### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Tiphsach** `{{H8607}}`, derived from a root meaning "ford," refers to a specific place in Mesopotamia. It is a geographically significant location that appears **2 times** in **2 unique verses**. Its role in scripture is to mark the boundaries of power and to serve as a location for pivotal, and often violent, historical events.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The two biblical appearances of `{{H8607}}` present a stark contrast. In its first mention, **Tiphsah** marks the extent of a king's vast territory, a border of a domain that stretched "from Tiphsah even to Azzah" [[1 Kings 4:24]]. This verse associates the location with a period of far-reaching dominion and **peace** on all sides. Later in the narrative, the same city, **Tiphsah**, becomes a site of brutal conflict when Menahem **smote** it because its inhabitants would not open their gates to him [[2 Kings 15:16]]. This act of war was marked by extreme cruelty, as the city and its people were destroyed.
### Related Words & Concepts
The events at Tiphsah are described using several key Hebrew verbs:
* `{{H7287}}` **râdâh** (have dominion): This word, meaning "to tread down, i.e. subjugate," is used to describe the absolute rule exercised over the region that included Tiphsah [[1 Kings 4:24]]. It highlights the location as a marker of royal power and control.
* `{{H5221}}` **nâkâh** (smite): A primitive root meaning "to strike," this term is used to describe the violent attack on Tiphsah by Menahem [[2 Kings 15:16]]. It signifies punishment, slaughter, and destruction.
* `{{H1234}}` **bâqaʻ** (rip up): This word, which means "to cleave; generally, to rend, break, rip or open," depicts the horrific nature of Menahem's conquest, where he "ripped up" the pregnant women of the city [[2 Kings 15:16]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H8607}}` is tied directly to the contrasting events that occurred there, illustrating two opposing poles of Israel's history.
* **Boundary of Peace and Power:** In its first context, Tiphsah represents the pinnacle of a unified kingdom's strength and security. It is a geographical point defining the border of a realm experiencing widespread **peace** `{{H7965}}` under a powerful **king** `{{H4428}}` [[1 Kings 4:24]].
* **Site of Brutality and Judgment:** In its second appearance, Tiphsah symbolizes the consequences of internal strife and rebellion. The city becomes a target of ruthless violence, where a refusal to submit results in being **smote** `{{H5221}}` and utterly devastated [[2 Kings 15:16]].
### Summary
In summary, **Tiphsach** `{{H8607}}` is more than just a place name on a map. Within the biblical record, it serves as a geographical witness to the dramatic shifts in Israel's fortunes. The two passages where it is mentioned use the location to frame vastly different eras: one of expansive, peaceful dominion and another of vicious internal warfare. Tiphsah stands as a silent testament to both the height of royal authority and the depths of human cruelty.
TRV