Midian

Midian

RegionOld Testament
28.5000°N, 34.8500°E View on Map

Midian was a region in northwestern Arabia, east of the Gulf of Aqaba. Moses fled here after killing an Egyptian and spent 40 years as a shepherd, marrying Zipporah. God appeared to him in the burning bush here, calling him to deliver Israel from Egypt.

Historical Timeline

Abraham's son Midian (through Keturah) becomes ancestor of the Midianites

GEN 25:1-4

Moses flees to Midian after killing an Egyptian

EXO 2:15

Moses lives in Midian for 40 years, marries Zipporah

EXO 2:21, ACT 7:30

God appears to Moses in the burning bush in Midian

EXO 3:1-10

Midianites oppress Israel for seven years until Gideon defeats them

JDG 6-8

Notable Characters

Moses
MosesSpent 40 years in Midian as a shepherd; encountered God there
Jethro
JethroPriest of Midian, Moses' father-in-law
Zipporah
ZipporahDaughter of Jethro; married Moses in Midian
Gideon
GideonDefeated the Midianite oppressors with 300 men

Related Locations

Mount Sinai
Mount Sinai

Moses was shepherding near Mount Sinai while in Midian

Egypt
Egypt

Moses fled from Egypt to Midian

Key Verses

Exodus 2:15-22Exodus 3:1-10Judges 6:1-6

Frequently Asked Questions

Back