Zeeb

Zeeb was a Midianite prince captured and killed by the Ephraimites during the pursuit after Gideon's victory. The account associates his death with a place called the Winepress of Zeeb.

Zeeb is named in Judges 7:25 alongside Oreb as a prince or leader of Midian. Gideon had defeated the Midianite forces and called upon Ephraim to occupy the Jordan crossings so the retreating army could not escape. The Ephraimites captured the two leaders. Zeeb was killed at the Winepress of Zeeb, while Oreb was killed at the Rock of Oreb. Their heads were brought to Gideon. Judges 8 describes a disagreement that followed: the Ephraimites objected that they had not been called at the beginning of the campaign. Gideon avoided further conflict by acknowledging that their capture of the two princes was a major achievement. The narrative offers no information about Zeeb's parents, earlier activities, capital, or precise responsibilities. His Hebrew name is commonly understood to mean wolf. The name of the winepress may have been connected to the battle, but its exact location is not securely identified. Zeeb is not called a king; Judges reserves that designation in this episode for Zebah and Zalmunna. Psalm 83:11 later recalls the defeat of Oreb and Zeeb. No independent archaeological evidence securely identifies Zeeb.

Zeeb is important because his defeat represents the contribution of the Ephraimites to Gideon's campaign. The narrative also preserves a distinction between the princes Oreb and Zeeb and the kings Zebah and Zalmunna. His name survived in the remembered location called the Winepress of Zeeb.

Gideon calls the Ephraimites to intercept Midian; the Ephraimites capture Oreb and Zeeb; Zeeb is killed at the Winepress of Zeeb; Gideon praises their victory when a dispute arises.

Zeeb is identified as a Midianite prince in Judges 7. His capture helped bring the Midianite retreat under control and became part of the biblical memory of Gideon's victory. Psalm 83:11 recalls him with Oreb.

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

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

Judges 7:25 reports that Zeeb was killed at the Winepress of Zeeb. His burial is not described.