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2 Kings 15:16

2 Kings 15:16 in Multiple Translations

At that time Menahem, starting from Tirzah, attacked Tiphsah and everyone in its vicinity, because they would not open their gates. So he attacked Tiphsah and ripped open all the pregnant women.

¶ Then Menahem smote Tiphsah, and all that were therein, and the coasts thereof from Tirzah: because they opened not to him, therefore he smote it; and all the women therein that were with child he ripped up.

Then Menahem smote Tiphsah, and all that were therein, and the borders thereof, from Tirzah: because they opened not to him, therefore he smote it; and all the women therein that were with child he ripped up.

Then Menahem sent destruction on Tappuah and all the people in it, and its limits, from Tirzah, because they would not let him come in; and he had all the women who were with child cut open.

At that time Menahem, starting from Tirzah, attacked Tiphsah and the region nearby, because they would not surrender the town to him. So he destroyed Tiphsah and ripped open all the pregnant women.

Then Menahem destroyed Tiphsah, and all that were therein, and the coastes thereof from Tirzah, because they opened not to him, and he smote it, and ript vp all their women with childe.

Then doth Menahem smite Tiphsah, and all who [are] in it, and its borders from Tirzah, for it opened not [to him], and he smiteth [it], all its pregnant women he hath ripped up.

Then Menahem attacked Tiphsah and all who were in it and its border areas, from Tirzah. He attacked it because they didn’t open their gates to him, and he ripped up all their women who were with child.

Then Menahem smote Tiphsah, and all that were in it, and the borders of it from Tirzah: because they opened not to him , therefore he smote it ; and all the women in it that were with child he ripped up.

Then Manahem destroyed Thapsa and all that were in it and the borders thereof from Thersa, because they would not open to him: and he slew all the women thereof that were with child, and ripped them up.

While Menahem was ruling in Samaria, he completely destroyed Tappuah village south of Samaria and killed all the people who lived there and in the surrounding territory. He did that because the people in that city refused to surrender to him. With his sword he even ripped open the bellies of pregnant women.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 15:16

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

2 Kings 15:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB אָ֣ז יַכֶּֽה מְ֠נַחֵם אֶת תִּפְסַ֨ח וְ/אֶת כָּל אֲשֶׁר בָּ֤/הּ וְ/אֶת גְּבוּלֶ֨י/הָ֙ מִ/תִּרְצָ֔ה כִּ֛י לֹ֥א פָתַ֖ח וַ/יַּ֑ךְ אֵ֛ת כָּל הֶ/הָ֥רוֹתֶ֖י/הָ בִּקֵּֽעַ
אָ֣ז ʼâz H227 then Adv
יַכֶּֽה nâkâh H5221 to smite V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
מְ֠נַחֵם Mᵉnachêm H4505 Menahem N-proper
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
תִּפְסַ֨ח Tiphçach H8607 Tiphsah N-proper
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM
כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms
אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
בָּ֤/הּ Prep | Suff
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM
גְּבוּלֶ֨י/הָ֙ gᵉbûwl H1366 border N-mp | Suff
מִ/תִּרְצָ֔ה Tirtsâh H8656 Tirzah Prep | N-proper
כִּ֛י kîy H3588 for Conj
לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Part
פָתַ֖ח pâthach H6605 to open V-Qal-Perf-3ms
וַ/יַּ֑ךְ nâkâh H5221 to smite Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֵ֛ת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms
הֶ/הָ֥רוֹתֶ֖י/הָ hâreh H2030 pregnant Art | Adj | Suff
בִּקֵּֽעַ bâqaʻ H1234 to break up/open V-Piel-Perf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 15:16

