Judges 11:25
Judges 11:25 in Multiple Translations
Are you now so much better than Balak son of Zippor, king of Moab? Did he ever contend with Israel or fight against them?
And now art thou any thing better than Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab? did he ever strive against Israel, or did he ever fight against them,
And now art thou anything better than Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab? did he ever strive against Israel, or did he ever fight against them?
What! are you any better than Balak, the son of Zippor, king of Moab? Did he ever take up a cause against Israel or make war against them?
Do you think you're so much better than Balak, son of Zippor, king of Moab? Did he ever quarrel with Israel or attack them?
And art thou nowe farre better then Balak the sonne of Zippor King of Moab? did he not striue with Israel and fight against them,
'And now, [art] thou at all better than Balak son of Zippor, king of Moab? did he at all strive with Israel? did he at all fight against them?
Now are you anything better than Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab? Did he ever strive against Israel, or did he ever fight against them?
And now art thou any thing better than Balak the son of Zippor king of Moab? did he ever strive against Israel, or did he ever fight against them,
Unless perhaps thou art better than Balac the son of Sephor king of Moab: or canst shew that he strove against Israel and fought against him,
◄You are no/Are you► better than Zippor’s son Balak, who was the king of the Moab people-group? He never [RHQ] quarreled with the Israeli people, and he never started to fight against us [RHQ]!
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 11:25
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Judges 11:25 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/עַתָּ֗ה
הֲ/ט֥וֹב
טוֹב֙
אַתָּ֔ה
מִ/בָּלָ֥ק
בֶּן
צִפּ֖וֹר
מֶ֣לֶךְ
מוֹאָ֑ב
הֲ/ר֥וֹב
רָב֙
עִם
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
אִם
נִלְחֹ֥ם
נִלְחַ֖ם
בָּֽ/ם
וְ/עַתָּ֗ה
ʻattâh
H6258
now
Conj | Adv
הֲ/ט֥וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Part | Adj
טוֹב֙
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
אַתָּ֔ה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
מִ/בָּלָ֥ק
Bâlâq
H1111
Balak
Prep | N-proper
בֶּן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
צִפּ֖וֹר
Tsippôwr
H6834
Zippor
N-proper
מֶ֣לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
N-ms
מוֹאָ֑ב
Môwʼâb
H4124
Moab
N-proper
הֲ/ר֥וֹב
rîyb
H7378
to contend
Part | V-Qal-Ptc
רָב֙
rîyb
H7378
to contend
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
עִם
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
נִלְחֹ֥ם
lâcham
H3898
to fight
V-Niphal-Ptc
נִלְחַ֖ם
lâcham
H3898
to fight
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
בָּֽ/ם
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 11:25
וְ/עַתָּ֗ה
ʻattâh
H6258
"now"
Conj | Adv
This word means now or at this time, like in Exodus when God says now is the time to act. It can also be used to connect ideas or show a change in time, as seen in the book of Isaiah.
Definition: 1) now 1a) now 1b) in phrases
Usage: Occurs in 422 OT verses. KJV: henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas. See also: Genesis 3:22; Joshua 24:23; 2 Samuel 24:13.
הֲ/ט֥וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Part | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
טוֹב֙
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
אַתָּ֔ה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
מִ/בָּלָ֥ק
Bâlâq
H1111
"Balak"
Prep | N-proper
Balak was a king of Moab who hired the prophet Balaam to curse the Israelites, as told in Numbers 22:2. His name means devastator, reflecting his role as a king who sought to harm God's people.
Definition: A man of the Moabites living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Num.22.2; son of: Zippor (H6834) Also named: Balak (Βαλάκ "Balak" G0904) § Balak = "devastator" a king of Moab who hired Balaam to curse Israel
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: Balak. See also: Numbers 22:2; Numbers 23:7; Micah 6:5.
בֶּן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
צִפּ֖וֹר
Tsippôwr
H6834
"Zippor"
N-proper
Zippor was a Moabite man, father of Balak, the king of Moab during the exodus, and his name means sparrow, as seen in Numbers 22:2.
