Judges 11:25 Study Bible: And now are you anything better than Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab? Did he ever contend against Israel, or did he ever fight against them?

◄ Judges 11:25 ►

Are you now so much better than Balak son of Zippor, king of Moab? Did he ever contend with Israel or fight against them?

Study Bible

Now are you any better
This phrase challenges the Ammonite king's sense of superiority or entitlement. The Hebrew root for "better" (טוֹב, tov) often implies goodness or moral superiority. Jephthah, the speaker, is questioning the moral or strategic high ground of the Ammonite king, suggesting that his claim to the land lacks the righteousness or justification that might make it valid. This rhetorical question serves to undermine the king's position by comparing him unfavorably to a historical figure.

than Balak son of Zippor
Balak, the son of Zippor, was the king of Moab during the time of the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land. His account is primarily found in Numbers 22-24, where he famously hired Balaam to curse Israel. The mention of Balak serves as a historical reference point, reminding the Ammonite king of a precedent where a neighboring king did not engage in direct conflict with Israel. The Hebrew name "Balak" (בָּלָק) means "devastator," which is ironic given his failure to harm Israel. This comparison implies that the Ammonite king should learn from Balak's example and avoid unnecessary conflict.

king of Moab
Moab was a neighboring nation to Israel, often in conflict with them. The Moabites were descendants of Lot, Abraham's nephew, which gave them a distant kinship with the Israelites. Historically, Moab had a complex relationship with Israel, sometimes hostile and other times neutral or even allied. By invoking Moab, Jephthah is drawing on a shared history and suggesting that the Ammonite king should consider the outcomes of past interactions between Israel and its neighbors.

Did he ever contend with Israel
The word "contend" (רִיב, riv) in Hebrew can mean to strive, dispute, or bring a lawsuit. Jephthah is pointing out that Balak did not engage in legal or military disputes with Israel over land. This rhetorical question implies that the Ammonite king's current contention is unfounded and unnecessary. It serves as a reminder that peaceful coexistence is possible and preferable.

or fight against them?
The Hebrew word for "fight" (לָחַם, lacham) implies physical battle or warfare. Jephthah is emphasizing that Balak did not resort to military action against Israel, suggesting that the Ammonite king should also refrain from aggression. This historical reference serves as a warning against repeating past mistakes and highlights the futility of opposing God's chosen people through force. The implication is that peace and diplomacy are wiser courses of action.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jephthah
A judge of Israel, known for his leadership and vow, who is addressing the king of the Ammonites in this passage.

2. Balak son of Zippor
The king of Moab who, during the time of the Exodus, sought to curse Israel through Balaam but did not engage in direct conflict.

3. Ammonites
A people group east of the Jordan River, descendants of Lot, who are in conflict with Israel over land disputes.

4. Moab
A neighboring nation to Israel, also descendants of Lot, historically related to the Ammonites.

5. Israel
The chosen people of God, led by Jephthah in this account, who are defending their right to the land given by God.

Teaching Points

Historical Context and Diplomacy
Jephthah uses historical precedent to argue for peace, showing the importance of understanding history and using it wisely in conflict resolution.

God's Sovereignty and Protection
The reference to Balak underscores God's protection over Israel, reminding believers of God's faithfulness and sovereignty in their lives.

Respect for Divine Boundaries
Just as Israel respected Moab's boundaries, Christians are called to respect others' boundaries and trust in God's provision.

Peacemaking Efforts
Jephthah's approach to the Ammonite king exemplifies the biblical principle of seeking peace before engaging in conflict.

Faith in God's Promises
Jephthah's confidence in addressing the Ammonite king reflects a deep trust in God's promises and past faithfulness, encouraging believers to stand firm in their faith.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jephthah's reference to Balak serve as a strategic argument in his negotiation with the Ammonites?

2. In what ways does the account of Balak and Balaam in Numbers 22-24 illustrate God's protection over His people?

3. How can understanding the historical context of a conflict help us in resolving disputes in our own lives?

4. What are some practical ways we can respect others' boundaries while trusting in God's provision, as seen in Deuteronomy 2:9?

5. How can Romans 12:18 guide us in our efforts to be peacemakers in our communities and relationships?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Numbers 22-24
The account of Balak and Balaam, where Balak attempts to curse Israel but ultimately fails, highlighting God's protection over Israel.

