Judges 11:25

Jephthah continues his logical argument against the king of Ammon when he says, *“Now are you any better than Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab? Did he ever strive with Israel, or did he ever fight against them?” (v.25)*. By invoking Balak’s name, Jephthah references a historical ruler who governed Moab during the time of Moses in the mid-to-late 15th century BC. Moab was located east of the Dead Sea, a region often confronted by Israel as they journeyed to the Promised Land. Balak’s earlier interactions with Israel, though adversarial in spirit (Numbers 22), never culminated in a direct conflict, and this lack of warfare underscores Jephthah’s point about the groundlessness of Ammon’s aggression.

In context, Jephthah uses Balak’s historical neutrality to show that powerful nations, even under a determined king, did not wage unwarranted wars against God’s chosen people. If Moab, a neighbor often uneasy about Israel’s growing influence, refrained from outright battle, the Ammonites’ current hostility seems even less justified. This argument highlights Israel’s role as stewards of God’s promises, and it reflects a recurring theme of how the LORD orchestrates the rise and fall of nations and leaders (see Romans 8:31 NASB-95 version for the broader principle of God’s protective hand over His people).

Spiritually, this verse also foreshadows the deeper truth that God is the ultimate Deliverer. Jesus, in the New Testament, fulfills this concept of divine protection, offering believers victory over sin and strife (John 16:33 NASB-95 version). Jephthah’s reminder to the king of Ammon reflects a timeless call to recognize that opposition without a righteous basis ultimately fails. In the same way, Jesus’ triumph is certain despite spiritual opposition, demonstrating how God intervenes on behalf of those He calls His own.

This verse emphasizes that invoking historical precedents reveals the king of Ammon’s claim to be unwarranted.