Topical Encyclopedia Ahijah, a relatively obscure figure in the biblical narrative, is primarily known as the father of Baasha, who became the third king of the northern kingdom of Israel. The name Ahijah means "brother of Yahweh" or "Yahweh is my brother," reflecting a theophoric element common in Hebrew names, indicating a connection or relationship with God.Biblical References Ahijah is mentioned in the context of his son Baasha's rise to power. In 1 Kings 15:27 , it is recorded: "Then Baasha son of Ahijah of the house of Issachar conspired against him, and Baasha struck him down at Gibbethon of the Philistines while Nadab and all Israel were besieging the city." This passage highlights Ahijah's lineage through the tribe of Issachar, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, which provides a geographical and tribal context for his family. Historical Context The period during which Ahijah's son Baasha reigned was marked by political instability and frequent changes in leadership within the northern kingdom of Israel. Baasha's ascent to the throne was a result of a coup against Nadab, the son of Jeroboam, the first king of the divided northern kingdom. This era was characterized by a series of violent overthrows, reflecting the turbulent nature of Israel's monarchy after the division of the united kingdom following Solomon's reign. Theological Significance While Ahijah himself does not play a prominent role in the biblical narrative, his mention as the father of Baasha places him within the larger account of Israel's monarchy and the divine judgment pronounced upon the house of Jeroboam. Baasha's rise to power and subsequent actions were seen as part of God's sovereign plan, as articulated by the prophets who spoke against the idolatry and disobedience of Israel's kings. In 1 Kings 16:1-4 , the word of the LORD came to Jehu son of Hanani against Baasha, saying: "I lifted you up from the dust and made you ruler over My people Israel, but you have walked in the way of Jeroboam and have caused My people Israel to sin, provoking Me to anger with their sins. So I am about to consume Baasha and his house, and I will make your house like the house of Jeroboam son of Nebat." This passage underscores the divine judgment that fell upon Baasha's house, a theme consistent with the Deuteronomic history's emphasis on covenant faithfulness and the consequences of idolatry and sin. Legacy Ahijah's legacy is primarily carried through his son Baasha, whose reign is documented in the biblical narrative as one of both opportunity and failure. The brief mention of Ahijah serves as a reminder of the familial and tribal connections that played a significant role in the unfolding history of Israel's monarchy. Despite the limited information about Ahijah himself, his inclusion in the biblical text contributes to the intricate tapestry of Israel's history and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through the ages. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 15:27,33And 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. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 9:9 Library Concerning the Death of a Son of Jeroboam. How Jeroboam was Beaten ... The Fall of the House of Ahab National Apostasy CHAP. I. -II. 3 (II. 1). The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... Resources How many prophets are in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the sin of Jeroboam? | GotQuestions.org What was a seer in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Ahijah: A Levite Who Was Treasurer in the Tabernacle Ahijah: A Priest in Shiloh, Probably Identical With Ahimelech, Mentioned In Ahijah: A Priest in Shiloh, Probably Identical With Ahimelech, Mentioned in Killed Ahijah: An Israelite, Who Subscribed to the Covenant of Nehemiah Ahijah: One of David's Heroes: Also Called Eliam Related Terms |
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