a variation for מִדְיָן; {Midjan, a son of Abraham; also his country and (collectively) his descendants}; Middin.
Transliteration:Middîyn
Pronunciation:mid-deen'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term מִדִּין (Middîyn), Strong's H4081, is presented as a variant of מִדְיָן (Midyan), Strong's `{{H4080}}`. While `{{H4080}}` refers primarily to Midian, a son of Abraham by Keturah, and subsequently to his descendants (the Midianites), their territory, and their capital city, `{{H4081}}` appears to denote a specific place, a town or settlement, likely within or on the border of the broader Midianite sphere of influence, or perhaps a town named after the Midianites. Its singular occurrence in the biblical text suggests a very specific geographical rather than ethno-cultural reference, distinguishing it from the more generalized and frequently cited `{{H4080}}`.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term מִדִּין (Middîyn), Strong's `{{H4081}}`, appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the book of Joshua:
* **[[Joshua 15:61]]**: "In the wilderness, Beth-arabah, Middin, and Secacah,"
* This verse is found within the detailed description of the inheritance allotted to the tribe of Judah. Following the division of the land among the tribes, Joshua 15 meticulously lists the cities and territories assigned to Judah. The cities are categorized by region, and Middin is listed among those situated "in the wilderness." This "wilderness" (מִדְבָּר, *midbar*) typically refers to the Judean Wilderness, a desolate region stretching from the central highlands down to the Dead Sea.
* The inclusion of Middin in this list signifies its status as a recognized settlement or town within the land designated for Israel. Its placement among other towns like Beth-arabah and Secacah, which are also associated with arid or wilderness regions, reinforces its geographical context. The singular mention of Middin as a place, rather than a people or a vast territory, underscores its specific, perhaps localized, identity within the broader narrative of the conquest and settlement. It is not an ethnic designation here but a topographical marker.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is מִדְיָן (Midyan), Strong's `{{H4080}}`. This more common term refers to:
* **Midian as a person**: A son of Abraham by Keturah ([[Genesis 25:2]], [[1 Chronicles 1:32]]).
* **Midian as a people**: The descendants of Midian, known as Midianites, who frequently interacted with Israel, sometimes as allies (e.g., Joseph's sale to Midianite traders in [[Genesis 37:28]], though often conflated with Ishmaelites), but more often as adversaries (e.g., their oppression of Israel during the time of the Judges, leading to Gideon's victory in [[Judges 6-8]]).
* **Midian as a region/land**: The territory inhabited by the Midianites, generally located east of the Jordan River and the Gulf of Aqaba, extending into the Arabian Desert. Moses spent forty years in Midian ([[Exodus 2:15]], [[Exodus 3:1]]).
The relationship between `{{H4081}}` (Middîyn) and `{{H4080}}` (Midyan) is likely one of a specific place name derived from or associated with the broader Midianite identity or territory. Perhaps Middin was a border town, a former Midianite settlement now incorporated into Judah's territory, or a place named for a historical connection to the Midianites. Its inclusion in Judah's inheritance list highlights the extent of the promised land and the detailed nature of its division among the tribes, encompassing even areas that might have once been associated with external peoples.
### Theological Significance
The singular mention of Middin (`{{H4081}}`) in the biblical text carries a subtle but important theological significance, primarily within the context of God's covenant faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises regarding the land.
1. **Divine Providence and Land Allotment**: The meticulous listing of towns like Middin in [[Joshua 15]] underscores the precise and orderly nature of God's provision for His people. It demonstrates that the land promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob was indeed being allotted to their descendants, down to specific settlements, even those in challenging wilderness regions. This detail speaks to the comprehensiveness of God's plan and His commitment to establishing Israel in their inheritance.
2. **Inclusion in the Inheritance**: That a place named "Middin," potentially bearing a connection to the Midianites—a people often antagonistic to Israel—is listed as part of Judah's inheritance, suggests the full extent of the land granted by God. It may imply the complete subjugation or displacement of previous inhabitants, or the incorporation of their former settlements into the Israelite territory, signifying God's sovereign authority over all lands.
3. **Historical and Geographical Veracity**: The inclusion of such specific, even obscure, place names like Middin lends historical and geographical veracity to the biblical narrative. It reflects a deep familiarity with the topography of the land, reinforcing the Bible's claim as a record of real events in real places, guided by divine hand.
### Summary
Middin (מִדִּין, Strong's `{{H4081}}`) is a unique Hebrew term, appearing only once in the Bible in [[Joshua 15:61]]. It is understood as a geographical place name, a specific town or settlement, likely a variant spelling or localized designation related to the broader Midianite (מִדְיָן, Strong's `{{H4080}}`) people or territory. Its sole occurrence places it within the list of cities allotted to the tribe of Judah in the wilderness region, emphasizing the meticulous detail of the land division. Theologically, Middin's inclusion in this list serves as a testament to God's faithful fulfillment of His covenant promises regarding the land of Israel, demonstrating His precise provision and sovereign establishment of His people within their divinely appointed inheritance. While not a central figure or concept, its presence contributes to the rich tapestry of biblical geography and the narrative of God's orderly work in the world.
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