Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse together. It’s a pretty intense passage from the Old Testament, and it describes a brutal act of revenge. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Tiphsah was a woman: The verse tells us about a woman named Tiphsah who lived in the region of Tirzah. They disobeyed a command: She and her family opened the doors to a place – likely a temple or a sacred space – not to Menahem, the king of Israel. This is incredibly important. Menahem punished them severely: Because of this disobedience, Menahem sent his soldiers to destroy Tiphsah’s entire community, including her family and all the women with children in her care. They were destroyed completely: The soldiers systematically slaughtered everyone within the area. Let's unpack the key parts: “Then Menahem smote Tiphsah, and all that [were] therein” : This means Menahem took direct action to kill Tiphsah and everything connected to her – her family, her possessions, everything she owned. The “[were] therein” is a bit tricky; it’s an archaic way of saying "everything" or “all.” “and the coasts thereof from Tirzah” : This tells us that the punishment was focused on a specific area – the coastal region of Tirzah. It’s like a targeted attack. “because they opened not [to him], therefore he smote [it; and] all the women therein that were with child he ripped up.” This is the most crucial part. It means that because Tiphsah refused to honor Menahem's command, he specifically targeted her and her children. He didn’t just punish her; he destroyed them. The phrase "he ripped up" suggests a violent destruction – like tearing something apart. Overall Meaning & Significance: This verse is about obedience and disrespect . It highlights the importance of following orders from a leader, even when it's difficult. It speaks to the consequences of refusing to honor God’s authority and can be seen as a warning against disobedience and rebellion. Important Note: The word “[were]” is somewhat mysterious. It’s likely referring to the status or nature of the people within the area, not necessarily their individual existence. It emphasizes that it was a deliberate act of violence against them. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific theme (like obedience, justice, or warfare)? Provide some context about the time period when this passage was written?