Definition: A man of the Moabites living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Num.22.2; father of: Balak (H1111) § Zippor = "sparrow" father of Balak the king of Moab at the time of the exodus
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: Zippor. See also: Numbers 22:2; Numbers 22:16; Judges 11:25.
מֶ֣לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
מוֹאָ֑ב
Môwʼâb
H4124
"Moab"
N-proper
Moab refers to the land and descendants of the son of Lot, who was born out of an incestuous relationship. The land of Moab is mentioned in the book of Numbers and the book of Ruth.
Definition: Combined with a.ra.vah (עֲרָבָה " Plains" H6160I) § Moab = "of his father" the land inhabited by the descendants of the son of Lot
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: Moab. See also: Genesis 19:37; 2 Kings 3:21; Psalms 60:10.
הֲ/ר֥וֹב
rîyb
H7378
"to contend"
Part | V-Qal-Ptc
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to argue or contend with someone, like in a lawsuit or a heated debate. It is used in various forms, such as physically fighting or verbally complaining. This concept appears in books like Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: 1) to strive, contend 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to strive 1a1a) physically 1a1b) with words 1a2) to conduct a case or suit (legal), sue 1a3) to make complaint 1a4) to quarrel 1b) (Hiphil) to contend against
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: adversary, chide, complain, contend, debate, [idiom] ever, [idiom] lay wait, plead, rebuke, strive, [idiom] thoroughly. See also: Genesis 26:20; Job 40:2; Psalms 35:1.
רָב֙
rîyb
H7378
"to contend"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to argue or contend with someone, like in a lawsuit or a heated debate. It is used in various forms, such as physically fighting or verbally complaining. This concept appears in books like Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: 1) to strive, contend 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to strive 1a1a) physically 1a1b) with words 1a2) to conduct a case or suit (legal), sue 1a3) to make complaint 1a4) to quarrel 1b) (Hiphil) to contend against
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: adversary, chide, complain, contend, debate, [idiom] ever, [idiom] lay wait, plead, rebuke, strive, [idiom] thoroughly. See also: Genesis 26:20; Job 40:2; Psalms 35:1.
עִם
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
נִלְחֹ֥ם
lâcham
H3898
"to fight"
V-Niphal-Ptc
In the Bible, this word means to feed on or consume something, often referring to eating food or battling against someone. It's used in stories like David's battles and the Israelites' struggles in the wilderness.
Definition: 1) to fight, do battle, make war 1a) (Qal) to fight, do battle 1b) (Niphal) to engage in battle, wage war
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: devour, eat, [idiom] ever, fight(-ing), overcome, prevail, (make) war(-ring). See also: Exodus 1:10; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 35:1.
נִלְחַ֖ם
lâcham
H3898
"to fight"
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
In the Bible, this word means to feed on or consume something, often referring to eating food or battling against someone. It's used in stories like David's battles and the Israelites' struggles in the wilderness.
Definition: 1) to fight, do battle, make war 1a) (Qal) to fight, do battle 1b) (Niphal) to engage in battle, wage war
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: devour, eat, [idiom] ever, fight(-ing), overcome, prevail, (make) war(-ring). See also: Exodus 1:10; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 35:1.
בָּֽ/ם
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Judges 11:25
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Judges 11:25 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 11:25
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 11:25
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 11:25
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 11:25
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 11:25
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 11:25
- Whedon's Commentary on Judges 11:25
- Sermons on Judges 11:25
Context — Jephthah Delivers Israel
23Now since the LORD, the God of Israel, has driven out the Amorites from before His people Israel, should you now possess it?
24Do you not possess whatever your god Chemosh grants you? So also, we possess whatever the LORD our God has granted us.
25Are you now so much better than Balak son of Zippor, king of Moab? Did he ever contend with Israel or fight against them?
