Baasha
3rd King of Israel
908–886 BC
Father
Ahijah
Children
Elah
Biography
Baasha was from the tribe of Issachar and became king by killing Nadab during the siege of Gibbethon and then eliminating all of Jeroboam's family — fulfilling the prophecy of Ahijah against Jeroboam, though Baasha acted from ambition rather than obedience. His 24-year reign was marked by constant war with Judah's King Asa. He began fortifying Ramah to cut off traffic to Jerusalem, which alarmed Asa enough that Asa bribed the king of Syria to attack northern Israel, forcing Baasha to withdraw. Despite being God's instrument of judgment against Jeroboam's house, Baasha walked in all the same sins of Jeroboam. The prophet Jehu son of Hanani therefore pronounced the same judgment on Baasha's house as had befallen Jeroboam's — his line would be consumed just as he had consumed Jeroboam's.
Key Events
Killed Nadab during the siege of Gibbethon and made himself king, then exterminated Jeroboam's entire family
There was war between Baasha and Asa king of Judah all their days
Began building up Ramah to prevent people from going to or from Judah's King Asa
Asa sent Temple and palace treasures to Ben-hadad of Syria who attacked northern Israel, stopping Ramah's construction
The prophet Jehu son of Hanani pronounced that Baasha's house would be destroyed like Jeroboam's for the same sins
Spiritual Significance
Baasha was used by God as an instrument of judgment but was not exempt from judgment himself. Being the tool of divine justice does not make one righteous. He repeated the exact sins of the man he destroyed and received the exact same sentence.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
Military strength, long reign of 24 years, eliminated a corrupt dynasty
Weaknesses
Same idolatry as Jeroboam, constant warfare, became what he destroyed
Lessons
Being God's instrument of judgment does not make us righteous. Baasha served as God's rod against Jeroboam but then walked in Jeroboam's ways and received Jeroboam's fate. God's use of us in one moment does not excuse our sins in another.
Related Characters
Nadab
King he assassinated to gain power
Elah
Son and successor
Asa of Judah
Enemy king he warred with throughout his reign
Jehu son of Hanani
Prophet who pronounced judgment on his dynasty
Ben-hadad of Syria
King bribed by Asa to attack him