### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H6834}}` (צִפּוֹר, Tsippôwr) functions exclusively as a proper noun in the biblical text, referring to a specific individual. Its base definition explicitly states "the same as צִפּוֹר," directly linking it to the common noun `{{H6833}}` (צִפּוֹר, tsippor), which means "bird," "sparrow," or "fowl." Therefore, the name "Zippor" carries the semantic weight of "bird" or "sparrow." This derivation from a common animal name is a recognized pattern in biblical onomastics, where names often reflect natural phenomena, animals, or desired characteristics. For `{{H6834}}`, its core meaning is the personal name "Zippor," inherently carrying the connotation of "bird."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name `{{H6834}}` (Zippor) appears consistently in the Hebrew Bible as the father of Balak, the king of Moab. Its occurrences are concentrated primarily in the Book of Numbers, with a single appearance in Judges:
* **Numbers 22:2**: "Now Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites." This is the first mention, establishing Zippor's identity as Balak's father and connecting him to the Moabite royalty.
* **Numbers 22:4, 22:10, 22:16, 23:18, 24:3, 24:15**: In each of these instances, Zippor is identified as the father of Balak, the Moabite king who sought to employ Balaam to curse the Israelites. The repeated phrase "Balak the son of Zippor" underscores the lineage and authority of Balak within the narrative, emphasizing his identity as a foreign ruler in opposition to Israel. The name itself does not carry direct narrative weight beyond this identification; its significance is entirely tied to its possessor's son, Balak, and the events surrounding Balaam's prophecies.
* **Judges 11:25**: "Are you any better than Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab?" Here, Jephthah references Balak and Zippor in his diplomatic exchange with the Ammonites, recalling the historical precedent of Moab's conflict with Israel and God's intervention. This reference demonstrates that Zippor, as Balak's father, was a recognized figure in Israel's historical memory, albeit indirectly through his more prominent son.
In all contexts, `{{H6834}}` serves to clearly identify Balak, solidifying his royal pedigree and his role as the primary adversary in the Numbers narrative concerning Balaam. The name itself does not contribute to the theological conflict but rather serves as a genealogical marker for a key figure.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word to `{{H6834}}` is its lexical root and homonym, `{{H6833}}` (צִפּוֹר, tsippor), which is the common noun for "bird," "sparrow," or "fowl." This direct relationship highlights a common practice in ancient Near Eastern naming conventions, where individuals were often named after animals, plants, or natural phenomena. While `{{H6834}}` refers to a specific person, its semantic origin in `{{H6833}}` connects it to the broader biblical understanding of the created order and the animal kingdom.
Other related concepts, though not lexically linked, include:
* **Moab**: The nation over which Zippor's son, Balak, ruled. The conflict between Moab and Israel, as depicted in Numbers 22-24, is central to the narrative in which Zippor is mentioned.
* **Balak**: Zippor's son and the primary antagonist in the Balaam narrative. Zippor's name serves primarily to identify Balak's lineage.
* **Balaam**: The prophet hired by Balak to curse Israel. The divine intervention that transforms Balaam's curses into blessings is a pivotal theological moment, directly involving Balak, the son of Zippor.
### Theological Significance
As a proper noun, `{{H6834}}` (Zippor) does not inherently carry independent theological significance. His role is entirely defined by his son, Balak, and the events surrounding the attempted cursing of Israel. However, Zippor's fatherhood to Balak places him within a narrative that is profoundly theologically rich:
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Protection**: The narrative of Balak and Balaam, in which Zippor's son plays a central role, powerfully demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty over nations, rulers, and even the intentions of those who oppose His people. Despite Balak's determined efforts and considerable resources, God ensures that no curse can be uttered against Israel (cf. [[Numbers 23:8]], [[Numbers 23:20]], [[Numbers 24:10]]).
2. **God's Faithfulness to His Covenant**: The episode highlights God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant with Israel, ensuring their blessing even when faced with powerful adversaries. The very act of turning a curse into a blessing (cf. [[Deuteronomy 23:5]], [[Nehemiah 13:2]]) underscores God's protective love for His chosen people.
3. **The Nature of Prophecy**: Balaam's inability to curse Israel, despite Balak's insistence, illustrates that true prophecy originates from God and cannot be manipulated for human ends, even by powerful kings like the son of Zippor.
While Zippor himself is a static character, merely identified as Balak's father, his name is inextricably linked to one of the most vivid biblical accounts of divine intervention on behalf of Israel against external threats. The theological weight, therefore, rests on the actions of his son and God's response to them, rather than on Zippor's person.
### Summary
`{{H6834}}` (צִפּוֹר, Tsippôwr) is a proper noun in the Hebrew Bible, serving as the name of Balak's father, the king of Moab. Lexically, it is directly derived from `{{H6833}}`, the common noun for "bird" or "sparrow." Its biblical occurrences are limited to identifying Balak in the Numbers narrative (and one reference in Judges), providing his lineage. While Zippor himself does not play an active role, his name is intrinsically tied to the significant events involving his son Balak and the prophet Balaam, which powerfully demonstrate God's sovereignty, His protective faithfulness to Israel, and the divine origin of true prophecy. The name serves as a genealogical anchor for a pivotal figure in a narrative rich with theological implications regarding divine power and covenant fidelity.
TRV