The Midianite Kings are a group of rulers mentioned in the Old Testament, primarily in the context of their interactions and conflicts with the Israelites. The Midianites were a nomadic people descended from Midian, a son of Abraham and Keturah (Genesis 25:1-2). They inhabited the region east of the Jordan River and the Sinai Peninsula, often coming into contact with the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings and subsequent settlement in Canaan.

Conflict with Israel

The Midianite Kings are most notably mentioned in the Book of Numbers, where they are involved in a significant conflict with the Israelites. This conflict arises after the incident at Peor, where the Israelites were led into idolatry and immorality through the influence of the Moabite and Midianite women (Numbers 25:1-3). In response, God commands Moses to take vengeance on the Midianites:

"Take vengeance on the Midianites for the Israelites. After that, you will be gathered to your people." (Numbers 31:2)

Moses sends a force of 12,000 men, one thousand from each tribe, to execute this divine judgment. The Israelite army, led by Phinehas the priest, successfully defeats the Midianites, killing all the males, including the five kings of Midian: Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba (Numbers 31:7-8). Balaam, the son of Beor, who had counseled the Midianites to lead Israel into sin, is also killed in this campaign.

The Five Kings

The five Midianite kings—Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba—are mentioned by name in the biblical narrative. Their defeat signifies the dismantling of Midianite power and influence over the Israelites. Zur is of particular note, as he is identified as the father of Cozbi, a Midianite woman who played a central role in the seduction of the Israelites at Peor (Numbers 25:15).

Gideon's Campaign

The Midianites appear again during the time of the Judges, where they oppress Israel for seven years. This period of oppression is marked by the Midianites, along with the Amalekites and other eastern peoples, invading Israel and destroying their crops (Judges 6:1-5). God raises up Gideon to deliver Israel from their oppression. Gideon, with a divinely reduced army of 300 men, defeats the Midianites in a miraculous victory (Judges 7:19-25).

During this campaign, two Midianite leaders, Oreb and Zeeb, are captured and killed by the Ephraimites (Judges 7:25). Subsequently, Gideon pursues and captures the Midianite kings Zebah and Zalmunna, executing them for their past atrocities against his family (Judges 8:10-21).

Legacy and Significance

The Midianite Kings, through their interactions with Israel, serve as instruments of divine judgment and testing. Their repeated conflicts with Israel highlight the dangers of idolatry and the consequences of turning away from God. The narratives involving the Midianite Kings underscore the themes of divine justice, the importance of faithfulness to God, and the deliverance He provides through chosen leaders like Moses and Gideon. These accounts serve as a reminder of God's sovereignty and His commitment to preserving His covenant people amidst external threats and internal failings.