### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Midyân**, represented by `{{H4080}}`, refers to a son of Abraham, as well as the country and descendants named after him. It is used to mean **Midian** or **Midianite**. It appears **59 times** across **55 unique verses**, primarily documenting the lineage and interactions of this people with Israel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, Midian's story begins with genealogy, as Midian is listed as a son of Abraham through Keturah ([[Genesis 25:2]], [[1 Chronicles 1:32]]). The land of Midian served as a place of refuge for Moses after he fled from Pharaoh [[Exodus 2:15]]. There, he met the seven daughters of the priest of Midian, Jethro, who would become his father-in-law ([[Exodus 2:16]], [[Exodus 3:1]]). Later, the relationship soured as the elders of Midian conspired with Moab against Israel [[Numbers 22:4]]. This led to a war where Israel, commanded by the LORD, avenged themselves upon Midian, slaying their five kings: Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba ([[Numbers 31:3]], [[Numbers 31:8]]). The most significant conflict occurs in the book of Judges, where the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel for seven years [[Judges 6:1-2]]. God raised up Gideon to deliver his people, miraculously defeating the vast Midianite host, which was described as being like grasshoppers for multitude ([[Judges 7:12]], [[Judges 7:14]]). The conflict culminated in the death of the Midianite princes Oreb and Zeeb [[Judges 7:25]] and the kings Zebah and Zalmunna [[Judges 8:12]], leading to Midian being subdued before Israel [[Judges 8:28]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words and names are central to the story of Midian:
* `{{H4084}}` **Midyânîy** (Midianite): The term used to describe the people or a native of Midjan. It is used interchangeably with Midian to refer to the descendants, such as the Midianite merchantmen who bought Joseph [[Genesis 37:28]].
* `{{H1439}}` **Gidʻôwn** (Gideon): The Israelite judge chosen by God to save Israel from the hand of the Midianites [[Judges 6:13-14]]. His story is defined by his divinely empowered victory over the overwhelming Midianite army.
* `{{H3503}}` **Yithrôw** (Jethro): The priest of Midian and father-in-law of Moses, who represents a period of amicable relations between Israel and Midian [[Exodus 18:1]].
* `{{H6159}}` **ʻÔrêb** (Oreb): A prince of Midian whose slaying at the rock named after him became a memorable symbol of God's victory over Israel's oppressors ([[Judges 7:25]], [[Isaiah 10:26]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H4080}}` is demonstrated through Midian's role in Israel's history.
* **Instrument of Divine Discipline:** Due to Israel's evil in the sight of the LORD, God delivered them into the hand of Midian for seven years, showing how a nation could be used to enact divine judgment [[Judges 6:1]].
* **Symbol of Insurmountable Opposition:** The Midianite army's vastness, with camels "without number, as the sand by the sea side" [[Judges 7:12]], served to highlight the impossibility of Israel's victory through human strength alone.
* **Example of God's Salvation:** The defeat of Midian by Gideon's small force demonstrated God's power to save His people, not by might, but by His own hand [[Judges 7:2]]. This event became a historical benchmark, with Isaiah referring to the "day of Midian" as the archetype for breaking the oppressor's yoke [[Isaiah 9:4]].
* **Prophetic Hope:** In a dramatic turn from its role as an enemy, Midian is mentioned in prophecy as one of the peoples who will come to worship God, bringing gold and incense to "shew forth the praises of the LORD" [[Isaiah 60:6]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4080}}` **Midyân** represents far more than just a name in Abraham's lineage. The narrative transforms Midian from a kinsman to a place of refuge for Moses, and later into a powerful oppressor used for God's purposes. The account of Israel's deliverance from Midian stands as a powerful testament to God's salvation, making the "day of Midian" a recurring symbol of divine victory over overwhelming forces. Finally, prophecy reveals a future where even this historic enemy is included among the nations that praise God.
TRV