Oreb עֹרֵב
Midianite prince, killed by Ephraimites
Biography
Oreb was a prince of Midian who, along with another prince named Zeeb, led the Midianite army against Israel during the time of Gideon (Jdg.7.25). After Gideon and his 300 men defeated the Midianites, the Ephraimites captured and killed Oreb and Zeeb (Jdg.7.25; 8.3). The Ephraimites brought the heads of Oreb and Zeeb to Gideon as a trophy of their victory (Jdg.7.25). The rock where Oreb was killed became known as the "rock of Oreb" (Jdg.7.25). The defeat of Oreb and Zeeb was a significant victory for Israel and a testament to God's power and deliverance (Psalm Jdg.83.11). The prophet Isaiah later used the "rock of Oreb" as a symbol of God's judgment against the Assyrians (Isa.10.26).
In Scripture
3 biblical books ; 2 with study contentJudges 2 verses
- Judges 7:25
"They took the two princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb. They killed Oreb at Oreb’s rock, and Zeeb they killed at Zeeb’s wine press, as they pursued Midian. Then they brought the heads of Oreb and Zeeb to Gideon beyond the Jordan."
- Judges 8:3
"God has delivered into your hand the princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb! What was I able to do in comparison with you?” Then their anger was abated toward him when he had said that."
Psalms 1 verse
- Psalms 83:11
"Make their nobles like Oreb and Zeeb, yes, all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna,"
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Isaiah 1 verse
- Isaiah 10:26
"Yahweh of Armies will stir up a scourge against him, as in the slaughter of Midian at the rock of Oreb. His rod will be over the sea, and he will lift it up like he did against Egypt."
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Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Strong's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | עֹרֵב | H6159 |