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Located between Israel and Egypt, Midian was inhabited by the descendents of Midian, who was a son of Abraham. Moses spent his exile from Egypt in Midian and married a Midianite woman. Later, Israel was persecuted by Midian on the final legs of their journey to Israel.
Notable Sources
All Sources
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Moses' Family and the Journey to Egypt
COMMENTARY
Moses' decision to send his wife and children back to Midian reveals the complexities of leadership and familial responsibilities during a time of crisis. Rashi, the renowned 11th-century French biblical commentator, provides insight into the interaction between Moses and Aaron and the subsequent decisions regarding Moses' family.
The Spiritual Complexity of Midian
KABBALAH
The Zohar delves into the moral and spiritual complexity of the Midianites, questioning divine favoritism and highlighting the righteousness of individuals like Zipporah and Jethro. This foundational Kabbalistic text offers a mystical commentary on the Torah, exploring deeper spiritual meanings and complexities.
The Spiritual Struggle with Midian
CHASIDUT
The conflict with the Midianites is not just a historical event but a profound spiritual struggle involving holiness and soul connections. Rabbi Mordechai Yosef Leiner of Izbica, in his Hasidic commentary Mei HaShiloach, delves into the mystical dimensions of the Midianite episode, particularly focusing on the interactions between key figures like Moshe, Pinchas, and Zimri.
Moses and the Midianite Woman
TARGUM
The Israelites confronted Moses about his marriage to a Midianite woman, revealing underlying tensions and perceived hypocrisy. The Targum Jonathan, an Aramaic translation and interpretation of the Hebrew Bible, elaborates on the events in Numbers 25, including the confrontation involving a Midianite woman.
Pinchas and the Midianite Woman
COMMENTARY
Pinchas' drastic action against Zimri was driven not just by idolatry but by the act of sleeping with a Midianite woman, highlighting the need to develop a revulsion towards the Midianites to prevent future sins. The 18th-century commentary Or HaChaim by Rabbi Chaim ibn Attar delves into the motivations behind Pinchas' actions and the broader implications for the Israelites' relationship with the Midianites.
Divine Victory Over Midian
TANAKH
Gideon's miraculous victory over Midian with just 300 men underscores the importance of faith and divine intervention. The Book of Judges recounts how God instructed Gideon to reduce his army to a small, specific group to ensure that the victory would be seen as a result of divine intervention.
Divine Vengeance Against Midian
TANAKH
The divine command for Israel to avenge themselves on the Midianites underscores the concept of divine vengeance and justice. The Torah recounts God's command to Moses to lead the Israelites in avenging themselves against the Midianites for their transgressions.
The Seduction Strategy
SECOND TEMPLE
Balaam's counsel to the Midianites led to a significant crisis for the Israelites, highlighting the dangers of abandoning their laws and worship. In his first-century work, Josephus recounts the strategic use of seduction by the Midianites to undermine the Israelites' faith and provoke divine anger.
The Divine Plan Behind the Midianite Campaign
COMMENTARY
The punitive campaign against the Midianites, but not the Moabites, was to ensure the birth of Ruth the Moabite, the great-grandmother of King David. Rabbeinu Bachya, a 13th-century Spanish commentator, explains the divine reasoning behind the selective campaign against the Midianites in the Torah.
Enemies United Against Israel
MIDRASH
The strategic alliance between Moab and Midian, despite their historical enmity, showcases the lengths to which they went to bring ruin upon Israel. Louis Ginzberg’s early 20th-century work, Legends of the Jews, elaborates on the biblical narrative of Balaam and the collaboration between Moab and Midian.
Surviving the Midianite Raids
COMMENTARY
The Midianite raids caused immense suffering and forced the Israelites to take extreme defensive measures to protect themselves and their produce. Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz’s modern translation and commentary on the Hebrew Bible provides a clear and engaging account of the Israelites' struggle during the time of the Judges.
Abraham's Hidden Son Revealed
TANAKH
Midian, often associated with the Midianites in the Torah, was actually a son of Abraham from Keturah. Chronicles, the last book of the Hebrew Bible, presents a thorough genealogy of the Jewish people and their ancestors.
Purification After Midian
COMMENTARY
The purification rituals required for the Israelite soldiers after their campaign against the Midianites highlight the unique religious and symbolic significance of this campaign. Chizkuni, a 13th-century Torah commentary, delves into the distinct purification process for soldiers returning from the Midianite campaign, contrasting it with other military engagements.
Tzur's Leadership Unveiled
COMMENTARY
Tzur, one of the five kings of Midian, was considered the most prominent leader among them, despite being the head of only one paternal house. The Siftei Chakhamim commentary on Rashi’s interpretation of the Torah provides deeper insights into the prominence of Tzur among the Midianite kings.
Jethro and Moses in Midian, James Tissot {PD-US}
Jethro and Moses in Midian, James Tissot {PD-US}
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