1 The Israelites did what was evil in the sight of the Lord. So the Lord handed them over to Midian seven years,
2 and they oppressed Israel. Because of Midian, the Israelites made hiding places for themselves in the mountains, caves, and strongholds.
3 Whenever the Israelites planted crops, the Midianites, Amalekites, and the Qedemites came and attacked them.
4 They encamped against them and destroyed the produce of the land, even as far as Gaza. They left nothing for Israel to eat, as well as no sheep, ox or donkey.
5 For the Midianites came with their cattle and their tents like a great swarm of locusts. They and their camels were without number, and they entered the land to waste it.
6 So Israel became poverty-stricken because of Midian, and the Israelites cried out to the Lord.