Topical Bible: Homicide: Felonious: Baasha

◄ Homicide: Felonious: Baasha ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Baasha, son of Ahijah, emerges in the biblical narrative as a significant figure due to his role in the violent overthrow of the house of Jeroboam, the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel. His actions are recorded in the First Book of Kings, where his rise to power is marked by a felonious act of homicide.

Baasha's ascent to the throne is detailed in 1 Kings 15:27-28 : "Then Baasha son of Ahijah of the house of Issachar conspired against Nadab, and Baasha struck him down at Gibbethon of the Philistines while Nadab and all Israel were besieging the city. So Baasha killed Nadab in the third year of Asa king of Judah and reigned in his place." This passage highlights Baasha's premeditated conspiracy and subsequent murder of Nadab, the son of Jeroboam, as a pivotal moment in his quest for power.

The act of homicide committed by Baasha was not merely a personal vendetta but a calculated political maneuver to seize control of the kingdom. By assassinating Nadab, Baasha effectively ended the dynasty of Jeroboam, fulfilling the prophecy spoken by the prophet Ahijah against Jeroboam's house due to their idolatry and sin (1 Kings 14:10-11).

Baasha's reign, however, was characterized by the same idolatrous practices that had plagued his predecessors. Despite his initial success in usurping the throne, Baasha's actions were condemned by the Lord. In 1 Kings 16:1-3 , 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 that of Jeroboam son of Nebat."

Baasha's felonious act of homicide, while successful in the short term, ultimately led to divine judgment against his own house. His reign lasted for 24 years, but his dynasty was short-lived. His son Elah succeeded him, only to be assassinated by Zimri, one of his own officials, thus perpetuating the cycle of violence and retribution that characterized the northern kingdom's turbulent history.

Baasha's account serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and the futility of seeking power through unlawful means. His life and actions are a testament to the biblical principle that those who live by the sword will die by the sword, as seen in the eventual downfall of his own lineage.

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1 Kings 15:27-29
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.
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