Topical Encyclopedia
Baasha, son of Ahijah, emerged as a significant yet wicked ruler in the history of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. His reign is marked by a continuation of the sinful practices initiated by Jeroboam, the first king of the divided northern tribes. Baasha's account is primarily chronicled in the First Book of Kings, where his actions and their consequences are detailed.
Ascension to PowerBaasha's rise to power was characterized by violence and treachery. He belonged to the tribe of Issachar and seized the throne by assassinating Nadab, the son of Jeroboam, during a military campaign against the Philistine city of Gibbethon. This act of regicide is recorded in
1 Kings 15:27 : "Then Baasha son of Ahijah of the house of Issachar conspired against Nadab, and he struck him down at Gibbethon of the Philistines while Nadab and all Israel were besieging the city."
Reign and Religious PracticesBaasha reigned over Israel for 24 years, from approximately 909 to 886 BC. His rule is noted for its perpetuation of the idolatrous practices established by Jeroboam. Jeroboam had set up golden calves in Bethel and Dan, leading Israel into sin by encouraging the worship of these idols instead of the LORD. Baasha continued in these ways, failing to lead the people back to the worship of the true God.
1 Kings 15:34 states, "And he did evil in the sight of the LORD and walked in the way of Jeroboam and in his sin, which he had caused Israel to commit."
Prophetic CondemnationThe LORD, through the prophet Jehu son of Hanani, condemned Baasha for his wickedness and for leading Israel into sin. The prophecy against Baasha is recorded in
1 Kings 16:1-4 : "Then 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 by 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.'"
Legacy and DownfallBaasha's legacy is one of continued idolatry and rebellion against God. His failure to heed the warnings of the prophets and to turn from the sins of Jeroboam led to the downfall of his dynasty. After his death, his son Elah succeeded him, but the prophecy against Baasha's house was fulfilled when Zimri, one of Elah's officials, conspired against and killed Elah, thus ending Baasha's lineage.
Baasha's reign serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences of leading a nation away from the worship of the LORD and into idolatry. His actions and their repercussions underscore the importance of faithful obedience to God's commandments and the dangers of following in the sinful footsteps of predecessors.
Nave's Topical Index
1 Kings 15:33,34In the third year of Asa king of Judah began Baasha the son of Ahijah to reign over all Israel in Tirzah, twenty and four years.
Nave's Topical Index
Library
The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... yet to choose any of their ways, but to ... Without godly repentance, the wicked man's
hopes and life ... neighbour, Mr. Attentive; whither are you walking so early ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm
Resources
What is the account of Annas and Caiaphas? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Daniel in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the Carolingian Dynasty? What was its influence on church history? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
