The Time Has Come to Defeat the Midianites and Amalekites

Part I

Paul writes in Romans 15:4 that the Old Testament historical stories are written for our benefit, for learning, and to produce hope. We are supposed to glean from those stories, truths that are relevant for today. Discerning practical truths that give insight into spiritual truths at work today. And find hope that anchors us to our victory in Christ no matter the odds. One such account is that of Gideon and the driving out of the Midianites and Amalekites.  

In Judges chapter 6, we see that the Midianites were part of a judgment sent on Israel for their disobedience. Specifically, not listening to Yahweh’s voice. The Midianites came in like locusts in number and stole Israel’s harvest and flocks. The Amalekites joined them. 

In Hebrew, Midianite means strife. One of the root word meanings of Amalekites is doubt. So, symbolically, the Lord is showing us that strife and doubt were stealing the harvest and flock. They were spiritual forces, demonic entities that judged through spiritual principles. 

After seven years, Yahweh then raised Gideon to lead a group that would drive out the Midianites. We know that the number seven is symbolic of completion or fullness of time. For this particular judgment, the fullness of time had come. Yahweh’s vessel for deliverance is already in the camp. He just has to be called out. He needs to know who he is, and how Yahweh sees him.  

The Midianites and Amalekites have plundered the church for centuries. Strife and doubt have eaten up the harvest and taken the flock or separated it. Those two spiritual forces have created division to the point that most believers have been indifferent to a church divided. 

The Bible says that because of the Midianites “The Israelites made shelters for themselves in the hills, as well as caves and strongholds.” (Judges 6:2 NET) This echoes the church today. Because of strife and the doubt that believers can be in unity without conformity, doctrines and denominations build shelters for THEMSELVES as well as fortresses. They feel as though they must protect themselves at all costs. Otherwise, they will have their crops and flocks devoured. The indifference about unity demands they stay within their stronghold. 

Unknowingly, it’s happening. Not because of a true enemy. But a perceived one. The enemy perceived is their own brother and sister. It’s their family. 

The Midianites and Amalekites were related to the Israelites. They were part of the family. The Midianites were descendants through Abraham. The Amalekites were descendants through Esau. They shouldn’t have been foreigners. Yet, they were. 

Foreigners and enemies due to a cursed way of thinking. The Fall. A perspective that now views Yahweh’s gaze upon a brother’s offering with contempt. Yeah, even murder is in the heart of some. Sin crouching at the door ready to seize them. Yahweh’s voice reminds them to not let sin master them. But the forces of strife and doubt have invaded.

Strife and envy create confusion and every evil work (James 3:16-17). Doubt makes every other church suspect. Strife picks apart every word spoken, refusing to take inventory of the fruit. Doubt whispers, “They aren’t your brethren. They are of the devil. You could never be in unity with them.” 

The Bible declares that the people were overwhelmed. The Midianites were like locusts. They couldn’t see a way out. So, they cried out to the Lord for help. 

When you look at the state of the strife and doubt in the church today, it could be overwhelming. Yet, deep is calling out to deep right now. A group of people within our midst that yearn for unity. They’ve seen the enemy come in and devour the land time and time again. So, they cry for help from the Lord.   

As the Word declares that the Lord heard the cries of the people, so the Lord has heard the cries of His people today. He is not raising a Gideon. He is raising people. People with a heart and mind like Gideon. People that have been threshing the grain in their winepress because the enemy keeps stealing the harvest, yet groan from their inner man to see strife and doubt defeated. 

They desire unity in the Body, so they can see the promises of Yahweh fulfilled. They want to see the earth filled with His glory. They want to see their city transformed by the goodness of Yahweh. They want to see the oil run down the beard of Aaron and the blessings overwhelm the church rather than the enemy. 

They are those that believe. They see the giants in the land and proclaim “We are well able to take the land!” 

In Him, 

Timothy