Topical Encyclopedia Baasha, son of Ahijah, was the third king of the northern kingdom of Israel. His reign is chronicled in the First Book of Kings, where he is depicted as a significant yet morally complex figure in the history of Israel. Baasha's rise to power and subsequent rule are marked by political intrigue, military ambition, and spiritual failure.Rise to Power Baasha's ascent to the throne was marked by violence and ambition. He was originally from the tribe of Issachar and served as a military commander under King Nadab, the son of Jeroboam I. In a calculated coup, Baasha assassinated Nadab at Gibbethon, a Philistine city, during a military campaign. This act of regicide is recorded in 1 Kings 15:27 : "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." Following Nadab's assassination, Baasha seized the throne and established himself as king. His first act as ruler was to eliminate the entire house of Jeroboam, fulfilling the prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite, as stated in 1 Kings 15:29 : "As soon as Baasha became king, he struck down the entire house of Jeroboam; he did not leave to Jeroboam anyone who breathed, but destroyed them all according to the word of the LORD spoken through His servant Ahijah the Shilonite." Reign and Policies Baasha reigned over Israel for 24 years, from approximately 909 to 886 BC. His rule was characterized by ongoing conflict with the southern kingdom of Judah. Baasha fortified the city of Ramah to control the movement between the two kingdoms, as noted in 1 Kings 15:17 : "And 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." Despite his military and political efforts, Baasha's reign was marred by spiritual failure. He continued in the idolatrous practices of Jeroboam, leading Israel further into sin. The prophet Jehu, son of Hanani, delivered a message of judgment against Baasha, declaring that his house would suffer the same fate as Jeroboam's. This prophecy is recorded in 1 Kings 16:1-4 : "Then the word of the LORD came to Jehu son of Hanani against Baasha, saying: 'Because I raised 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 by their sins, I will consume Baasha and his house, and I will make your house like the house of Jeroboam son of Nebat.'" Death and Legacy Baasha died and was buried in Tirzah, the capital of the northern kingdom at the time. His son Elah succeeded him as king. However, the prophecy against Baasha's house was fulfilled when Elah was assassinated by Zimri, one of his own officials, leading to the extermination of Baasha's lineage. Baasha's legacy is one of unfulfilled potential and divine judgment. His failure to lead Israel in righteousness and his continuation of idolatrous practices ultimately led to the downfall of his dynasty. His account serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of disobedience to God's commandments and the importance of faithful leadership. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 15:16-22,27-34And there was war between Asa and Baasha king of Israel all their days. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 16:1-7 1 Kings 21:22 2 Kings 9:9 2 Chronicles 16:1-6 Jeremiah 41:9 Strong's Hebrew 1201. Basha -- a king of Isr.... NASB Word Usage Baasha (28). Baasha. From an unused root meaning to stink; offensiveness; Basha, a king of Israel -- Baasha. 1200, 1201. Basha. 1202 . ... /hebrew/1201.htm - 5k Library How Zerah, King of the Ethiopians, was Beaten by Asa; and How Asa ... National Apostasy The Fall of the House of Ahab The Divided Kingdom. How Jehu was Anointed King, and Slew Both Joram and Ahaziah; as ... The Antiquities of the Jews The Later Hebrew Histories. The Nations of the South-East The Record of Two Kings The Kingdom of Samaria. Resources Who was Ahijah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was King Nadab in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was King Jeroboam in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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