New International Version When Baasha heard this, he stopped building Ramah and withdrew to Tirzah. New Living Translation As soon as Baasha of Israel heard what was happening, he abandoned his project of fortifying Ramah and withdrew to Tirzah. English Standard Version And when Baasha heard of it, he stopped building Ramah, and he lived in Tirzah. Berean Standard Bible When Baasha learned of this, he stopped fortifying Ramah and withdrew to Tirzah. Berean Literal Bible And it came to pass when Baasha heard it, that he stopped building Ramah, and he dwelt in Tirzah. King James Bible And it came to pass, when Baasha heard thereof, that he left off building of Ramah, and dwelt in Tirzah. New King James Version Now it happened, when Baasha heard it, that he stopped building Ramah, and remained in Tirzah. New American Standard Bible When Baasha heard about it, he stopped fortifying Ramah and remained in Tirzah. NASB 1995 When Baasha heard of it, he ceased fortifying Ramah and remained in Tirzah. NASB 1977 And it came about when Baasha heard of it that he ceased fortifying Ramah, and remained in Tirzah. Legacy Standard Bible Now it happened that when Baasha heard of it, he ceased building up Ramah and remained in Tirzah. Amplified Bible When Baasha heard about it, he stopped fortifying Ramah and stayed in Tirzah. Berean Annotated Bible When Baasha (wicked) learned of this, he stopped fortifying Ramah (hill) and withdrew to Tirzah (favorable). Christian Standard Bible When Baasha heard about it, he quit building Ramah and stayed in Tirzah. Holman Christian Standard Bible When Baasha heard about it, he quit building Ramah and stayed in Tirzah. American Standard Version And it came to pass, when Baasha heard thereof, that he left off building Ramah, and dwelt in Tirzah. Contemporary English Version When Baasha heard about it, he left Ramah and went back to Tirzah. English Revised Version And it came to pass, when Baasha heard thereof, that he left off building of Ramah, and dwelt in Tirzah. GOD'S WORD® Translation When Baasha heard the news, he stopped fortifying Ramah and lived in Tirzah. Good News Translation When King Baasha heard what had happened, he stopped fortifying Ramah and went to Tirzah. International Standard Version When Baasha learned of this, he stopped fortifying Ramah and remained in Tirzah, NET Bible When Baasha heard the news, he stopped fortifying Ramah and settled down in Tirzah. New Heart English Bible It happened, when Baasha heard of it, that he left off building Ramah, and lived in Tirzah. Webster's Bible Translation And it came to pass, when Baasha heard of it, that he left off building of Ramah, and dwelt in Tirzah. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWhen Baasha learned of this, he stopped fortifying Ramah and withdrew to Tirzah. World English Bible When Baasha heard of it, he stopped building Ramah, and lived in Tirzah. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand it comes to pass at Baasha’s hearing, that he ceases from building Ramah, and dwells in Tirzah. Berean Literal Bible And it came to pass when Baasha heard it, that he stopped building Ramah, and he dwelt in Tirzah. Young's Literal Translation and it cometh to pass at Baasha's hearing, that he ceaseth from building Ramah, and dwelleth in Tirzah. Smith's Literal Translation And it will be when Baasha heard, and he will leave off building Ramah, and he will dwell in Tirzah. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd when Baasa had heard this, he left off building Rama, and returned into Thersa. Catholic Public Domain Version And when Baasha had heard this, he ceased from fortifying Ramah, and he returned to Tirzah. New American Bible When Baasha heard of it, he left off fortifying Ramah, and stayed in Tirzah. New Revised Standard Version When Baasha heard of it, he stopped building Ramah and lived in Tirzah. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd when Baasha heard of it, he left off building Ramtha and dwelt in Tirzah. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And when Baasha heard, he stopped from building Ramtha, and he dwelt in Terzah. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And it came to pass, when Baasa heard thereof, that he left off building Ramah, and dwelt in Tirzah. Brenton Septuagint Translation And it came to pass when Baasa heard it, that he left off building Rama, and returned to Thersa. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context War Between Asa and Baasha…20And Ben-hadad listened to King Asa and sent the commanders of his armies against the cities of Israel, conquering Ijon, Dan, Abel-beth-maacah, and the whole land of Naphtali, including the region of Chinnereth. 