אָ֣ז ʼâz H227 "then" Adv
This Hebrew word refers to a past time or place, often used to describe something that happened earlier. It can also be used as a conjunction to show a cause-and-effect relationship. In the Bible, it appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) then, at that time 1a) temporal expressions 1a1) then (past) 1a2) then, if...then (future) 1a3) earlier 1b) logical expressions 1b1) in that case 1b2) that (being so)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: beginning, for, from, hitherto, now, of old, once, since, then, at which time, yet. See also: Genesis 4:26; 1 Chronicles 22:13; Psalms 2:5.
יַכֶּֽה nâkâh H5221 "to smite" V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.
מְ֠נַחֵם Mᵉnachêm H4505 "Menahem" N-proper
Menahem was a king of Israel, mentioned in 2 Kings 15:14, who ruled for ten years. His name means comforter, and he was the son of Gadi and father of Pekahiah. Menahem was a contemporary of prophets Hosea and Amos.
Definition: A king of the Kingdom of Israel, living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.15.14; son of: Gadi (H1424); father of: Pekahiah (H6494) § Menahem = "comforter" son of Gadi and king of the northern kingdom of Israel; slew the usurper Shallum to ascend the throne and reigned for ten years; contemporary with prophets Hosea and Amos
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: Menahem. See also: 2 Kings 15:14; 2 Kings 15:20; 2 Kings 15:23.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
תִּפְסַ֨ח Tiphçach H8607 "Tiphsah" N-proper
Tiphçach refers to a place in Mesopotamia, also known as Tiphsah. This location was significant in the northern kingdom of Israel, where king Menahem attacked and committed atrocities. It is mentioned in the KJV as Tipsah.
Definition: § Tiphsah = "cross over" a place in the northern kingdom of Israel which king Menahem attacked and where he ripped open all the pregnant women
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: Tipsah. See also: 1 Kings 5:4; 2 Kings 15:16.
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
בָּ֤/הּ "" Prep | Suff
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
גְּבוּלֶ֨י/הָ֙ gᵉbûwl H1366 "border" N-mp | Suff
This word refers to a boundary or border, like the borders of the Promised Land in Numbers 34:1-12. It can also mean a region or territory, as in the borders of Israel in 1 Kings 8:65.
Definition: : boundary 1) border, territory 1a) border 1b) territory (enclosed within boundary) 1c) region, territory (of darkness) (fig.) Also means: ge.vul (גְּבוּל ": area" H1366H)
Usage: Occurs in 196 OT verses. KJV: border, bound, coast, [idiom] great, landmark, limit, quarter, space. See also: Genesis 10:19; Joshua 19:33; Psalms 78:54.
מִ/תִּרְצָ֔ה Tirtsâh H8656 "Tirzah" Prep | N-proper
Tirzah was a city in ancient Palestine, one of the kingdoms conquered by Joshua and the Israelites, and later the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel.
Definition: § Tirzah = "favourable" one of the kingdoms on the west of the Jordan conquered by Joshua and the Israelites a Canaanite city, later capital of the northern kingdom of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: Tirzah. See also: Numbers 26:33; 1 Kings 16:6; Song of Solomon 6:4.
כִּ֛י kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
פָתַ֖ח pâthach H6605 "to open" V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This verb means to engrave or carve, and is used in Exodus to describe the intricate carvings on the furniture of the tabernacle.
Definition: 1) to open 1a) (Qal) to open 1b) (Niphal) to be opened, be let loose, be thrown open 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to free 1c2) to loosen 1c3) to open, open oneself 1d) (Hithpael) to loose oneself Aramaic equivalent: pe.tach (פְּתַח "to open" H6606)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: appear, break forth, draw (out), let go free, (en-) grave(-n), loose (self), (be, be set) open(-ing), put off, ungird, unstop, have vent. See also: Genesis 7:11; Psalms 39:10; Psalms 5:10.
וַ/יַּ֑ךְ nâkâh H5221 "to smite" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.
אֵ֛ת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הֶ/הָ֥רוֹתֶ֖י/הָ hâreh H2030 "pregnant" Art | Adj | Suff
This Hebrew word means to be pregnant, as seen in Genesis when women like Sarah and Rachel conceive. It describes a woman with child, emphasizing the miracle of new life. The KJV Bible translates it as 'with child' or 'conceive'.
Definition: pregnant Also means: ha.riy.yah (הָרִיָּה "pregnant" H2030B)
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: (be, woman) with child, conceive, [idiom] great. See also: Genesis 16:11; 2 Kings 8:12; Isaiah 7:14.
בִּקֵּֽעַ bâqaʻ H1234 "to break up/open" V-Piel-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to break or open something, like a door or a wall, and is used in the Bible to describe God breaking through to help his people, as seen in Psalm 107:16.
Definition: 1) to split, cleave, break open, divide, break through, rip up, break up, tear 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cleave, cleave open 1a2) to break through, break into 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be cleft, be rent open, be split open 1b2) to be broken into 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cleave, cut to pieces, rend open 1c2) to break through, break down 1d) (Pual) 1d1) to be ripped open, be torn open 1d2) to be rent 1d3) to be broken into 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to break into 1e2) to break through 1f) (Hophal) to be broken into 1g) (Hithpael) to burst (themselves) open, cleave asunder
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: make a breach, break forth (into, out, in pieces, through, up), be ready to burst, cleave (asunder), cut out, divide, hatch, rend (asunder), rip up, tear, win. See also: Genesis 7:11; Psalms 78:13; Psalms 74:15.

