New International Version Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah and fortified Ramah to prevent anyone from leaving or entering the territory of Asa king of Judah. New Living Translation King Baasha of Israel invaded Judah and fortified Ramah in order to prevent anyone from entering or leaving King Asa’s territory in Judah. English Standard Version Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah and built Ramah, that he might permit no one to go out or come in to Asa king of Judah. Berean Standard Bible Baasha king of Israel went to war against Judah and fortified Ramah to prevent anyone from leaving or entering the territory of Asa king of Judah. Berean Literal Bible And Baasha king of Israel came up against Judah, and he built up Ramah, that he might let none go out or come in to Asa king of Judah. King James Bible And Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah, and built Ramah, that he might not suffer any to go out or come in to Asa king of Judah. New King James Version And Baasha king of Israel came up against Judah, and built Ramah, that he might let none go out or come in to Asa king of Judah. New American Standard Bible Baasha king of Israel marched against Judah and fortified Ramah in order to prevent anyone from going out or coming in to Asa king of Judah. NASB 1995 Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah and fortified Ramah in order to prevent anyone from going out or coming in to Asa king of Judah. NASB 1977 And Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah and fortified Ramah in order to prevent anyone from going out or coming in to Asa king of Judah. Legacy Standard Bible And Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah and built up Ramah in order to prevent anyone from going out or coming in to Asa king of Judah. Amplified Bible Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah and fortified Ramah [north of Jerusalem], in order to prevent anyone from going out or coming in to Asa king of Judah. Berean Annotated Bible Baasha (wicked) king of Israel (he wrestles with God) went to war against Judah (praised) and fortified Ramah (hill) to prevent anyone from leaving or entering the territory of Asa (healer) king of Judah. Christian Standard Bible Israel’s King Baasha went to war against Judah. He built Ramah in order to keep anyone from leaving or coming to King Asa of Judah. Holman Christian Standard Bible Israel’s King Baasha went to war against Judah. He built Ramah in order to deny anyone access to Judah’s King Asa. American Standard Version And Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah, and built Ramah, that he might not suffer any one to go out or come in to Asa king of Judah. Contemporary English Version One time, Baasha invaded Judah and captured the town of Ramah. He started making the town stronger, so he could put troops there to stop people from going in and out of Judah. English Revised Version And Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah, and built Ramah, that he might not suffer any to go out or come in to Asa king of Judah. GOD'S WORD® Translation King Baasha of Israel invaded Judah and fortified Ramah to keep anyone from going to or coming from King Asa of Judah. Good News Translation Baasha invaded Judah and started to fortify Ramah in order to cut off all traffic in and out of Judah. International Standard Version King Baasha of Israel invaded Judah and interdicted Ramah by building fortifications around it so no one could enter or leave to join King Asa of Judah. NET Bible King Baasha of Israel attacked Judah and established Ramah as a military outpost to prevent anyone from leaving or entering the land of King Asa of Judah. New Heart English Bible Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah, and built Ramah, that he might not allow anyone to go out or come in to Asa king of Judah. Webster's Bible Translation And Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah, and built Ramah, that he might not suffer any to go out or come in to Asa king of Judah. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBaasha king of Israel went to war against Judah and fortified Ramah to prevent anyone from leaving or entering the territory of Asa king of Judah. World English Bible Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah, and built Ramah, that he might not allow anyone to go out or come in to Asa king of Judah. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand Baasha king of Israel goes up against Judah, and builds Ramah, not to permit anyone going out and coming in to Asa king of Judah. Berean Literal Bible And Baasha king of Israel came up against Judah, and he built up Ramah, that he might let none go out or come in to Asa king of Judah. Young's Literal Translation and Baasha king of Israel goeth up against Judah, and buildeth Ramah, not to permit any one going out and coming in to Asa king of Judah. Smith's Literal Translation And Baasha, king of Israel, will come up against Judah, and he will build Ramah, so that he will not give to go out or to come in to Asa king of Judah. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Baasa king of Israel went up against Juda, and built Rama, that no man might go out or come in, of the side of Asa king of Juda. Catholic Public Domain Version And Baasha, the king of Israel, ascended against Judah. And he built up Ramah, so that no one would be able to exit or enter from the side of Asa, the king of Judah. New American Bible Baasha, king of Israel, attacked Judah and fortified Ramah to blockade Asa, king of Judah. New Revised Standard Version King Baasha of Israel went up against Judah, and built Ramah, to prevent anyone from going out or coming in to King Asa of Judah. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah and built Ramtha, and did not permit any to go out or come in to Asa king of Judah. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Then Baasha King of Israel went up against Yehuda, and he built Ramtha, and did not allow any to go out or come into Asa, King of Yehuda. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Baasa king of Israel went up against Judah, and built Ramah, that he might not suffer any to go out or come in to Asa king of Judah. Brenton Septuagint Translation And Baasa king of Israel went up against Juda, and built Rama, so that no one should go out or come in for Asa king of Juda. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context War Between Asa and Baasha16Now there was war between Asa and Baasha king of Israel throughout their days. 17Baasha king of Israel went to war against Judah and fortified Ramah to prevent anyone from leaving or entering the territory of Asa king of Judah. 18So Asa withdrew all the silver and gold that remained in the treasuries of the house of the LORD and the royal palace. He entrusted it to his servants and sent them with this message to Ben-hadad son of Tabrimmon, the son of Hezion king of Aram, who was ruling in Damascus:… Cross References Baasha king of Israel went to war against Judah 2 Chronicles 12:15 Now the acts of Rehoboam, from first to last, are they not written in the records of Shemaiah the Prophet and of Iddo the Seer concerning the genealogies? There was war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam throughout their days. 1 Kings 14:30 There was war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam throughout their days. 2 Chronicles 13:2 and he reigned in Jerusalem three years. His mother’s name was Micaiah daughter of Uriel; she was from Gibeah. And there was war between Abijah and Jeroboam. and fortified Ramah 2 Chronicles 16:1 In the thirty-sixth year of Asa’s reign, Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah and fortified Ramah to prevent anyone from leaving or entering the territory of Asa king of Judah. 2 Chronicles 16:5 When Baasha learned of this, he stopped fortifying Ramah and abandoned his work. 2 Chronicles 16:6 Then King Asa brought all the men of Judah, and they carried away the stones of Ramah and the timbers Baasha had used for building. And with these materials he built up Geba and Mizpah. to prevent anyone from leaving or entering the territory of Asa king of Judah. 2 Chronicles 32:1 After all these acts of faithfulness, Sennacherib king of Assyria came and invaded Judah. He laid siege to the fortified cities, intending to conquer them for himself. Joshua 6:1 Now Jericho was tightly shut up because of the Israelites. No one went out and no one came in. 2 Kings 6:24-25 Some time later, Ben-hadad king of Aram assembled his entire army and marched up to besiege Samaria. / So there was a great famine in Samaria. Indeed, they besieged the city so long that a donkey’s head sold for eighty shekels of silver, and a quarter cab of dove’s dung sold for five shekels of silver. 1 Kings 16:8-9 In the twenty-sixth year of Asa’s reign over Judah, Elah son of Baasha became king of Israel, and he reigned in Tirzah two years. / However, while Elah was in Tirzah getting drunk in the house of Arza the steward of his household there, Elah’s servant Zimri, the commander of half his chariots, conspired against him. 2 Kings 15:16 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. 