21When Baasha learned of this, he stopped fortifying Ramah and withdrew to Tirzah. 22Then King Asa summoned all the men of Judah, with no exceptions, and they carried away the stones of Ramah and the timbers Baasha had used for building. And with these materials King Asa built up Geba of Benjamin, as well as Mizpah.… Cross References When Baasha learned of this, 2 Chronicles 16:4 And Ben-hadad listened to King Asa and sent the commanders of his armies against the cities of Israel, conquering Ijon, Dan, Abel-maim, and all the store cities of Naphtali. 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. he stopped fortifying Ramah 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. and withdrew to Tirzah. 1 Kings 14:17 Then Jeroboam’s wife got up and departed for Tirzah, and as soon as she stepped over the threshold of the house, the boy died. 1 Kings 16:17 Then Omri and all the Israelites marched up from Gibbethon and besieged Tirzah. 1 Kings 12:25 Then Jeroboam built Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim and lived there. And from there he went out and built Penuel. 2 Chronicles 14:1-7 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. / And Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God. / He removed the foreign altars and high places, shattered the sacred pillars, and chopped down the Asherah poles. … 2 Chronicles 15:19 And there was no war until the thirty-fifth year of Asa’s reign. 1 Kings 15:16-20 Now there was war between Asa and Baasha king of Israel throughout their days. / 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. / So 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, the king of Aram, who was ruling in Damascus: … 2 Samuel 5:9 So David took up residence in the fortress and called it the City of David. He built it up all the way around, from the supporting terraces inward. 1 Kings 12:27 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.” 1 Kings 14:30 There was war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam throughout their days. 1 Kings 16:9 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 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, … 2 Chronicles 13:19 Abijah pursued Jeroboam and captured some cities from him: Bethel, Jeshanah, and Ephron, along with their villages. Treasury of Scripture And it came to pass, when Baasha heard thereof, that he left off building of Ramah, and dwelled in Tirzah. when Baasha 2 Chronicles 16:5 And it came to pass, when Baasha heard it, that he left off building of Ramah, and let his work cease. Tirzah 1 Kings 14:17 And Jeroboam's wife arose, and departed, and came to Tirzah: and when she came to the threshold of the door, the child died; 1 Kings 16:15-18 In the twenty and seventh year of Asa king of Judah did Zimri reign seven days in Tirzah. And the people were encamped against Gibbethon, which belonged to the Philistines… Song of Solomon 6:4 Thou art beautiful, O my love, as Tirzah, comely as Jerusalem, terrible as an army with banners. Jump to Previous Baasa Baasha Ba'asha Baasha's Building Ceased Ceaseth Dwelleth Dwelt Fortifying Heard Hearing Ramah Stop Stopped Thereof Tirzah WithdrewJump to Next Baasa Baasha Ba'asha Baasha's Building Ceased Ceaseth Dwelleth Dwelt Fortifying Heard Hearing Ramah Stop Stopped Thereof Tirzah Withdrew1 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 When Baasha learned of this, Baasha, king of Israel from about 909 to 886 BC, learned that Ben-hadad of Aram had attacked Israel’s northern cities in response to Asa’s alliance. The new threat forced him to abandon his pressure against Judah. 2Ch 16:4 And Ben-hadad listened to King Asa and sent the commanders… he stopped fortifying Ramah Ramah, about five miles north of Jerusalem, was positioned to restrict travel and trade between Israel and Judah. Baasha had strengthened it to isolate Judah, but Aram’s invasion made the project too dangerous to continue. 2Ch 16:5 When Baasha learned of this, he stopped fortifying Ramah… and withdrew to Tirzah. Tirzah was Israel’s capital during Baasha’s reign. His return there marked a strategic retreat as he turned his attention from Judah to the defense of his own kingdom. 1Ki 14:17 Then Jeroboam’s wife got up and departed for Tirzah,… Persons / Places / Events 1. BaashaKing of Israel who reigned after overthrowing Nadab, the son of Jeroboam. He is known for his conflict with Asa, the king of Judah. 