Study Notes — 2 Kings 15:16

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 2 Kings 8:12 “Why is my lord weeping?” asked Hazael. “Because I know the evil you will do to the Israelites,” Elisha replied. “You will set fire to their fortresses, kill their young men with the sword, dash their little ones to pieces, and rip open their pregnant women.”
2 1 Kings 4:24 For Solomon had dominion over everything west of the Euphrates —over all the kingdoms from Tiphsah to Gaza—and he had peace on all sides.
3 Hosea 13:16 Samaria will bear her guilt because she has rebelled against her God. They will fall by the sword; their little ones will be dashed to pieces, and their pregnant women ripped open.
4 Amos 1:13 This is what the LORD says: “For three transgressions of the Ammonites, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because they ripped open the pregnant women of Gilead in order to enlarge their territory.

2 Kings 15:16 Summary

This verse, 2 Kings 15:16, tells us about a king named Menahem who attacked a city called Tiphsah because they wouldn't open their gates to him. He did some very terrible things to the people there, which shows us what can happen when people disobey God and do evil things, as warned in Psalms 51:4. The Bible is clear that God does not approve of such actions, as we see in 2 Kings 15:18, and we should always try to obey God and submit to His authority, as taught in Romans 12:1-2. By doing so, we can avoid the consequences of sin and live a life that is pleasing to Him, as encouraged in Colossians 1:10.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Menahem attack Tiphsah and its people?

Menahem attacked Tiphsah because they would not open their gates to him, as stated in 2 Kings 15:16, indicating a refusal to submit to his authority, much like the refusal of the people of Jerusalem to heed God's warnings in Jeremiah 7:25-26.

What does it mean that Menahem ripped open all the pregnant women?

This act, as described in 2 Kings 15:16, is a horrific example of the brutal consequences of war and disobedience to God, echoing the warnings found in Deuteronomy 28:53-57 of the severe punishments that would befall Israel if they disobeyed the Lord.

Is this verse saying that God approved of Menahem's actions?

No, the Bible does not approve of Menahem's actions; in fact, 2 Kings 15:18 states that Menahem did evil in the sight of the Lord, indicating that God did not condone his behavior, and it is a reminder of the consequences of sin as outlined in Proverbs 10:16.

How does this verse relate to the overall message of the Bible?

This verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and disobedience, as well as the importance of submitting to God's authority, as emphasized in Romans 13:1-2 and throughout the Bible, including in the book of 2 Kings itself, where the actions of kings are judged based on their obedience to God's laws.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I might be 'refusing to open the gates' of my heart to God, and what are the consequences of such refusal?
  2. How can I apply the lesson of Menahem's actions to my own life, avoiding the brutal consequences of disobedience to God?
  3. What does this verse reveal about the nature of God, and how does it relate to His overall plan of redemption as seen in the Bible, from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21?
  4. In what ways can I submit to God's authority in my life, and what are the benefits of doing so, as promised in verses like Jeremiah 29:11-13?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 15:16

Then Menahem smote Tiphsah, and all that were therein, and the coasts thereof from Tirzah,.... The Jewish writers commonly take this Tiphsah to be without the land of Israel, the same with that in 1

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 15:16

Then Menahem smote Tiphsah, and all that were therein, and the coasts thereof from Tirzah: because they opened not to him, therefore he smote it; and all the women therein that were with child he ripped up. Menahem smote Tiphsah.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 15:16

Tiphsah; either that Tiphsah mentioned , or another city of that name. The coasts thereof from Tirzah, i.e. all the people dwelling between Tirzah and Tiphsah. Because they opened not to him; because they refused to open the gates of their city to him, and to submit to him as conqueror. The women he ripped up; that by this example of severity he might affright all the rest of the people into obedience.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 15:16

