Judges 6:5
When the writer describes the Midianites in Judges 6:5, he emphasizes the sheer magnitude of their invasion by saying that *“they would come up with their livestock and their tents, they would come in like locusts for number; both they and their camels were innumerable; and they came into the land to devastate it.”* (Judges 6:5). The Midianites descended upon Israel’s territory, occupying large portions of the countryside and bringing their herds in vast droves. Their numbers, likened to swarms of locusts, suggest not only a terrifying force but also thorough destruction of the resources in their path. This event unfolds in ancient Israel, located in the region west of the Jordan River, which in those days was a land of smaller, tribal confederations frequently challenged by neighboring peoples.
Although this verse does not explicitly name a major figure like Gideon, it sets the stage for his eventual role as a judge and deliverer in Israel (Judges 6:11–14 NASB-95). Historically, the Midianites were a nomadic people who came from territories southeast of Israel, near the Arabian Peninsula. Their power surged at various times, and here we see one of their most threatening incursions in the period of the Judges, likely around the late 12th century BC. During this era, Israel had no centralized government, so enemies such as the Midianites could exploit the political fragmentation within the land.
By likening the Midianites to locusts, the verse calls to mind the destructive power often associated with plagues (Joel 2:3–5 NASB-95), evoking a sense of judgment and desperation. The phrase *“and they came into the land to devastate it”* (Judges 6:5) highlights how the Midianites aimed to impoverish Israel by consuming crops, pastures, and any provisions. In the broader narrative of Judges, such difficult circumstances consistently point people back to the LORD, where deliverance ultimately finds its hope and fulfillment.
The Midianites’ overwhelming presence vividly portrays Israel’s dire condition and foreshadows God’s plan to raise up Gideon for salvation.
This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Judges 5:6-8 meaning. The second segment of the song to the Lord in Judges 5 reflects the turmoil and oppression that Israel faced before the victory led by Deborah and Barak. The people had been living in fear and desolation. Yet, through Deborah’s faithfulness, God began to restore Israel, leading to the defeat of their enemies.
- Judges 5:1-5 meaning. The song of Deborah and Barak is a victory hymn celebrating God’s deliverance of Israel from the oppression of the Canaanite king Jabin and his commander Sisera. This song praises the leadership of Israel’s volunteers, glorifies the Lord’s mighty acts in battle, and recalls God’s past interventions in Israel’s history, worshiping His sovereignty and power over creation.
- Judges 5:9-11 meaning. This passage continues Deborah’s song of victory, praising the leaders and volunteers of Israel for their courage in battle. She calls on various groups in Israel to join in celebrating the Lord’s righteous deeds, which brought deliverance to the oppressed people. The song emphasizes the importance of remembering and recounting God’s works, as His people now emerge from oppression to freedom.