Topical Bible: Kings: Conspiracies Against: Baasha Against Nadab

◄ Kings: Conspiracies Against: Baasha Against Nadab ►

Topical Encyclopedia

In the historical narrative of the Kings of Israel, the account of Baasha's conspiracy against Nadab is a significant event that marks a violent transition of power in the Northern Kingdom. This episode is recorded in the First Book of Kings, which provides a detailed account of the political intrigue and divine judgment that characterized the period of the divided monarchy.

Background

Nadab, the son of Jeroboam, became king over Israel in the second year of Asa, king of Judah, and reigned for two years. His reign is noted for continuing the sinful practices initiated by his father, Jeroboam, who led Israel into idolatry with the establishment of golden calves at Bethel and Dan. The biblical narrative highlights that Nadab "did evil in the sight of the LORD and walked in the way of his father and in his sin, which he had caused Israel to commit" (1 Kings 15:26).

The Conspiracy

Baasha, the son of Ahijah from the tribe of Issachar, conspired against Nadab. The conspiracy culminated in the assassination of Nadab at Gibbethon, a Philistine town that Nadab and the Israelite army were besieging. The Bible records, "While Nadab and all Israel were besieging Gibbethon, Baasha killed him in the third year of Asa king of Judah and reigned in his place" (1 Kings 15:27-28).

Divine Judgment and Fulfillment of Prophecy

Baasha's conspiracy and subsequent assassination of Nadab were not merely political maneuvers but were also seen as the fulfillment of divine judgment against the house of Jeroboam. The LORD had previously spoken through the prophet Ahijah, declaring that Jeroboam's dynasty would be cut off due to his idolatry and leading Israel into sin. Baasha's actions, therefore, were in line with the prophetic word that "I will cut off from Jeroboam every male, both slave and free, in Israel; I will burn up the house of Jeroboam as one burns up dung until it is gone" (1 Kings 14:10).

Aftermath

Upon securing the throne, Baasha did not stop at the assassination of Nadab. He went further to annihilate the entire house of Jeroboam, leaving no survivors, as recorded in 1 Kings 15:29: "As soon as he 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" .

Baasha's reign, however, was also marked by evil in the sight of the LORD, as he continued in the sinful ways of Jeroboam. His actions set a precedent for the turbulent and often violent changes of leadership that would characterize the Northern Kingdom of Israel.

Significance

The conspiracy of Baasha against Nadab underscores the themes of divine retribution and the consequences of idolatry and disobedience to God's commandments. It serves as a reminder of the LORD's sovereignty over the affairs of nations and His faithfulness to His prophetic word. The narrative also highlights the instability and moral decline that plagued the Northern Kingdom, setting the stage for future conflicts and divine judgments.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 15:27
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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook