King
Baasha
3rd King of Israel
908–886 BC
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
- 1Killed Nadab and seized throne1 Kings 15:27-28 →
Killed Nadab during the siege of Gibbethon and made himself king, then exterminated Jeroboam's entire family
- 2Perpetual war with Asa of Judah1 Kings 15:32 →
There was war between Baasha and Asa king of Judah all their days
- 3Fortified Ramah1 Kings 15:17 →
Began building up Ramah to prevent people from going to or from Judah's King Asa
- 4Asa bribed Syria against him1 Kings 15:18-20 →
Asa sent Temple and palace treasures to Ben-hadad of Syria who attacked northern Israel, stopping Ramah's construction
- 5Jehu's prophecy against Baasha1 Kings 16:1-4 →
The prophet Jehu son of Hanani pronounced that Baasha's house would be destroyed like Jeroboam's for the same sins
Key Verses
“Since I exalted you out of the dust and made you leader over my people Israel, and you have walked in the way of Jeroboam and have made my people Israel to sin... I will utterly sweep away Baasha and his house.”
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.
Character Profile
- 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.