² Because the Midianites were very powerful and were cruel to Israel, the Israelites made hiding places in the mountains, in caves, and in safe places. ³ Whenever the Israelites planted crops, the Midianites, Amalekites, and other peoples from the east would come and attack them. ⁴ They camped in the land and destroyed the crops that the Israelites had planted as far away as Gaza. They left nothing for Israel to eat, and no sheep, cattle, or donkeys.