What is the meaning of 1 Kings 15:33? In the third year of Asa’s reign over Judah “In the third year of Asa’s reign over Judah” (1 Kings 15:33) anchors Baasha’s rise to power within the southern kingdom’s timeline. • Asa was a godly king who sought reform in Judah (1 Kings 15:11–15; 2 Chronicles 14:2–5). • The phrase shows how God keeps history on a precise schedule; every king, good or bad, moves under His sovereign clock (Daniel 2:21; Galatians 4:4). • By marking Baasha’s ascent during Asa’s early years, Scripture lets us compare the spiritual climates of Judah and Israel: one undergoing revival, the other sinking deeper into idolatry (1 Kings 15:12 versus 1 Kings 15:34). Baasha son of Ahijah became king of all Israel Baasha did not receive the throne by hereditary right but seized it by conspiracy, killing Nadab, the son of Jeroboam (1 Kings 15:27–28). • His rise fulfills the prophetic pattern of judgment on Jeroboam’s house (1 Kings 14:9–11). • Yet Baasha repeats Jeroboam’s sins (1 Kings 15:34), reminding us that power changes holders but the heart problem persists unless turned to the Lord (Romans 1:21–23). • God later sends the prophet Jehu to confront Baasha for the same rebellion (1 Kings 16:1–4), proving that divine accountability applies to every ruler. and he reigned in Tirzah Tirzah, first mentioned as Jeroboam’s capital (1 Kings 14:17), remained Israel’s political center until Omri built Samaria (1 Kings 16:23–24). • Its pleasant setting (Song of Songs 6:4) contrasts with the idolatry practiced there—an outward beauty masking inward corruption (Matthew 23:27). • Choosing Tirzah over the temple city of Jerusalem underscores Israel’s separation from authorized worship, a split that affected every northern king (1 Kings 12:28–29). twenty-four years Baasha’s lengthy tenure (c. 909–886 BC) might look like success, yet duration is not endorsement. • During these 24 years he fought continual wars with Asa (1 Kings 15:32), illustrating how sin breeds conflict (James 4:1). • God’s patience allowed ample opportunity for repentance (2 Peter 3:9), but Baasha persisted until judgment caught up with him (1 Kings 16:6–7). • His reign shows that time given is stewardship, not immunity; every year is a summons to turn to the Lord (Psalm 90:12). summary 1 Kings 15:33 sets Baasha’s rule against Asa’s early reforms to highlight a stark spiritual divide. Baasha seized Israel’s throne, reigned from idolatrous Tirzah for 24 years, and perpetuated Jeroboam’s sins. The verse reminds us that God’s timetable is exact, His sovereignty spans both righteous and wicked rulers, and longevity without obedience leads only to inevitable judgment. |
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