2. Ramah A strategic city located in the territory of Benjamin, near the border between the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. Baasha fortified it to control access to Judah. 3. Tirzah The capital of the northern kingdom of Israel during Baasha's reign. It served as a royal city before Samaria became the capital. 4. Asa King of Judah, known for his religious reforms and efforts to rid Judah of idolatry. He sought to strengthen his kingdom against Baasha's aggression. 5. Ben-Hadad King of Aram (Syria), whom Asa bribed to break his treaty with Baasha and attack Israel, causing Baasha to cease his fortification of Ramah. Teaching Points The Futility of Human SchemesBaasha's attempt to fortify Ramah was ultimately thwarted, demonstrating that human plans cannot succeed against God's will. We should seek God's guidance in our endeavors rather than relying solely on our own strategies. The Importance of Seeking Godly Alliances Asa's alliance with Ben-Hadad, though politically expedient, was not based on seeking God's counsel. Believers should prioritize alliances and relationships that honor God and align with His purposes. The Consequences of Disobedience Baasha's actions led to a prophecy of destruction against his house. This serves as a reminder that disobedience to God can have severe consequences, and we should strive to live in obedience to His commands. Trusting in God's Sovereignty The events in this passage illustrate God's control over the affairs of nations. We can trust in His sovereignty and rest assured that He is working out His purposes, even when circumstances seem uncertain. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Kings 15:21?2. How does 1 Kings 15:21 demonstrate God's sovereignty over human plans and actions? 3. What can we learn from Baasha's response to Asa's actions in 1 Kings 15:21? 4. How does 1 Kings 15:21 connect with Proverbs 19:21 about human plans versus God's will? 5. In what ways can we trust God when facing opposition, as Asa did? 6. How can Asa's strategy in 1 Kings 15:21 inspire our problem-solving today? 7. What historical evidence supports the events described in 1 Kings 15:21? 8. How does 1 Kings 15:21 reflect the political dynamics of ancient Israel? 9. What theological message is conveyed through the actions of Baasha in 1 Kings 15:21? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 15? (21) Dwelt in Tirzah--that is, returned to his own capital: in the first instance, of course, retiring to meet the new enemy in the north, and then obliged to give up his attempt against Asa. From 1Kings 20:34, it seems as if, till the time of Ahab, Syria retained its conquests and a certain supremacy over Israel. Baasha may have had to buy peace by undertaking to leave unmolested Judah, which might be considered a tributary of Syria.Verse 21. - And it came to pasta, when Baaaha heard thereof, that he left off building of Ramah [He could not prosecute it when he had enemies on every side. He at once assumes the defensive], and dwelt in Tirzah. [Ch. 14:17. He retired to his capital It is not implied that he had entertained the idea of dwelling at Ramah.] 1 Kings 15:21 records a swift chain reaction: Baasha hears, halts, and heads home. The verse showcases God’s sovereign ability to redirect political agendas, unravel fortifications, and protect His covenant people. What seemed a mere military maneuver becomes a testimony that “the counsel of the LORD stands forever” (Psalm 33:11). Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Whenוַֽיְהִי֙ (way·hî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be Baasha בַּעְשָׁ֔א (ba‘·šā) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1201: Baasha -- a king of Israel learned of this, כִּשְׁמֹ֣עַ (kiš·mō·a‘) Preposition-k | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently he stopped וַיֶּחְדַּ֕ל (way·yeḥ·dal) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 2308: To be flabby, desist, be lacking, idle fortifying מִבְּנ֖וֹת (mib·bə·nō·wṯ) Preposition-m | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 1129: To build Ramah הָֽרָמָ֑ה (hā·rā·māh) Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 7414: Ramah -- 'height', the name of several places in Israel and withdrew וַיֵּ֖שֶׁב (way·yê·šeḇ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry to Tirzah. בְּתִרְצָֽה׃ (bə·ṯir·ṣāh) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 8656: Tirzah -- daughter of Zelophehad, also a Canaanite city Additonal Resources 1 Kings 15:21 Blue Letter Bible1 Kings 15:21 Bible Gateway 1 Kings 15:21 Bible.com 1 Kings 15:21 NIV |
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