Oreb

Oreb was a Midianite prince captured and killed by the Ephraimites during the pursuit following Gideon's victory. His death was associated with a place called the Rock of Oreb.

Oreb appears in Judges 7:25 as one of two princes or leaders of Midian, the other being Zeeb. After Gideon's initial victory, he sent messengers into Ephraim urging the people to intercept the retreating Midianites at the Jordan crossings. The Ephraimites responded, captured Oreb and Zeeb, and killed them. Oreb was killed at a place identified in the narrative as the Rock of Oreb. The Ephraimites brought the heads of the defeated leaders to Gideon. In Judges 8:1–3, the Ephraimites complained that Gideon had not summoned them earlier for the battle. Gideon answered by praising their capture of Oreb and Zeeb, which calmed their anger. The text calls Oreb a prince, not a king, and does not specify his family, rank within a wider leadership structure, or territory. The Hebrew name is commonly understood to mean raven. It is uncertain whether the place-name existed before the battle or was associated with the event afterward. Isaiah 10:26 later recalls the defeat of Midian at the Rock of Oreb, and Psalm 83:11 remembers Oreb and Zeeb. No independent inscription identifies him.

Oreb is significant as a named Midianite leader whose defeat helped complete the rout of Midian. His capture also explains Gideon's diplomatic response to the Ephraimites. The Rock of Oreb became a remembered location in later biblical references.

Gideon calls Ephraim to block the Jordan crossings; the Ephraimites capture Oreb and Zeeb; Oreb is killed at the Rock of Oreb; Gideon later praises the Ephraimites for their victory.

Oreb is explicitly identified as a Midianite prince in Judges 7. His defeat is recalled in Isaiah 10:26 as an example of God's past deliverance, and in Psalm 83:11 as part of Israel's memory of defeated enemies.

Judges 7:24–25; Judges 8:1–3; Isaiah 10:26; Psalm 83:11

Judges 7:24–25; Judges 8:1–3; Isaiah 10:26; Psalm 83:11.

Judges 7:25 reports that Oreb was killed at the Rock of Oreb. No burial is recorded.