Topical Encyclopedia Zeeb and Oreb are two Midianite princes mentioned in the Book of Judges, specifically in Judges 7 and 8. Their account is set during the time of Gideon, one of the judges of Israel, who was called by God to deliver the Israelites from the oppression of the Midianites.Biblical Account: The narrative of Zeeb and Oreb is primarily found in Judges 7:25 and Judges 8:3. During the period of the Judges, the Israelites were suffering under the harsh rule of the Midianites, who would invade their land, destroy their crops, and leave them impoverished. In response to the cries of the Israelites, God raised up Gideon to lead a small army against the Midianites. In Judges 7, Gideon, with only 300 men, launched a surprise attack against the Midianite camp at night. The Lord caused confusion among the Midianites, leading them to turn on each other. As the Midianites fled, the men of Ephraim were called to seize the waters of the Jordan as far as Beth-barah to cut off their escape. Judges 7:25 states: "They captured Oreb and Zeeb, the two princes of Midian. They killed Oreb at the rock of Oreb and Zeeb at the winepress of Zeeb. They pursued the Midianites and brought the heads of Oreb and Zeeb to Gideon, who was by the Jordan." The capture and execution of Zeeb and Oreb were significant victories for the Israelites, symbolizing the defeat of Midianite power and the deliverance of Israel from their oppression. The locations of their deaths, the rock of Oreb and the winepress of Zeeb, were named after them, marking the places of their demise. In Judges 8:3, the men of Ephraim confront Gideon about not being called earlier to fight against Midian. Gideon responds diplomatically, highlighting their capture of Oreb and Zeeb as a great achievement: "God has given the leaders of Midian—Oreb and Zeeb—into your hands. What was I able to do in comparison with you?" This response appeased their anger and emphasized the importance of their role in the victory. Historical and Theological Significance: The defeat of Zeeb and Oreb is a testament to God's deliverance and the fulfillment of His promise to save Israel through Gideon. Their account illustrates the theme of divine intervention and the power of God working through seemingly inadequate means, as Gideon's small army was able to overcome a much larger force. Theologically, the account of Zeeb and Oreb serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and His ability to use faithful individuals to accomplish His purposes. It also underscores the importance of obedience and trust in God's plan, as demonstrated by Gideon's leadership and the cooperation of the tribes of Israel. Cultural and Geographical Context: The Midianites were a nomadic people, often associated with the Arabian Peninsula and the Sinai region. Their incursions into Israelite territory were part of a broader pattern of conflict between settled agricultural communities and nomadic tribes. The rock of Oreb and the winepress of Zeeb, while not precisely located today, were significant landmarks in the narrative, symbolizing the victory over Midianite oppression. In summary, Zeeb and Oreb are remembered as defeated enemies of Israel, whose deaths marked a turning point in the struggle against Midianite domination. Their account is a powerful example of God's deliverance and the triumph of faith and obedience over overwhelming odds. ATS Bible Dictionary and Zeeb OrebRaven and wolf, two Midianite chiefs, captured after the victory of Gideon, and slain at the spots whither they had fled, and which were afterwards called in memory of them "the rock of Oreb" and the wine- press or cellar of Zeeb, Jud 7:25. Their punishment foretells that of all God's enemies, Psalm 83:12; Isaiah 10:26. Library Psalm 83 How the Midianites and Other Nations Fought against the Israelites ... Judges The Story of Gideon and his Three Hundred Soldiers Resources And: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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