Zippor

Zippor (meaning: bird; sparrow; crown; desert) was the father of Balak, king of Moab during the time of Israel's wilderness wanderings (Num. 22:2, 4). When the Israelites camped on the plains of Moab near the Jordan, Balak son of Zippor was alarmed by their numbers and sent messengers to Balaam the prophet to come and curse them. God turned each of Balaam's intended curses into blessings. Balak is repeatedly identified by his patronymic "son of Zippor" throughout Numbers 22–24, though Zippor himself receives no further description.

The name Zippor ("bird") is consistent with Moabite personal nomenclature. Its bearer was apparently a previous king of Moab or a prominent noble whose lineage conferred legitimacy on Balak's reign.