For the Midianites came with their livestock and their tents like a great swarm of locusts. They and their camels were innumerable, and they entered the land to ravage it. For the Midianites cameThe Midianites were descendants of Midian, a son of Abraham by Keturah ( Genesis 25:1-2). Historically, they were a nomadic people known for their trade and raids. In the context of Judges, they represent a recurring threat to Israel, symbolizing the consequences of Israel's disobedience to God. Their coming signifies a period of oppression and serves as a divine instrument to bring Israel back to repentance. with their livestock and their tents
This phrase highlights the nomadic lifestyle of the Midianites. Their livestock and tents indicate a mobile society, capable of moving quickly and efficiently. The presence of livestock suggests wealth and sustenance, while tents imply temporary settlements, emphasizing their transient nature. This mobility allowed them to invade and exploit the resources of the Israelites effectively. like a great swarm of locusts
The comparison to locusts is significant in the biblical context. Locusts are often used as a metaphor for destruction and overwhelming numbers (Exodus 10:12-15, Joel 1:4). This imagery conveys the vastness and destructiveness of the Midianite invasion, overwhelming the land and stripping it of its resources, leaving nothing behind for the Israelites. They and their camels were innumerable
Camels were a relatively new addition to warfare and trade during this period, giving the Midianites a strategic advantage. The mention of camels underscores the scale and modernity of the Midianite forces. The term "innumerable" emphasizes the overwhelming odds faced by the Israelites, highlighting their helplessness without divine intervention. they entered the land to lay waste to it
This phrase captures the intent and impact of the Midianite invasion. Their goal was not merely to conquer but to devastate, leaving the land barren and the people impoverished. This destruction serves as a physical manifestation of the spiritual desolation that occurs when God's people turn away from Him. It sets the stage for the need for deliverance and the rise of Gideon as a judge to restore Israel. Persons / Places / Events 1. MidianitesA nomadic people who oppressed Israel during the time of the Judges. They are descendants of Midian, a son of Abraham by Keturah. 2. IsraelitesThe people of God who were suffering under the oppression of the Midianites due to their disobedience to God. 3. GideonAlthough not mentioned in this specific verse, Gideon is the central figure in the surrounding account, called by God to deliver Israel from Midianite oppression. 4. Land of IsraelThe geographical setting where the events take place, specifically in the time of the Judges when Israel was a loose confederation of tribes. 5. CamelsNotable for their use by the Midianites, symbolizing the overwhelming and swift nature of the Midianite invasion. Teaching Points The Consequences of DisobedienceThe oppression by the Midianites was a direct result of Israel's disobedience to God. This serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God's commands. God's Sovereignty in JudgmentThe overwhelming nature of the Midianite invasion illustrates God's control over nations and events, using them to bring His people back to Himself. The Power of RepentanceThe account of Gideon that follows shows that God is ready to deliver His people when they turn back to Him in repentance. Spiritual WarfareJust as the Israelites faced physical oppression, Christians today face spiritual battles. We must rely on God's strength and guidance to overcome. Trust in God's DeliveranceDespite overwhelming odds, God raised up Gideon to deliver Israel, teaching us to trust in God's power to save us from our own "Midianites." Bible Study Questions 1. How does the description of the Midianite invasion as a "swarm of locusts" help us understand the severity of Israel's situation? 2. In what ways can the oppression of the Israelites by the Midianites be seen as a consequence of their disobedience to God? How does this apply to our lives today? 3. How does the account of Gideon, which follows this verse, demonstrate God's faithfulness to deliver His people? What can we learn from Gideon's response to God's call? 4. What are some "Midianites" or overwhelming challenges in your life that you need to trust God to deliver you from? 5. How can the imagery of locusts and camels in this passage help us understand the nature of spiritual warfare and the need for vigilance in our faith journey? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 10:12-15The imagery of locusts is reminiscent of the plague in Egypt, symbolizing destruction and divine judgment. Joel 1:4The devastation caused by locusts is used as a metaphor for judgment and calls for repentance. Psalm 83:9-12A prayer for God to deal with Israel's enemies as He did with Midian, highlighting the historical memory of God's deliverance. People Abiezer, Abiezrites, Amalek, Amalekites, Amorites, Asher, Egyptians, Ephah, Gideon, Israelites, Jerubbaal, Jezreel, Joash, Manasseh, Midianites, Naphtali, Ophrah, ZebulunPlaces Egypt, Gaza, Jezreel Valley, Jordan River, Midian, OphrahTopics Camels, Cattle, Count, Counted, Destroy, Destruction, Devastate, Entered, Fulness, Grasshoppers, Impossible, Innumerable, Invaded, Livestock, Locust, Locusts, Multitude, Oxen, Ravage, Regularly, Swarms, Tents, WastedDictionary of Bible Themes Judges 6:5 4669 locust
5578 tents
8787 opposition, to God Judges 6:1-6 4823 famine, physical
8728 enemies, of Israel and Judah Judges 6:3-5 5354 invasions Library Gideon's Altar
'Then Gideon built an altar there unto the Lord, and called it Jehovah- shalom [God is peace].'--JUDGES vi. 24. I need not tell over again, less vividly, the picturesque story in this chapter, of the simple husbandman up in the hills, engaged furtively in threshing out a little wheat in some hollow in the rock where he might hide it from the keen eyes of the oppressors; and of how the angel of the Lord, unrecognised at first, appeared to him; and gradually there dawned upon his mind the suspicion …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureGideon's Fleece
'Behold, I will put a fleece of wool in the floor; and if the dew be on the fleece only, and it be dry upon all the earth beside, then shall I know that Thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as Thou hast said.'-- JUDGES vi. 37. The decisive moment had come when Gideon, with his hastily gathered raw levies, was about to plunge down to the plain to face immensely superior forces trained to warfare. No wonder that the equally untrained leader's heart heat faster. Many a soldier, who will be steadfastly …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Jehovam-Shalem, the Lord Send Peace. Judg 6:24
…
John Newton—Olney Hymns Whether it is a Sin to Tempt God?
