Topical Bible: Ramah: Called Rama: Attempted Fortification of, by King Baasha; Destruction of, by Asa

◄ Ramah: Called Rama: Attempted Fortification of, by King Baasha; Destruction of, by Asa ►

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Attempted Fortification by King Baasha

Ramah, also referred to as Rama, holds a significant place in biblical history, particularly in the context of the divided monarchy of Israel and Judah. Located in the territory of Benjamin, Ramah was strategically positioned approximately five miles north of Jerusalem. This location made it a focal point of military and political maneuvers during the reigns of the kings of Israel and Judah.

King Baasha of Israel sought to fortify Ramah to exert control over the southern kingdom of Judah. This strategic move was intended to prevent the movement of people and goods between the two kingdoms, effectively isolating Judah. The biblical account in 1 Kings 15:17 states, "Then 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."

Baasha's actions were a direct threat to the stability and autonomy of Judah, as Ramah's fortification would have allowed Israel to dominate the main route to Jerusalem. This aggressive move by Baasha was part of the ongoing hostilities between the northern and southern kingdoms following the division of the united monarchy after Solomon's reign.

Destruction by Asa

In response to Baasha's fortification of Ramah, Asa, the king of Judah, took decisive action to counter this threat. Asa's strategy involved forming an alliance with Ben-Hadad I, the king of Aram (Syria), to divert Baasha's attention and resources. Asa sent silver and gold from the treasuries of the LORD's temple and the royal palace to Ben-Hadad, persuading him to break his treaty with Baasha and attack the northern kingdom.

The biblical narrative in 2 Chronicles 16:4-5 describes the outcome: "And Ben-Hadad listened to King Asa and sent the commanders of his armies against the cities of Israel, conquering Ijon, Dan, Abel-maim, and all the store cities of Naphtali. When Baasha heard of this, he stopped fortifying Ramah and abandoned his work."

With Baasha's attention diverted and his resources stretched thin, Asa seized the opportunity to dismantle the fortifications at Ramah. He not only removed the threat posed by Baasha's construction but also repurposed the building materials for his own defensive projects. 1 Kings 15:22 records Asa's actions: "Then King Asa summoned all the men of Judah, with no exceptions, and they carried away the stones and timbers that Baasha had used to fortify Ramah. And with them he built up Geba and Mizpah."

Asa's successful dismantling of Ramah's fortifications not only neutralized the immediate threat from Israel but also strengthened Judah's defensive capabilities. This episode highlights the complex interplay of political alliances and military strategies in the ancient Near East, as well as the ongoing struggle for power and influence between the kingdoms of Israel and Judah.

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1 Kings 15:17-22
And Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah, and built Ramah, that he might not suffer any to go out or come in to Asa king of Judah.
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2 Chronicles 16:1-6
In the six and thirtieth year of the reign of Asa Baasha king of Israel came up against Judah, and built Ramah, to the intent that he might let none go out or come in to Asa king of Judah.
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Library

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... 1:1-9, where the king is called Adoni-bezek ... of the old Canaanite sanctuaries, such
as Ramah, Bethel, and ... 35:8), and consequently place it between Rama and Bethel ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm