Topical Bible: Israel: War Continued Between Baasha and Asa

◄ Israel: War Continued Between Baasha and Asa ►

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The conflict between Baasha, king of Israel, and Asa, king of Judah, is a significant episode in the history of the divided monarchy, illustrating the persistent hostilities that characterized the relationship between the northern and southern kingdoms. This period of warfare is documented in the biblical narrative, primarily in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles.

Background

Baasha, the son of Ahijah from the tribe of Issachar, came to power in Israel after assassinating Nadab, the son of Jeroboam, and exterminating the entire house of Jeroboam, as prophesied by Ahijah the Shilonite (1 Kings 15:27-29). Baasha reigned over Israel for 24 years, from Tirzah, and his rule was marked by continued idolatry and opposition to the ways of the LORD.

Asa, the son of Abijam, ascended to the throne of Judah and reigned in Jerusalem for 41 years. Asa is noted for his religious reforms and efforts to restore the worship of Yahweh, removing idols and pagan altars from the land (1 Kings 15:11-15). His reign is characterized by a commitment to the covenant with God, contrasting with the idolatrous practices of the northern kingdom.

The Conflict

The war between Baasha and Asa is introduced in 1 Kings 15:16: "Now there was war between Asa and Baasha king of Israel throughout their days." This ongoing conflict was fueled by political and religious tensions, as well as territorial ambitions. Baasha sought to fortify Ramah, a strategic location near the border of Judah, to prevent any movement into or out of Asa's territory (1 Kings 15:17).

In response to Baasha's aggression, Asa took decisive action by seeking an alliance with Ben-hadad, the king of Aram (Syria). Asa sent silver and gold from the treasuries of the LORD's temple and the royal palace to Ben-hadad, urging him to break his treaty with Baasha and attack Israel (1 Kings 15:18-19). Ben-hadad complied, sending his commanders to attack the cities of Israel, which forced Baasha to abandon his fortification efforts at Ramah (1 Kings 15:20-21).

Asa then capitalized on this opportunity by dismantling the fortifications of Ramah and using the materials to strengthen his own cities, Geba and Mizpah (1 Kings 15:22). This strategic move not only neutralized the immediate threat posed by Baasha but also bolstered Judah's defenses.

Religious and Political Implications

The conflict between Baasha and Asa highlights the broader religious and political dynamics of the time. Asa's reliance on foreign alliances, while effective in the short term, was later criticized by the prophet Hanani, who rebuked Asa for not relying on the LORD (2 Chronicles 16:7-9). This incident underscores the tension between political pragmatism and faithfulness to God, a recurring theme in the history of Israel and Judah.

Baasha's reign, marked by idolatry and opposition to Judah, ultimately led to his downfall. The LORD's judgment was pronounced against Baasha through the prophet Jehu, son of Hanani, declaring the destruction of his house in a manner similar to that of Jeroboam (1 Kings 16:1-4).

Conclusion

The war between Baasha and Asa serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by the kings of Israel and Judah. It reflects the ongoing struggle for power, the consequences of idolatry, and the importance of reliance on God amidst political and military conflicts.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 15:16,32
And there was war between Asa and Baasha king of Israel all their days.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Antiquities of the Jews
... Thence Into Egypt; And After He Had Continued There A ... King Of Syria And Pekah King
Of Israel, Made War ... CHAPTER 2. How Alexander [Bala] In His War With Demetrius ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... [Illustration: 297.jpg A PHILISTINE SHIP OF WAR]. ... showed itself the most bellicose
of the tribes of Israel. ... the minds of the people, that they continued to have ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... The king, indeed, continued to offer sacrifices and prayer ... its way, such as Damascus
or Israel, much less ... the spirit of their peoples; civil war had prevented ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm