1. Judges 11:25 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

In what way did Balak actually contend against Israel?

Judges 11:25 (ESV)

25 Now are you any better than Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab? Did he ever contend against Israel, or did he ever go to war with them?

Balak earlier had tried to curse Israel by means of the prophet Balaam, but he was unable to do so (Numbers 22:1 – 24:25). But Jephthah is not therefore incorrect. Balak did indeed contend with Israel, but not over land claims.1