26For three hundred years Israel has lived in Heshbon, Aroer, and their villages, as well as all the cities along the banks of the Arnon. Why did you not take them back during that time? 27I have not sinned against you, but you have done me wrong by waging war against me. May the LORD, the Judge, decide today between the Israelites and the Ammonites.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Micah 6:5 | My people, remember what Balak king of Moab counseled and what Balaam son of Beor answered. Remember your journey from Shittim to Gilgal, so that you may acknowledge the righteousness of the LORD.’” |
| 2 | Joshua 24:9–10 | Then Balak son of Zippor, the king of Moab, set out to fight against Israel. He sent for Balaam son of Beor to curse you, but I would not listen to Balaam. So he blessed you again and again, and I delivered you from his hand. |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 23:3–4 | No Ammonite or Moabite or any of their descendants may enter the assembly of the LORD, even to the tenth generation. For they did not meet you with food and water on your way out of Egypt, and they hired Balaam son of Beor from Pethor in Aram-naharaim to curse you. |
| 4 | Numbers 22:2–21 | 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, as an ox licks up the grass of the field.” Since Balak son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time, he sent messengers to Balaam son of Beor at Pethor, which is by the Euphrates in the land of his people. “Behold, a people has come out of Egypt,” said Balak. “They cover the face of the land and have settled next to me. So please come now and put a curse on this people, because they are too mighty for me. Perhaps I may be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land; for I know that those you bless are blessed, and those you curse are cursed.” The elders of Moab and Midian departed with the fees for divination in hand. They came to Balaam and relayed to him the words of Balak. “Spend the night here,” Balaam replied, “and I will give you the answer that the LORD speaks to me.” So the princes of Moab stayed with Balaam. Then God came to Balaam and asked, “Who are these men with you?” And Balaam said to God, “Balak son of Zippor, king of Moab, sent me this message: ‘Behold, a people has come out of Egypt, and they cover the face of the land. Now come and put a curse on them for me. Perhaps I may be able to fight against them and drive them away.’” But God said to Balaam, “Do not go with them. You are not to curse this people, for they are blessed.” So Balaam got up the next morning and said to Balak’s princes, “Go back to your homeland, because the LORD has refused to let me go with you.” And the princes of Moab arose, returned to Balak, and said, “Balaam refused to come with us.” Then Balak sent other princes, more numerous and more distinguished than the first messengers. They came to Balaam and said, “This is what Balak son of Zippor says: ‘Please let nothing hinder you from coming to me, for I will honor you richly and do whatever you say. So please come and put a curse on this people for me!’” But Balaam replied to the servants of Balak, “If Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not do anything small or great to go beyond the command of the LORD my God. So now, please stay here overnight as the others did, that I may find out what else the LORD has to tell me.” That night God came to Balaam and said, “Since these men have come to summon you, get up and go with them, but you must only do what I tell you.” So in the morning Balaam got up, saddled his donkey, and went with the princes of Moab. |
Judges 11:25 Summary
In Judges 11:25, Jephthah is asking the Ammonite king if he is better than Balak, a previous king of Moab, who did not fight against Israel. Jephthah is making the point that the Ammonites have no right to attack Israel, just like the Moabites did not in the past, as seen in Numbers 22-24. This verse teaches us about respecting God's boundaries and decisions, as stated in Deuteronomy 32:8-9, and trusting in His power and provision, even in difficult situations, as encouraged in Psalm 37:3-7 and 1 Timothy 6:6-10. By looking at the example of Jephthah and the history between Israel and Moab, we can learn to trust in God's sovereignty and live out our faith in everyday life, as supported by Joshua 1-12 and Acts 17:24-31.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Balak son of Zippor, and why is he mentioned in this verse?
Balak son of Zippor was a king of Moab, mentioned in Numbers 22:2-24:25, who attempted to curse the Israelites through the prophet Balaam, but ultimately failed; Jephthah's reference to him highlights the lack of conflict between Moab and Israel in the past, as noted in Judges 11:25.
Is Jephthah saying that the Ammonites are inferior to the Moabites?
No, Jephthah is not making a comparison of superiority, but rather pointing out that the Moabites, under King Balak, did not engage in conflict with Israel, unlike the Ammonites, who are now waging war against them, as seen in Judges 11:25 and supported by the history in Deuteronomy 2:9-19.
What is the significance of Jephthah's question about Balak and the Moabites?
Jephthah's question emphasizes the Ammonites' unjustified aggression towards Israel, highlighting that even the Moabites, under Balak, did not engage in conflict with them, which is also noted in the context of Numbers 22-24 and Deuteronomy 2:9-19, and serves as a basis for Jephthah's argument in Judges 11:25.
