Baasha
- Dates
- 933–886 BC
Name means "bravery." He is the son of Ahijah and the 3rd king of Israel. The city of Tirzah is his capital and he is buried there after reigning 24 years. He is a wicked king. Because of idolatry, Jehu predicts his house will be destroyed.
In detail
Baasha. The son of Ahijah, of the tribe of Issachar, the 3rd king of the northern kingdom of Israel. He acquired the throne by slaying King Nadab during a siege of the Philistine city of Gibbethon (1 Ki 15:27, 28). One of the first acts of his reign was to exterminate all remaining relatives of Jeroboam I, thus fulfilling the prophet Ahijah's prediction (vs 29, 30 ch 14:10, 11). The 24 years of Baasha's reign (c. 909—c. 886 b.c.) were marked by wickedness (1 Ki 15:34) and by continual warfare with the southern kingdom (v 32). His attempt to build up Ramah as a military fortress within the border of Judah failed when Asa of Judah hired Ben—hadad I of Damascus against him (1 Ki 15:16—21 2 Chr 16:1—6). The prophet Jehu predicted the extermination of Baasha's dynasty (1 Ki 16:1—4).
Bible passages
- 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.
- 1 Kings 16:6
So Baasha slept with his fathers, and was buried in Tirzah: and Elah his son reigned in his stead.
Text of the King James Version.