Who were Oreb and Zeeb?

Prince of Midian: he invaded Israel, but was defeated by Gideon, and slain at the ROCK OREB — this occurrence apparently giving to the rock its name. Judges 7:25; Judges 8:3; Ps. 83:11; Isa. 10:26.

Prince of Midian, slain by Gideon. Judges 7:25; Judges 8:3; Ps. 83:11.

Internal strife follows. The two princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb, were slain (7:25). Oreb means "raven" and Zeeb means "wolf." Oreb, the raven, is slain on the rock and Zeeb, the wolf, at the winepress. The raven, the bird which represents darkness and evil, is the type of corruption; the wolf is the destroyer of the sheep. The rock and the winepress typify the Lord Jesus Christ and His Cross. There the victory over both was won.

(b) Hardly is victory achieved, and the fruits of it remain yet largely to be gathered, when opposition shows itself on the part of Israel themselves. Ephraim is now called to take part in the contest, and they respond and gain a decisive battle, taking two princes of Midian — Oreb and Zeeb, the "Raven" and the "Wolf," — and bringing their heads to Gideon, on the other side of Jordan. There is, indeed, a place for Ephraim in such a contest as this, though it is not the first place. The spiritual meaning again illumines the history; and the names of the princes slain would seem to show them to represent only the ruder and lower of Israel's — or the Church's — enemies; indeed, according to the plain word, "princes," and not "kings."

The enemy being routed, then Israelites from Naphtali, Asher and Manasseh gathered and pursued the Midianites (v.23). Also Gideon sent messengers throughout Ephraim to bring their armies to help in mopping up operations by taking from the enemy the watering places that are so necessary for the welfare of an army. In doing this they also captured and killed two princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb, then brought their heads to Gideon on the other side of Jordan.

Nor is it wise or right to depreciate the work of Ephraim, Oreb and ZeebRaven and Wolfthe princes of Midian had fallen at their hands at the fords of Jordan. These names suggest the destructive character of that world whose prince spares not. But the fruits of the Spirit overcome the hosts of this world, and the principalities and powers who lead them. When works are in their true placeat the Jordan, the river of deaththey do their work most effectually.

Nor is it wise or right to depreciate the work of Ephraim, Oreb and Zeeb — "Raven" and "Wolf" — the princes of Midian had fallen at their hands at the fords of Jordan. These names suggest the destructive character of that world whose "prince" spares not. But the fruits of the Spirit overcome the hosts of this world, and the "principalities and powers" who lead them. When "works" are in their true place — at the Jordan, the river of death — they do their work most effectually.

The men of Ephraim are seen at the close of chapter 7 slaying Oreb and Zeeb. (They are allowed to come in for blessing in result.) Now they turn and chide with Gideon for not having called them at the first.

Impotent in ourselves for blessing (and having found this out), but having proved the blessedness of simple dependence, upon God, we can, with Gideon, call upon others to have fellowship with us. (vv. 24, 25.) But let us not be setting up ourselves. Everything depends upon the presence of the Holy Ghost, ungrieved, unhindered. Let this be told, and let us hide ourselves.

The men of Ephraim are seen at the close of Judges 7 slaying Oreb and Zeeb. (They are allowed to come in for blessing in result.) Now they turn and chide with Gideon for not having called them at the first.

However, we shall not dwell upon the unlovely conduct of the men of Ephraim; but turn for a moment, to the exquisite way in which Gideon was enabled to meet them. "And he said to them, What have I done now in comparison of you? … God has delivered into your hands the princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb; and what was I able to do in comparison of you? Then their anger was abated toward him when he had said that."