Historical Context:
The oppression of Israel by Midian is a significant episode in the history of the Israelites, occurring during the period of the Judges. This era is characterized by a cyclical pattern of sin, servitude, supplication, and salvation, as the Israelites repeatedly turned away from God, faced oppression from neighboring nations, cried out for deliverance, and were rescued by judges raised up by God.

Biblical Account:
The account of Israel's oppression by Midian is primarily found in Judges 6-8. After the death of Deborah and Barak, the Israelites once again did evil in the sight of the LORD, leading to their subjugation by the Midianites. Judges 6:1 states, "Again the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD; so He delivered them into the hand of Midian for seven years."

Nature of the Oppression:
The Midianites, along with the Amalekites and other eastern peoples, would invade Israel during the harvest season. They camped on the land and destroyed the produce of the earth, leaving no sustenance for Israel, neither sheep nor ox nor donkey (Judges 6:4). This oppression was so severe that the Israelites were forced to hide in mountain clefts, caves, and strongholds (Judges 6:2).

Israel's Cry for Help:
In their distress, the Israelites cried out to the LORD for help. God responded by sending a prophet to remind them of their deliverance from Egypt and their covenant obligations, highlighting their disobedience as the cause of their suffering (Judges 6:7-10).

The Call of Gideon:
God chose Gideon, a man from the tribe of Manasseh, to deliver Israel from the Midianites. Despite his initial hesitance and feelings of inadequacy, Gideon was assured of God's presence and power. The Angel of the LORD appeared to him, saying, "The LORD is with you, O mighty warrior" (Judges 6:12). Gideon was instructed to tear down his father's altar to Baal and to build an altar to the LORD, signifying a return to true worship (Judges 6:25-26).

Gideon's Victory:
Gideon gathered an army, but God reduced its size to 300 men to demonstrate that the victory would be by His power, not by human might. The LORD said to Gideon, "With the three hundred men who lapped I will save you and deliver the Midianites into your hand" (Judges 7:7). Using a strategy involving trumpets, jars, and torches, Gideon's small force caused confusion in the Midianite camp, leading to their defeat (Judges 7:19-22).

Aftermath and Significance:
The victory over Midian brought peace to Israel for forty years during Gideon's lifetime (Judges 8:28). This deliverance underscored the importance of faithfulness to God and reliance on His strength. The account of Gideon serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and His ability to use unlikely individuals to accomplish His purposes.

Theological Implications:
The oppression by Midian and subsequent deliverance through Gideon highlights the consequences of Israel's disobedience and the mercy of God in responding to their cries for help. It illustrates the principle that God often uses the weak and humble to achieve His divine purposes, emphasizing that victory comes through faith and obedience to Him.