troughs to water their father’s flock. The shepherds came and drove them away, but Moses stood up and saved them, and watered their flock.” (Exodus 2:16-17, ESV)
The Midianites and Balaam
In the book of Numbers, the Midianites allied with the Moabites to oppose the Israelites. They hired Balaam to curse Israel, but God intervened, and instead, Balaam blessed the Israelites. This narrative includes the famous incident of Balaam’s talking donkey (Numbers 22-24).
“Come now, I will bring you to a place where you can see them; you will see only a part but not all of them. And from there curse them for me.” (Numbers 23:13, ESV)
The Seduction and Idolatry
The Midianites also played a role in leading the Israelites into idolatry. They seduced the Israelites to worship Baal of Peor, resulting in a plague that killed 24,000 Israelites (Numbers 25). This event led to God’s command to Moses to take vengeance on the Midianites, resulting in a subsequent war (Numbers 31).
“While Israel lived in Shittim, the people began to whore with the daughters of Moab. These invited the people to the sacrifices of their gods, and the people ate and bowed down to their gods.” (Numbers 25:1-2, ESV)
Lessons for the Modern Christian
The Importance of Obedience and Faithfulness
The story of Midian and his descendants teaches modern Christians the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God. The Midianites’ seduction of the Israelites into idolatry serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of straying from God’s commands. Believers are reminded to remain vigilant and faithful in their walk with God, avoiding the temptations that lead to spiritual downfall.
God’s Sovereignty and Protection
The narratives involving Midian highlight God’s sovereignty and protection over His people. Despite the Midianites’ attempts to curse and seduce the Israelites, God’s purposes prevailed. This reassures Christians that God is in control and will protect and guide them through challenges and opposition.
The Role of Preparation
Moses’ time in Midian was a period of preparation for his future leadership. This emphasizes the importance of seasons of preparation and growth in the Christian life. God often uses times of waiting and obscurity to prepare believers for the tasks He has planned for them.
Connection to a Loving God
God’s Patience and Redemption
The story of the Midianites and their interactions with the Israelites shows God’s patience and His desire for His people to return to Him. Despite their repeated failures, God provided opportunities for repentance and restoration. This reflects God’s loving nature and His continual call for believers to return to Him.
God’s Provision and Guidance
Through the story of Moses and the Midianites, God’s provision and guidance are evident. He provided refuge for Moses in Midian and guided him back to Egypt to fulfill his mission. This demonstrates God’s faithful provision and guidance in the lives of His people, assuring them of His constant care.
Connection to Jesus Christ
The Ultimate Deliverer
Moses, who found refuge in Midian and later led the Israelites out of Egypt, is a type of Christ, the ultimate Deliverer. Just as Moses delivered the Israelites from physical bondage, Jesus delivers humanity from the bondage of sin. Christians can see in Moses’ story a foreshadowing of the greater deliverance brought by Jesus Christ.
The Call to Faithfulness
The call to faithfulness seen in the narrative of Midian and the Israelites is echoed in the teachings of Jesus. Christ calls His followers to remain faithful, resist temptation, and live lives of obedience to God. The story of the Midianites serves as a reminder of the importance of heeding this call.
Redemption and Restoration
The cycles of sin and restoration in the Old Testament find their ultimate resolution in Jesus Christ. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus offers complete redemption and restoration, fulfilling God’s promises and providing a way for believers to be reconciled with God.
Conclusion
Midian, a figure from the time of the Patriarchs, and his descendants, the Midianites, play significant roles in the biblical narrative. From providing refuge for Moses to leading Israel into idolatry, their story is rich with lessons for modern Christians. The importance of obedience, God’s sovereignty and protection, and the role of preparation are key takeaways from their story. Additionally, the narratives involving Midian highlight God’s loving nature, His provision, and the ultimate redemption found in Jesus Christ. By understanding the story of Midian, believers can gain deeper insights into God’s faithfulness and the call to live lives of faith and obedience.