Objection 1: It would seem that it is not a sin to tempt God. For God has not commanded sin. Yet He has commanded men to try, which is the same as to tempt, Him: for it is written (Malach. 3:10): "Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in My house; and try Me in this, saith the Lord, if I open not unto you the flood-gates of heaven." Therefore it seems not to be a sin to tempt God. Objection 2: Further, a man is tempted not only in order to test his knowledge and his power, …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Man Now Deprived of Freedom of Will, and Miserably Enslaved.
1. Connection of the previous with the four following chapters. In order to lay a proper foundation for the discussion of free will, two obstacles in the way to be removed--viz. sloth and pride. The basis and sum of the whole discussion. The solid structure of this basis, and a clear demonstration of it by the argument a majori ad minus. Also from the inconveniences and absurdities arising from the obstacle of pride. 2. The second part of the chapter containing the opinions of others. 1. The opinions …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion The Unity of the Divine Essence in Three Persons Taught, in Scripture, from the Foundation of the World.
1. Scripture, in teaching that the essence of God is immense and spiritual, refutes not only idolaters and the foolish wisdom of the world, but also the Manichees and Anthropomorphites. These latter briefly refuted. 2. In this one essence are three persons, yet so that neither is there a triple God, nor is the simple essence of God divided. Meaning of the word Person in this discussion. Three hypostases in God, or the essence of God. 3. Objection of those who, in this discussion, reject the use of …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion Subterraneous Places. Mines. Caves.
Thus having taken some notice of the superficies of the land, let us a little search into its bowels. You may divide the subterraneous country into three parts: the metal mines, the caves, and the places of burial. This land was eminently noted for metal mines, so that "its stones," in very many places, "were iron, and out of its hills was digged brass," Deuteronomy 8:9. From these gain accrued to the Jews: but to the Christians, not seldom slavery and misery; being frequently condemned hither by …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Jesus Calls Four Fishermen to Follow Him.
(Sea of Galilee, Near Capernaum.) ^A Matt. IV. 18-22; ^B Mark I. 16-20; ^C Luke V. 1-11. ^a 18 And walking ^b 16 And passing along by the sea of Galilee [This lake is a pear-shaped body of water, about twelve and a half miles long and about seven miles across at its widest place. It is 682 feet below sea level; its waters are fresh, clear and abounding in fish, and it is surrounded by hills and mountains, which rise from 600 to 1,000 feet above it. Its greatest depth is about 165 feet], he [Jesus] …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Of the Sacraments.
1. Of the sacraments in general. A sacrament defined. 2. Meaning of the word sacrament. 3. Definition explained. Why God seals his promises to us by sacraments. 4. The word which ought to accompany the element, that the sacrament may be complete. 5. Error of those who attempt to separate the word, or promise of God, from the element. 6. Why sacraments are called Signs of the Covenant. 7. They are such signs, though the wicked should receive them, but are signs of grace only to believers. 8. Objections …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion The Doctrine of God
I. THE EXISTENCE OF GOD: (Vs. Atheism). 1. ASSUMED BY THE SCRIPTURES. 2. PROOFS OF THE EXISTENCE OF GOD. a) Universal belief in the Existence of God. b) Cosmological:--Argument from Cause. c) Teleological:--Argument from Design. d) Ontological:--Argument from Being. e) Anthropological:--Moral Argument. f) Argument from Congruity. g) Argument from Scripture. II. THE NATURE OF GOD: (Vs. Agnosticism) 1. THE SPIRITUALITY OF GOD: (Vs. Materialism). 2. THE PERSONALITY OF GOD: (Vs. Pantheism). 3. THE UNITY …
Rev. William Evans—The Great Doctrines of the Bible And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah
"And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah, out of thee shall come forth unto Me (one) [Pg 480] to be Ruler in Israel; and His goings forth are the times of old, the days of eternity." The close connection of this verse with what immediately precedes (Caspari is wrong in considering iv. 9-14 as an episode) is evident, not only from the [Hebrew: v] copulative, and from the analogy of the near relation of the announcement of salvation to the prophecy of disaster …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
BY JOHN BUNYAN. London: Printed for Benjamin Alsop, at the Angel and Bible in the Poultry, 1684. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. THIS valuable treatise was first published in a pocket volume in 1684, and has only been reprinted in Whitfield's edition of Bunyan's works, 2 vols. folio, 1767. No man could have been better qualified to give advice to sufferers for righteousness' sake, than John Bunyan: and this work is exclusively devoted to that object. Shut up in a noisome jail, under the iron hand of …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Judges
For the understanding of the early history and religion of Israel, the book of Judges, which covers the period from the death of Joshua to the beginning of the struggle with the Philistines, is of inestimable importance; and it is very fortunate that the elements contributed by the later editors are so easily separated from the ancient stories whose moral they seek to point. That moral is most elaborately stated in ii. 6-iii. 6, which is a sort of programme or preface to iii. 7-xvi. 31, which constitutes …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Judges 6:5 NIVJudges 6:5 NLTJudges 6:5 ESVJudges 6:5 NASBJudges 6:5 KJV
Judges 6:5 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
