Because the power of Midian was so oppressive,(A) the Israelites prepared shelters for themselves in mountain clefts, caves(B) and strongholds.(C) Whenever the Israelites planted their crops, the Midianites, Amalekites(D) and other eastern peoples(E) invaded the country. They camped on the land and ruined the crops(F) all the way to Gaza(G) and did not spare a living thing for Israel, neither sheep nor cattle nor donkeys. They came up with their livestock and their tents like swarms of locusts.(H) It was impossible to count them or their camels;(I) they invaded the land to ravage it. Midian so impoverished the Israelites that they cried out(J) to the Lord for help.

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And the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel: and because of the Midianites the children of Israel made them the dens which are in the mountains, and caves, and strong holds.

And so it was, when Israel had sown, that the Midianites came up, and the Amalekites, and the children of the east, even they came up against them;

And they encamped against them, and destroyed the increase of the earth, till thou come unto Gaza, and left no sustenance for Israel, neither sheep, nor ox, nor ass.

For they came up with their cattle and their tents, and they came as grasshoppers for multitude; for both they and their camels were without number: and they entered into the land to destroy it.

And Israel was greatly impoverished because of the Midianites; and the children of Israel cried unto the Lord.

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