2 Samuel 8:6 Then he placed garrisons in Aram of Damascus, and the Arameans became subject to David and brought him tribute. So the LORD made David victorious wherever he went. 1 Kings 12:25-27 Then Jeroboam built Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim and lived there. And from there he went out and built Penuel. / Jeroboam said in his heart, “Now the kingdom might revert to the house of David. / If these people go up to offer sacrifices in the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, their hearts will return to their lord, Rehoboam king of Judah; then they will kill me and return to Rehoboam king of Judah.” 2 Chronicles 11:5-12 Rehoboam lived in Jerusalem, and he built up cities for defense in Judah. / He built up Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa, / Beth-zur, Soco, Adullam, … 1 Kings 15:32 And there was war between Asa and Baasha king of Israel throughout their days. 2 Chronicles 14:1 Then Abijah rested with his fathers and was buried in the City of David. And his son Asa reigned in his place, and in his days the land was at peace for ten years. Treasury of Scripture And Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah, and built Ramah, that he might not suffer any to go out or come in to Asa king of Judah. A. 1 Kings 15:27 And Baasha the son of Ahijah, of the house of Issachar, conspired against him; and Baasha smote him at Gibbethon, which belonged to the Philistines; for Nadab and all Israel laid siege to Gibbethon. 2 Chronicles 16:1 In the six and thirtieth year of the reign of Asa Baasha king of Israel came up against Judah, and built Ramah, to the intent that he might let none go out or come in to Asa king of Judah. 1 Kings 15:21 And it came to pass, when Baasha heard thereof, that he left off building of Ramah, and dwelt in Tirzah. Joshua 18:25 Gibeon, and Ramah, and Beeroth, 1 Samuel 15:34 Then Samuel went to Ramah; and Saul went up to his house to Gibeah of Saul. he might not suffer 1 Kings 12:27 If this people go up to do sacrifice in the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, then shall the heart of this people turn again unto their lord, even unto Rehoboam king of Judah, and they shall kill me, and go again to Rehoboam king of Judah. 2 Chronicles 11:13-17 And the priests and the Levites that were in all Israel resorted to him out of all their coasts… Jump to Previous Able Allow Asa Baasa Baasha Ba'asha Buildeth Building Built Entering Fortified Israel Judah Leaving Order Permit Prevent Ramah Suffer TerritoryJump to Next Able Allow Asa Baasa Baasha Ba'asha Buildeth Building Built Entering Fortified Israel Judah Leaving Order Permit Prevent Ramah Suffer Territory1 Kings 15 1. Abijam's wicked reign7. Asa succeeds him 9. Asa's good reign 16. The war between Baasha and him causes him to make a league with Ben-Hadad 23. Jehoshaphat succeeds Asa 25. Nadab's wicked reign 27. Baasha conspiring against him, executes Ahijah's prophecy 31. Nadab's acts and death 33. Baasha's wicked reign Baasha king of Israel went to war against Judah Baasha, Israel’s third king after Jeroboam and Nadab, continued the hostility between the northern kingdom and Judah under Asa. The division begun after Solomon’s disobedience had produced rival kingdoms marked by political conflict and competing worship. 2Ch 12:15 Now the acts of Rehoboam, from first to last, … and fortified Ramah Ramah lay about five miles north of Jerusalem on a major route into Judah. By strengthening this border town, Baasha established a military position from which he could threaten Jerusalem and restrict Judah’s access to the north. 2Ch 16:1 In the thirty-sixth year of Asa’s reign,… to prevent anyone from leaving or entering the territory of Asa king of Judah. Baasha intended to isolate Judah by controlling travel and trade at Ramah. The pressure placed Asa in a serious political and military crisis, leading him to seek help from Ben-hadad of Aram against Israel. 2Ch 32:1 After all these acts of faithfulness, Sennacherib… Persons / Places / Events 1. BaashaKing of Israel who reigned after Jeroboam. He was known for his military actions against Judah and his efforts to consolidate power in the northern kingdom. 2. Asa King of Judah, known for his religious reforms and efforts to rid Judah of idolatry. He sought to strengthen his kingdom spiritually and politically. 3. Ramah A strategically located town in the territory of Benjamin, near the border between Israel and Judah. Its fortification by Baasha was a significant military maneuver to control movement and trade. 4. Judah The southern kingdom, ruled by Asa during this period. It was often in conflict with the northern kingdom of Israel. 