Deuteronomy 2:9
God instructs Israel not to harass Moab, showing a divine boundary and respect for Moab's territory.

Genesis 19:36-38
The origin of the Moabites and Ammonites, providing context for their relationship with Israel.

Romans 12:18
Encourages living at peace with everyone, reflecting Jephthah's attempt to resolve the conflict diplomatically.

Sermons

Different Views Held as to Jephthah's Vow	L. H. Wiseman, M. A.	Judges 11:1-33
Jephthah	W. G. Blaikie, D. D.	Judges 11:1-33
Jephthah's Vow	T. Taylor, D. D.	Judges 11:1-33
Why are Ye Come unto Me Now When Ye are in Distress?	J. Parker, D. D.	Judges 11:1-33
The Model Diplomatist	A.F. Muir	Judges 11:12-28

People

Abel, Ammonites, Amorites, Balak, Chemosh, Israelites, Jephthah, Manasseh, Sihon, Zippor

Places

Abel-keramim, Ammon, Arnon, Aroer, Edom, Egypt, Gilead, Heshbon, Jabbok River, Jahaz, Jordan River, Kadesh-barnea, Minnith, Mizpah, Moab, Red Sea, Tob

Topics

Anything, Balak, Better, Cause, Fight, Moab, Quarrel, Strive, War, Zippor

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Judges 11:24

8769 idolatry, in OT

Library

Whether a Vow Should Always be About a Better Good?
Objection 1: It would seem that a vow need not be always about a better good. A greater good is one that pertains to supererogation. But vows are not only about matters of supererogation, but also about matters of salvation: thus in Baptism men vow to renounce the devil and his pomps, and to keep the faith, as a gloss observes on Ps. 75:12, "Vow ye, and pay to the Lord your God"; and Jacob vowed (Gn. 28:21) that the Lord should be his God. Now this above all is necessary for salvation. Therefore …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Of Vows. The Miserable Entanglements Caused by Vowing Rashly.
1. Some general principles with regard to the nature of vows. Superstitious errors not only of the heathen, but of Christians, in regard to vows. 2. Three points to be considered with regard to vows. First, to whom the vow is made--viz. to God. Nothing to be vowed to him but what he himself requires. 3. Second, Who we are that vow. We must measure our strength, and have regard to our calling. Fearful errors of the Popish clergy by not attending to this. Their vow of celibacy. 4. Third point to be …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

A Cloud of Witnesses.
"By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was a-dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when his end was nigh, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.... By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been compassed about for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot perished not with them that were disobedient, …
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews

Jesus Works his First Miracle at Cana in Galilee.
^D John II. 1-11. ^d 1 And the third day [From the calling of Philip (John i. 43). The days enumerated in John's first two chapters constitute a week, and may perhaps be intended as a contrast to the last week of Christ's ministry ( John xii. 1). It took two days to journey from the Jordan to Cana] there was a marriage [In Palestine the marriage ceremony usually began at twilight. The feast after the marriage was at the home of the bridegroom, and was sometimes prolonged for several days (Gen. xxix. …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Importance in Luke's History of the Story of the Birth of Christ
IT needs no proof that Luke attached the highest importance to this part of his narrative. That Jesus was indicated from the beginning as the Messiah -- though not a necessary part of his life and work, and wholly omitted by Mark and only briefly indicated in mystical language by John -- was a highly interesting and important fact in itself, and could not fail to impress the historian. The elaboration and detail of the first two chapters of the Gospel form a sufficient proof that Luke recognized …
Sir William Mitchell Ramsay—Was Christ Born in Bethlehem?

Judges
For the understanding of the early history and religion of Israel, the book of Judges, which covers the period from the death of Joshua to the beginning of the struggle with the Philistines, is of inestimable importance; and it is very fortunate that the elements contributed by the later editors are so easily separated from the ancient stories whose moral they seek to point. That moral is most elaborately stated in ii. 6-iii. 6, which is a sort of programme or preface to iii. 7-xvi. 31, which constitutes …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links

Judges 11:25 NIV
Judges 11:25 NLT
Judges 11:25 ESV
Judges 11:25 NASB
Judges 11:25 KJV

Judges 11:25 Commentaries

Bible Hub