Zippor is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Numbers. He is identified as the father of Balak, the king of Moab, during the time when the Israelites were journeying through the wilderness on their way to the Promised Land. The name "Zippor" is of Hebrew origin, meaning "bird."

Biblical References:

1. Numbers 22:2-4 : "Now Balak son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites, and Moab was terrified of the people because they were numerous. Indeed, Moab dreaded the Israelites. So the Moabites said to the elders of Midian, 'This horde will devour everything around us like an ox licks up the grass of the field.' Since Balak son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time..."

In this passage, Zippor is introduced indirectly through his son Balak, who is the reigning monarch of Moab. The context reveals the fear and anxiety of the Moabites as they witness the advancing Israelites, prompting Balak to seek the services of Balaam, a prophet, to curse the Israelites.

2. Numbers 22:10 : "Balaam answered, 'Balak son of Zippor, king of Moab, sent me this message...'"

Here, Balaam recounts the message he received from Balak, again identifying Balak as the son of Zippor. This further establishes Zippor's role as the progenitor of the Moabite king who plays a significant part in the narrative involving Balaam.

Historical and Cultural Context:

Zippor's mention in the biblical text is primarily to establish the lineage and authority of Balak, the Moabite king. The Moabites were descendants of Lot, Abraham's nephew, and had a complex relationship with the Israelites. During the time of the Exodus, the Moabites were both fearful and hostile towards the Israelites, as evidenced by Balak's actions.

The narrative involving Balak and Balaam is significant in demonstrating the spiritual warfare and divine protection over Israel. Despite Balak's attempts to curse Israel through Balaam, God intervenes, turning intended curses into blessings. This account underscores the sovereignty of God over the nations and His covenantal faithfulness to Israel.

Theological Significance:

Zippor, though not a central figure, is part of a larger narrative that highlights the tension between the Israelites and the surrounding nations. His mention serves to authenticate the historical and genealogical context of the events described in the Book of Numbers. The account of Balak, son of Zippor, and his interactions with Balaam, provides insight into the spiritual dynamics at play during Israel's wilderness journey and God's overarching plan for His people.

In summary, Zippor's role in the biblical narrative is primarily as a genealogical reference, linking Balak to the Moabite royal lineage. His mention underscores the historical context of the Moabite opposition to Israel and sets the stage for the unfolding of God's protective and redemptive purposes for His chosen people.Zippor

bird; sparrow; crown; desert

Zippor

(sparrow), father of Balak king of Moab. (Numbers 22:2,4,10,16; 23:18; Joshua 24:9; Judges 11:25) Whether he was the "former king of Moab" alluded to in (Numbers 21:26) we are not told. (B.C. 1451.)

A little bird, the father of Balak, king of Moab (Numbers 22:2, 4). ZIPPOR

zip'-or (tsippor; in Numbers 22:4; Numbers 23:18; tsippor, "bird," "swallow" (HPN, 94)): Father of Balak, king of Moab (Numbers 22:2, 10, 16 Joshua 24:9 Judges 11:25).

904. Balak -- Balak, a king of the Moabites
... Part of Speech: Proper Noun, Indeclinable Transliteration: Balak Phonetic Spelling:
(bal-ak') Short Definition: Balak Definition: Balak, son of Zippor, King of ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/904.htm - 6k6834. Tsippor -- "bird," father of Balak
... 6833, 6834. Tsippor. 6835 . "bird," father of Balak. Transliteration: Tsippor
Phonetic Spelling: (tsip-pore') Short Definition: Zippor. ... Zippor. ...
/hebrew/6834.htm - 6k

The South Country. Judea Called 'the South,' in Respect of Galilee ...
... the Talmudical books, will meet very frequently with the name of the 'South,' taken
for 'whole Judea' in opposition to 'Galilee.' "Those of Zippor enjoined a ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 12 the south country.htm

Acon. Ptolemais.
... When he went out, R. Illai said unto him, Is not Caphar Samai of the land of Israel,
being nearer to Zippor than Acon?" And a little after: "The cities which ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 64 acon ptolemais.htm

The Witness of Balaam to Israel
... And Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites. ...
And Balak the son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time. ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/ii the witness of balaam.htm

Some History of Tiberias. The Jerusalem Talmud was Written There ...
... R. Judah, who first removed the university to Tiberias, sat also in Zippor for many
years, and there died: so that in both places were very famous schools. ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 81 some history of.htm

Caphar Hananiah. The Middle of Galilee.
... Hananiah, and five more in Caphar Uthni, they are not joined together," that is,
they are not numbered to be tithed, "until he hath one in Zippor.""The Gloss ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 61 caphar hananiah the.htm

Arbel. Shezor. Tarnegola the Upper.
... that place, viz. the Chaldee paraphrast, R. Solomon, Kimchi: consult them.
It was between Zippor and Tiberias. Hence Nittai the ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 85 arbel shezor tarnegola.htm

Tiberias.
... a boy, I said a certain thing, concerning which I asked the elders, and it was found
as I said; namely, that Chammath is Tiberias, and Rakkath Zippor"; it is ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 72 tiberias.htm

The Consistories of More Note: Out of the Babylonian Talmud ...
... Go to R. Mathia to Roma. Go to R. Chananiah Ben Teradion to Sicni. To R. Jose to
Zippor. To R. Judah Ben Betirah to Nisibin. To R. Josua to the captivity (viz. ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 96 the consistories of.htm

Caesarea. Strato's Tower.
... came to a clean place, he again betook himself to them." This story is recited Beracoth,
fol.6.1; and there it is said that they walked in the palace of Zippor ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 57 caesarea stratos tower.htm

Tsippor
... Zipporin with Zain is once writ in the Jerusalem Talmud; one would suspect it to
be this city: "When R. Akibah went to Zippor, they came to him, and asked, Are ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 82 tsippor.htm

Zippor (7 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ZIPPOR. ...Zippor (7 Occurrences). Numbers 22:2 Balak
the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites. ...
/z/zippor.htm - 9k

Balak (42 Occurrences)
... Empty; spoiler, a son of Zippor, and king of the Moabites (Numbers 22:2, 4). From
fear of the Israelites, who were encamped near the confines of his territory ...
/b/balak.htm - 20k

Zipporah (3 Occurrences)

/z/zipporah.htm - 9k

Balaam (62 Occurrences)
... Numbers 22:10 Balaam said to God, "Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, has sent
to me, saying, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/b/balaam.htm - 38k

Moabites (26 Occurrences)
... But when Balak son of Zippor, king of Moab, saw what a powerful people was settling
on his border, he made alliance with the Midianites against them and called ...
/m/moabites.htm - 28k

Moab (162 Occurrences)
... But when Balak son of Zippor, king of Moab, saw what a powerful people was settling
on his border, he made alliance with the Midianites against them and called ...
/m/moab.htm - 62k

Ziphron (1 Occurrence)

/z/ziphron.htm - 7k

Oracle (57 Occurrences)
... Come, defy Israel. (See NIV). Numbers 23:18 He took up his parable, and said, "Rise
up, Balak, and hear! Listen to me, you son of Zippor. (See NIV). ...
/o/oracle.htm - 26k

Licketh (1 Occurrence)
... the ox licketh up the grass of the field. And Balak the son of Zippor was
king of the Moabites at that time. (KJV JPS ASV WBS YLT). ...
/l/licketh.htm - 6k

Lick (8 Occurrences)
... to the elders of Midian, "Now this multitude will lick up all that is around us,
as the ox licks up the grass of the field." Balak the son of Zippor was king ...
/l/lick.htm - 10k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus