Lexical Definition

‎צִפּוֹר‎ Tsippôwr (tsip-pore') Zippor ^N:N-M-P
the same as ‎צִפּוֹר‎

Zippor.

• § Zippor = "sparrow"
• Tsippor, a Moabite

1) father of Balak the king of Moab at the time of the exodus

Extended Information

• A man of the Moabites living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Num.22.2
• father of: Balak (בָּלָק)

Brown-Driver-Briggs

II. ‎צִפּוֺר‎ proper name, masculine father of Balak, king of Moab (bird; perhaps specifically sparrow, compare Gray^{Prop. N. 94}; Palmyrene proper name, masculine ‎צפרא‎); — ‎׳‎‎צ‎ Num 22:2; Num 22:4; Num 22:16; Josh 24:9; Judg 11:25, ‎צִפֹּר‎ Num 22:10; Num 23:18 Σεπφωρ.

Brown-Driver-Briggs References

Profile

Male • Moabite king • Father of Balak, king of Moab

Moabite living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness

Zippor was the father of Balak, the king of Moab who hired Balaam to curse Israel (Num.22.2,4,10,16; 23.18; Jos.24.9; Jdg.11.25).

• A man of the Moabites living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Num.22.2;
• only referred to as Zippor צִפּוֹר;
• father of Balak בָּלָק.

Zippor was the father of Balak, the king of Moab who opposed the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness. He is mentioned several times in the account of Balak's attempts to curse Israel through the prophet Balaam (Numbers 22-24). Zippor's name, which means "bird" or "sparrow," is consistently used in conjunction with Balak's name, emphasizing his role as the king's father. Although little is known about Zippor's life, his son Balak's actions suggest that he may have shared the same hostility towards the Israelites. In Joshua 24:9 and Judges 11:25, Zippor is mentioned in the context of recounting Israel's past conflicts with Moab, further highlighting the significance of his son's opposition to Israel. Some scholars speculate that Zippor may have been the "former king of Moab" mentioned in Numbers 21:26, but this is not explicitly stated in the text.

All entries for Zippor: צִפּוֹר

Related Profiles:

• Balak (child)