Judges 11:25 Meaning and Explanation
“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,”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jephthah asks whether Ammon's king is greater than Balak of Moab, who never went to war over this land.
What Does Judges 11:25 Mean?
Jephthah invokes a precedent the king would know: Balak, the Moabite king of an earlier generation, who had every reason to dispute Israel yet never once made war to reclaim the land. Is this Ammonite king greater or more entitled than Balak was?
The comparison exposes the weakness of Ammon's claim. If even Balak, with his grievance, did not fight over this territory, the present demand stands on still weaker ground. Jephthah lets the silence of history witness against the king's aggression.
Frequently Asked Questions About Judges 11:25
What does Judges 11:25 mean?
Jephthah asks whether Ammon's king is greater than Balak of Moab, who never went to war over this land.