Midian was both a person and a region associated with several key biblical events. The man Midian was one of the sons of Abraham by his wife Keturah (Genesis 25:1–2). His descendants became known as the Midianites, a nomadic people living in the region east and south of the Promised Land, especially in areas of the Sinai Peninsula and northwestern Arabia.
The land of Midian is first notably referenced during Moses’ flight from Egypt. After killing an Egyptian, Moses fled to Midian and settled there (Exodus 2:15). He met the daughters of Reuel (also called Jethro), the priest of Midian, and married Zipporah, one of his daughters (Exodus 2:21). Moses spent forty years in Midian as a shepherd. It was on Mount Horeb, in the land of Midian, that God appeared to him in the burning bush and called him to deliver Israel from Egypt (Exodus 3:1–10).
Later, the Midianites became adversaries of Israel. In Numbers 22–25, Midianite women, along with Moabite women, seduced Israel into idolatry and immorality at Baal Peor, leading to divine judgment. As a result, the Lord commanded Moses to take vengeance on the Midianites (Numbers 25:16–18; 31:1–3). A campaign was carried out in which the Israelites defeated Midian, killing many, including five kings and the prophet Balaam (Numbers 31:7–8).
During the period of the judges, the Midianites again oppressed Israel. For seven years they devastated the land until God raised up Gideon to deliver Israel. With only three hundred men, Gideon defeated a vast Midianite army by God’s direction (Judges 6–8). This deliverance showed God’s power and His response to Israel’s cry for help.
Midian is thus associated with both refuge and opposition. It was a place of preparation for Moses, yet also became an enemy of God’s people due to idolatry and aggression. The history of Midian emphasizes God’s providence in preparing His servants and His justice in defending His covenant people.
