It may be that the Ammonites literally ripped open pregnant women (i.e., killed civilians in combat). Alternatively this phrase could be an ancient Near Eastern way of referring to cruel and merciless warfare (see also Hosea 13:16).1
It may be that the Ammonites literally ripped open pregnant women (i.e., killed civilians in combat). Alternatively this phrase could be an ancient Near Eastern way of referring to cruel and merciless warfare (see also Hosea 13:16).1
13 Thus says the LORD: “For three transgressions of the Ammonites, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment, because they have ripped open pregnant women in Gilead, that they might enlarge their border.