Baasha

Baasha was the third king of the northern kingdom of Israel, ruling for 24 years (1 Kings 15:33). He came to power by assassinating Nadab, the son of Jeroboam, and then proceeded to kill off all of Jeroboam's family (1 Kings 15:27-29). Despite this, Baasha continued in the sinful ways of Jeroboam (1 Kings 15:34). He engaged in warfare with Asa, king of Judah, who bribed Ben-hadad of Syria to attack Israel (1 Kings 15:16-22; 2 Chronicles 16:1-6). The prophet Jehu pronounced judgment on Baasha's dynasty, predicting its downfall (1 Kings 16:1-4). After Baasha's death, his son Elah became king (1 Kings 16:6). Years later, Baasha's sins were remembered alongside those of other wicked kings (1 Kings 21:22; 2 Kings 9:9). Jeremiah 41:9 mentions a pit made by Baasha during his war with Asa, which was later used to dispose of bodies.