Who are the Children of the East in Judges 6?

The Book of Judges in the Old Testament recounts a turbulent period in Israel’s history, one marked by cycles of oppression, repentance, deliverance, and relapse. In Judges 6, we read about Gideon and his calling to deliver Israel from the oppressive hand of Midian. Alongside the Midianites, another group is mentioned repeatedly: the “children of the east.” But who exactly are these people, and what is their significance in the biblical narrative? This post explores the identity, background, and role of the “children of the east” in Judges 6.

The Setting: Israel’s Oppression

Judges 6 opens with a familiar pattern: “The Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord, and for seven years he gave them into the hands of the Midianites” (Judges 6:1, NIV). The Midianites, along with the Amalekites and the “children of the east,” descended upon Israel “like locusts in number,” devastating the land and stealing its produce. These invaders forced the Israelites to hide in caves and mountain strongholds, plunging them into poverty and fear.

The phrase “children of the east” appears repeatedly in this context, alongside other nomadic and semi-nomadic groups that threatened Israel during their weakest moments.

Identifying the Children of the East

The phrase “children of the east” (Hebrew: benei qedem) is a general term rather than the name of a specific tribe or nation. In the biblical context, “the east” typically refers to the lands lying east of Israel, across the Jordan River and extending into the deserts of Arabia and Mesopotamia. This region was inhabited by various peoples, some of whom were descendants of Abraham through his other sons, as well as other Semitic clans.

The “children of the east” in Judges 6 are generally understood to be nomadic or semi-nomadic tribes who lived in the desert regions east and southeast of Israel. These groups include, but are not limited to, the Ishmaelites, descendants of Abraham’s son Ishmael; the Midianites, descendants of Abraham’s son Midian by Keturah; and other related tribes. Their livelihoods depended on herding, trading, and at times, raiding neighboring settled communities.

Other Biblical References to the Children of the East

The term “children of the east” appears elsewhere in the Old Testament, usually referring to wise men, traders, or nomads from the desert regions. In Genesis 25:6, Abraham gives gifts to the sons of his concubines and sends them away “eastward, to the east country.” In Job 1:3, Job is described as “the greatest of all the people of the east,” indicating a region known for its wisdom and wealth.

In the case of Judges 6, the “children of the east” are grouped with the Midianites and Amalekites, distinguishing them as part of a coalition of eastern peoples who invaded Israel. The text describes them as riding camels—an animal associated with desert dwellers—further supporting their identity as nomadic tribes.

The Role of the Children of the East in Judges 6

The “children of the east” played a significant role in the oppression of Israel during the time of Gideon. Alongside the Midianites and Amalekites, they engaged in seasonal raids, swooping down on Israel at harvest time. Their goal was not occupation but plunder; they would “encamp against [the Israelites] and destroy the crops of the land… and leave no sustenance in Israel, neither sheep, nor ox, nor donkey” (Judges 6:4, ESV). This method of pillaging left Israel impoverished and desperate.

The coalition’s strength lay in its mobility and numbers. The invaders came “as thick as locusts,” with their camels “without number.” The children of the east contributed to this overwhelming force, making them a formidable threat. Their presence highlights the vulnerability of Israel during this period and sets the stage for God’s intervention through Gideon.

Cultural and Historical Insights

The children of the east were well-known in the ancient Near East for their skills in animal husbandry, trade, and desert survival. Their mobility made them unpredictable and difficult to defend against. Camels, newly domesticated in this era, gave these tribes a significant military and economic advantage, enabling them to travel long distances and transport goods—or spoils—with ease.

This historical detail helps explain the terror and devastation experienced by the Israelites. The coalition of Midianites, Amalekites, and children of the east was not a standing army but a fluid alliance of opportunistic tribes, united by the prospect of easy plunder.

Significance in the Biblical Narrative

The mention of the children of the east in Judges 6 serves several purposes. First, it underscores the scale of the oppression faced by Israel—this was not a single enemy, but a confederation of peoples. Second, it highlights the fulfillment of earlier biblical prophecies, as many of these tribes trace their origins back to Abraham’s other descendants. Lastly, their defeat at the hands of Gideon and his small band of followers demonstrates God’s power to deliver His people, regardless of the odds.