2 Kings 15:16 Then Menahem smote Tiphsah, and all that [were] therein, and the coasts thereof from Tirzah: because they opened not [to him], therefore he smote [it; and] all the women therein that were with child he ripped up.Ver. 16. He smote it, and all the women he ripped up.] Opening their wombs crudelitate immani et barbara, because their husbands opened not the gates of their city unto him. This abhorred cruelty Josephus mentioneth not; as being ashamed that other nations should be acquainted with it. The like was done, and at the Sicilian vespers, by those pseudo-Catholics. Here Manes showed himself to be Epimanes.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 15:16

(16) Then.—After slaying Shallum, and seizing the supreme power. Tiphsah.—The name means ford, and elsewhere denotes the well-known Thapsacus on the Euphrates (1 Kings 4:24). Here, however, an Israelite city in the neighbourhood of Tirzah is obviously intended. The course of events was apparently this: after slaying Shallum, Menahem returned to Tirzah, and set out thence at the head of his entire army to bring the rest of the country to acknowledge him as king. Tiphsah resisting his claims, he made an example of it which proved efficient to terrorise other towns into submission. [Thenius would read Tappuah for Tiphsah by a slight change in one Hebrew letter. This agrees very well with the local indications of the text (comp. Joshua 17:7-8), though, of course, there may have been an otherwise unknown Tiphsah near Tirzah.] The coasts thereof.—Literally, her borders (or, territories). (Comp. Joshua 17:8.) From Tirzah—i.e., starting from Tirzah. This shows that the districts of Tirzah and Tiphsah (or, Tappuah) were conterminous. Because they opened not to him.—Literally, for one opened not; an impersonal construction. The meaning is: the gates were closed against him. The to him is added by all the versions except the Targum. And all the women.—Comp. 2 Kings 8:21; Hosea 13:16; Amos 1:13.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 15:16

16–22. Menahem king of Israel. He smites Tiphsah. Pul, king of Assyria, comes against Israel but is bought off. Death of Menahem (Not in Chronicles) 16. Menahem smote Tiphsah] Tiphsah is mentioned 1 Kings 4:24 as at one boundary of the dominion of Solomon. The place there intended is Thapsacus on the west side of the Euphrates, and is famous in classic history as the point at which Cyrus with his 10000 Greeks crossed that river. If that be the place here spoken of, we must understand Menahem to have carried his victorious arms from Samaria to the Euphrates. For a king who had put himself on the throne by force, at a time when Israel was thoroughly disorganised, this seems inconceivable. For this reason most people consider the place here mentioned to have been within the kingdom of Israel. Josephus (Ant. IX. 11. 1) calls it Thapsa, and speaks of it as a place which refused to admit the usurper. If this be so, it is mentioned nowhere else, and this seems to be by far the most natural explanation. and the coasts [R.V. borders] thereof] That is, all the country round about this offending town. from Tirzah] Menahem’s proceeding appears to have been this. After the slaughter of Shallum in Samaria, he returned to Tirzah, and, making that his headquarters, went forth thence to reduce the country to subjection. they opened not to him] Josephus says they closed their gates and barred them against him. At a time when the king was changing every few months the citizens might naturally feel unwilling to admit a new claimant for the rule, till they were certain of what was happening elsewhere. ript up] This savage conduct is mentioned (2 Kings 8:12) among the enormities which Hazael was likely to perpetrate, and in the prophets (Hosea 13:16; Amos 1:13) it is specified as part of the sufferings of Samaria from her invaders, and as inflicted by the Ammonites on the women of Gilead. But nowhere except here do we find such cruelty exercised by an Israelite. It marks the time as one of great degradation and barbarity.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 15:16

With respect to the supposed inability of Menahem to lead an expedition to Tiphsah (Thapsacus, see the marginal reference) on the Euphrates, we may note in the first place that such an expedition was

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 15:16

REIGN OF MENAHEM, 2 Kings 15:16-22. 16. Smote Tiphsah — Ewald, Thenius, and others, think this must have been a city in Palestine near Tirzah.

Sermons on 2 Kings 15:16

SermonDescription
David Guzik (Hosea) True Wisdom Turns Us Back to God by David Guzik In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the theme of forgetting God when times are good and turning back to Him in times of crisis. He highlights the tendency of humans to forget G

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