Judges 6:33

*“Then all the Midianites and the Amalekites and the sons of the east assembled themselves; and they crossed over and camped in the valley of Jezreel.” (v.33)* The gathering of these groups underscores the imminent conflict that Gideon will soon face. The Midianites, historically descended from Abraham through Keturah (Genesis 25:2 NASB-95), pose a recurring threat to Israel during this period of the judges, which is approximately from 1375 BC to 1050 BC. The Amalekites, originating from Esau’s lineage, are likewise fierce adversaries of Israel. The “sons of the east” refers to various nomadic tribes from the eastern deserts stretching toward the Arabian Peninsula. By joining forces, they form a formidable coalition intent on subduing the Israelites.

Their encampment occurs “in the valley of Jezreel.” This valley is a fertile and strategic location in northern Israel, bounded by the hills of Galilee to the north and Samaria to the south. The city of Jezreel itself sits roughly west of the Jordan River, making the valley a significant crossroads for trade and military campaigns. From the vantage point of the Midianites and their allies, gathering in the valley gives them a logistical advantage and easy access into central Israel. It foreshadows the remarkable events soon to take place, including Gideon’s call to rally the Israelites under God’s guidance (Judges 6:36–40 NASB-95).

While Gideon is not explicitly named in this verse, the larger context reveals him as an appointed deliverer of Israel, called by the Lord during a time when Midianite oppression was at its height. Gideon’s story unfolds around 1150 BC, placing him in the latter part of the judges' era. This gathering of enemy forces sets the stage for God’s miraculous intervention, highlighting how divine power often emerges in the face of impossible odds (Judges 7:2–8 NASB-95).

This verse shows enemy forces uniting against Israel in a time of great vulnerability.