תִּפְסַח

תִּפְסַח

Tiphsach, a place in Mesopotamia

Definition

Tiphsach (תִּפְסַח) is a proper noun referring to a significant city in ancient Mesopotamia, located on the western bank of the Euphrates River. It is identified as a key border point or boundary of the Israelite kingdom under King Solomon's rule, as described in 1 Kings 4:24, where his dominion extended 'from Tiphsah even to Gaza.' The name itself means 'ford' or 'crossing,' indicating its strategic location as a river crossing. In 2 Kings 15:16, the city is mentioned in the context of the Assyrian king Tiglath-pileser's military campaign, highlighting its importance in the geopolitical landscape of the ancient Near East.

Biblical Usage

The word Tiphsach appears only twice in the Old Testament, both times as a geographical marker. In 1 Kings 4:24, it denotes the northernmost extent of Solomon's peaceful kingdom, emphasizing the vastness of his territory. In 2 Kings 15:16, it is referenced in a violent context, as the Assyrian king Tiglath-pileser attacks the city, showcasing its role in regional conflicts. Its usage consistently places it as a distant, frontier location in Mesopotamia.

Etymology

The name Tiphsach derives from the Hebrew root פָּסַח (pāsach, H6452), meaning 'to pass over,' 'to leap,' or 'to limp.' This root is also the source of the word 'Passover' (Pesach). In this context, it specifically denotes a 'ford' or a place where a river can be crossed, reflecting the city's geographical function as a crossing point on the Euphrates River.

Semantic Range

While Tiphsach itself is not a theologically loaded term, its biblical mentions contribute to understanding God's sovereignty over nations and history. In 1 Kings 4:24, its inclusion underscores the fulfillment of God's promise of peace and expansive territory under Solomon (cf. 1 Kings 4:20-25). In 2 Kings 15:16, its mention in an Assyrian assault aligns with prophetic themes of judgment and the rise and fall of empires under divine providence. It serves as a tangible marker of the geographical and political realities within which God's covenant story unfolds. In its ancient Near Eastern context, Tiphsach was a strategically vital city due to its position at a ford on the Euphrates River, controlling major trade and military routes. Its identification as Solomon's northern border (1 Kings 4:24) reflects the ideal extent of Israelite territory during a period of peak power and influence. For the original audience, referencing Tiphsach would have conveyed a sense of distant frontier, maximum territorial control, and connection to the wider Mesopotamian world. None directly applicable as a proper place name. For the concept of a boundary or limit, see: גְּבוּל (gevul, H1366) — a general term for border or territory.

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