5. Israel The northern kingdom, ruled by Baasha at this time. It frequently engaged in hostilities with Judah. Teaching Points The Importance of Strategic DecisionsBaasha's decision to fortify Ramah was a strategic move to exert control over Judah. In our lives, we must consider the long-term implications of our decisions and how they align with God's will. Trust in God's Sovereignty Asa faced a significant threat from Baasha, yet his account reminds us to trust in God's sovereignty and seek His guidance in times of conflict and uncertainty. The Consequences of Sinful Ambition Baasha's ambition led to conflict and ultimately to God's judgment. We should examine our motives and ensure that our ambitions align with God's purposes. The Role of Leadership in Spiritual Reforms Asa's commitment to reforming Judah spiritually highlights the impact of godly leadership. We are called to lead by example in our communities and families. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Kings 15:17?2. How does Baasha's action in 1 Kings 15:17 reflect disobedience to God's commands? 3. What can we learn about the consequences of sin from Baasha's actions? 4. How does 1 Kings 15:17 connect with God's covenant promises to Israel? 5. How can we guard against similar actions that oppose God's will today? 6. What strategies can we implement to remain faithful amidst opposition like Asa faced? 7. Why did Baasha fortify Ramah against Judah according to 1 Kings 15:17? 8. How does 1 Kings 15:17 reflect the political tensions between Israel and Judah? 9. What archaeological evidence supports the events described in 1 Kings 15:17? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 15? (17) Built Ramah.--Ramah, or properly, the Ramah--the word signifying only "elevation"--is mentioned in Joshua 18:25 as a city of Benjamin, situated (see Jos. Ant. viii. 12, 3) about five miles north of Jerusalem. It is mentioned in Judges 4:5; Judges 19:13; Isaiah 10:29; Jeremiah 40:1, and is identified with the village known as Er-Ram at the present day. This fortification of Ramah close to the hostile capital--like the fortification of Decelea, near Athens, in the Peloponnesian war--was a standing menace to Judah. Baasha, who was a military chief, seems to have been warned by the ill-success of former attempts to invade and subjugate Judah, and to have used this easier means of keeping the enemy in check, and provoking a conflict--if a conflict there was to be--on his own ground. The text, however, implies a further design to blockade the road between the kingdoms, perhaps explained by the statement, in 2Chronicles 15:9-10, of the falling away of many from Israel to Asa, now in the height of his prosperity. The new fortress was, no doubt, supported by all the military force of Israel, which Asa, in spite of his increased strength, dared not attack. . . . Verse 17. - And Baasha, king of Israel, went up against Judah [This statement probably refers to the reconquest of the three cities which Abijah had taken from Jeroboam (2 Chronicles 13:19), as Ramah could hardly have been rebuilt whilst Bethel remained in the hands of Judah], and built Ramah [Heb. the Ramah, i.e., "the elevation," or "high place." Now er Ram ( = the height), in Benjamin (Joshua 18:25; Judges 19:18, 14), five miles distant from Jerusalem, near the frontier of the two territories, and also then, as now, on the great north road. It was the key, consequently, to both kingdoms. Hence the struggles to possess it, vers, 21, 22; 2 Chronicles 16:1, etc.], that he might not suffer any to go out [Heb. not to give any going out, etc.] or come in to Asa, king of Judah. [The object of Baasha in fortifying this place is evident. It was not merely to have an advanced post as a menace to Jerusalem (Rawlinson), but primarily, by its command of the high road, to prevent his subjects from falling away to the kingdom of Judah, or even from going up to Jerusalem to worship; in fact, to isolate Judah and to blockade its capital. That there was a great defection to Ass at this time we know from 2 Chronicles 15:9. This was an exodus which Baasha felt must be checked. Blunt ("Coincidences," pp. 176-8) has happily shown from 2 Chronicles 16:6, etc., how the primary object must have been to "stop the alarming drainage of all that was virtuous out of their borders." Rawlinson sees in the fortification of this place "the first step towards a conquest of the southern kingdom." But as to this the text is silent, or rather it assigns an entirely different reason.] 1 Kings 15:17 records Baasha’s calculated move to choke Judah by fortifying Ramah. The verse highlights: • a wicked northern king bent on suppressing covenant worship, • perennial conflict springing from earlier national apostasy, • strategic manipulation of geography to control God’s people, and • a crucial moment testing Asa’s faith. The passage reinforces that political maneuvers never thwart the LORD’s purposes; He sees, judges, and ultimately preserves His covenant line despite human schemes. 1 Kings 15:17 NIV |
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