How does this verse relate to the wider biblical theme of God's sovereignty?
This verse, in the context of Judges 11:25, illustrates God's sovereignty over nations, as He gives land to whoever He chooses, as stated in Deuteronomy 32:8-9, and highlights the importance of recognizing and respecting God's boundaries and decisions, as seen in the stories of the conquest of Canaan in Joshua 1-12 and the apportioning of land in Joshua 13-22.
Reflection Questions
- What can I learn from Jephthah's approach to conflict resolution, and how can I apply it to my own life, considering the principles outlined in Matthew 5:38-42 and Romans 12:14-21?
- How does this verse challenge my understanding of God's sovereignty over nations and my own place within His plan, as described in Psalm 2:1-12 and Acts 17:24-31?
- In what ways can I, like Jephthah, trust in God's power and provision, even in the face of opposition or uncertainty, as encouraged in Isaiah 40:28-31 and 2 Corinthians 12:9-10?
- What are some modern-day applications of Jephthah's argument that 'we possess whatever the LORD our God has granted us', as seen in Judges 11:24, and how can I live out this principle in my own life, as supported by Psalm 37:3-7 and 1 Timothy 6:6-10?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 11:25
And now art thou anything better than Balak the son of Zippor king of Moab?.... This argument seems to strengthen the conjecture, that this king was king of Moab at this time, and so Balak was one of his predecessors.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 11:25
And said unto him, Thus saith Jephthah, Israel took not away the land of Moab, nor the land of the children of Ammon: No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 11:25
Art thou better than Balak? art thou wiser than he? or hast thou more right than he had? Balak, though he plotted against Israel, in defence of his own land, which he feared they would invade and conquer, ; yet he never contended with them about the restitution of those lands which Sihon took from him or his predecessors, after the Israelites had conquered them.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 11:25
Judges 11:25 And now [art] thou any thing better than Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab? did he ever strive against Israel, or did he ever fight against them,Ver. 25. And now art thou anything better than Balak?] Heb., An bonus es tu prae Balaco? … an contendendo contendit? an pugnando pugnavit? Here he pleadeth prescription: and he doth it with great intention of spirit, and contention of speech. As men must not be hot in a cold matter, so neither cold in a hot.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 11:25
(25) Art thou anything better than Balak?—Literally, Are you the good, good in comparison with? It is one of the Hebrew ways of expressing the superlative. Jephthah here argues from prescriptive right, which even the contemporary king Balak had not ventured to challenge, showing, therefore, that he admitted the claim of Israel, deadly as was his hatred against them. Did he ever fight against them?—This may seem at first sight to contradict Joshua 24:9. There “Balak the son of Zippor arose and warred against Israel”; and we might infer that it was in some Moabite battle that Baalam had been slain (Numbers 31:8; Joshua 13:22). But this would not affect Jephthah’s argument. Balak had fought against Israel out of pure hatred, not from any pretensions to claim their conquests from them.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 11:25
25. art thou … better than Balak] Though the king of Ammon is supposed to be addressed, the question really aims at some king of Moab: is he a better man than his predecessor Balak, who did not dare to fight Israel? The verse agrees with Numbers 22-24, where no mention is made of a war between Moab and Israel; Joshua 24:9 a is probably due to an annotator.
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 11:25
25. Better than Balak — Hast thou any better claim on these lands than Balak?
Sermons on Judges 11:25
| Sermon | Description | |
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Moab Exposed by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the arrival of the tilters and the impending arrival of Moab. He warns Tobiah to leave because his time is up and advises those who are not h |
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Matthew 7:6 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of discernment in the Christian faith, particularly in the context of Jesus' teaching in Matthew 7:6. He warns against the dangers of indiscri |
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The Warfare by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks discusses 'The Warfare', emphasizing the unique and intense spiritual conflict associated with fulfilling God's ultimate purpose. He illustrates this through the o |
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Notes on the Book of Ruth - Part 2 by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks preaches on the importance of embracing the resurrection by faith and leaving behind the cursed land of Moab, symbolizing a life under judgment and hopelessness. T |