1 Kings 15:17

KJV

And Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah, and built Ramah, that he might not suffer any to go out or come in to Asa king of Judah.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Baasha {H1201} king {H4428} of Israel {H3478} went up {H5927} against Judah {H3063}, and built {H1129} Ramah {H7414}, that he might not suffer {H5414} any to go out {H3318} or come in {H935} to Asa {H609} king {H4428} of Judah {H3063}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Ba'sha attacked Y'hudah, and he fortified Ramah to prevent anyone's leaving or entering the territory of Asa king of Y'hudah.

Berean Standard Bible

Baasha king of Israel went to war against Judah and fortified Ramah to prevent anyone from leaving or entering the territory of Asa king of Judah.

American Standard Version

And Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah, and built Ramah, that he might not suffer any one to go out or come in to Asa king of Judah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 15:17 describes a significant military action undertaken by King Baasha of Israel against King Asa of Judah. Baasha strategically fortified Ramah, a crucial town situated north of Jerusalem, with the explicit intent of establishing a comprehensive blockade. This maneuver aimed to prevent any movement of people or goods into or out of Asa's kingdom of Judah, thereby isolating its capital, Jerusalem, and exerting immense economic and military pressure. The verse encapsulates a moment of intense inter-kingdom hostility and a calculated act of aggression.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the historical narrative of the divided monarchy, specifically detailing the ongoing conflict between the Northern Kingdom of Israel under King Baasha and the Southern Kingdom of Judah under King Asa. It directly follows the declaration in [1 Kings 15:16](/1_kings/15-16 "1 Kings 15:16 - Constant War Between Asa and Baasha") that "there was war between Asa and Baasha king of Israel all their days," setting the stage for Baasha's aggressive fortification. The events described here are not isolated but form a critical prelude to Asa's controversial decision to seek an alliance with Ben-hadad I of Aram against Baasha, as detailed in [1 Kings 15:18-20](/1_kings/15-18 "1 Kings 15:18 - Asa's Alliance with Ben-Hadad"). Baasha's subsequent retreat from Ramah and Asa's resourceful repurposing of the building materials to fortify Geba and Mizpah ([1 Kings 15:21-22](/1_kings/15-21 "1 Kings 15:21 - Baasha's Retreat from Ramah")) further highlight the strategic significance of this specific action. Thus, 1 Kings 15:17 serves as a pivotal moment, illustrating a major military challenge faced by Judah and the complex, often morally ambiguous, responses of its king.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period following the division of the united monarchy (circa 931 BC) was characterized by frequent and often bitter conflicts between the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. King Baasha, who reigned over Israel from approximately 909-886 BC, had seized power through a violent coup, assassinating Nadab, Jeroboam's son, and eradicating his lineage. He was a formidable and aggressive ruler, consistently at war with King Asa of Judah (circa 913-873 BC). Ramah, meaning "height" or "high place," was a strategically vital town located about five miles north of Jerusalem, situated on the main north-south road connecting the two kingdoms. Its elevated position made it a natural choke-point. By fortifying Ramah, Baasha aimed to establish a permanent military outpost that would effectively cut off Judah's access to trade routes, communication, and potential military reinforcements from the north. This tactic of establishing a blockade or siege was a common and devastating form of ancient warfare, designed to cripple an enemy economically and psychologically without necessarily engaging in direct, large-scale battles.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several recurring themes prevalent throughout the books of Kings and Chronicles. Firstly, it underscores the **persistent inter-kingdom hostility** between Israel and Judah, a tragic and debilitating consequence of their initial schism. This internal conflict often diverted resources and attention from external threats, weakening both nations. Secondly, Baasha's action exemplifies **calculated strategic warfare and geopolitical maneuvering**. His decision to fortify Ramah was not a random act but a deliberate, well-planned military move, demonstrating a clear understanding of logistics and the power of economic pressure as a weapon. It highlights the constant struggle for dominance and security in the ancient Near East. Lastly, the blockade reveals the **vulnerability of Judah**, despite King Asa's earlier efforts to strengthen his kingdom and his initial reliance on God, as seen in his victory against Zerah the Cushite in [2 Chronicles 14:9-15](/2_chronicles/14-9-15 "2 Chronicles 14:9-15 - Asa's Victory Over Zerah"). This vulnerability sets the stage for Asa's subsequent, problematic alliance with Aram, which raises questions about where true security and deliverance are ultimately found, contrasting human reliance on alliances with divine providence.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Baasha (Hebrew, _Baʻshâʼ_):** This name, derived from a root meaning "to stink" or "offensiveness," belonged to the third king of Israel, who reigned for 24 years. His ascent to the throne was marked by violence, as he assassinated Nadab, the son of Jeroboam, and subsequently eradicated Jeroboam's entire house, fulfilling the prophecy against the Jeroboam dynasty ([1 Kings 15:29](/1_kings/15-29 "1 Kings 15:29 - Baasha Destroys Jeroboam's House")). His reign was characterized by relentless warfare with Judah, particularly with King Asa.
* **Ramah (Hebrew, _Râmâh_):** Meaning "height" or "high place," Ramah was a strategically critical town located approximately five miles north of Jerusalem in the tribal territory of Benjamin. Its elevated position along a major north-south trade and military route made it an indispensable point for controlling access to Judah's capital. Baasha's fortification of Ramah represented a direct and potent threat to Jerusalem's security and economic viability, aiming to choke off its lifelines.
* **Go Out (Hebrew, _yâtsâʼ_) and Come In (Hebrew, _bôwʼ_):** These two verbs, used in conjunction, vividly describe the complete and absolute nature of the blockade Baasha intended to impose. `Yâtsâʼ` signifies "to go out, to depart, to proceed," while `bôwʼ` means "to go or come in, to enter." Together, they convey a total cessation of movement, encompassing trade, communication, and the free passage of people. Such a comprehensive blockade would have severely crippled Judah's economy, isolated Jerusalem, and prevented any potential military reinforcements or intelligence gathering, effectively placing the kingdom under a form of economic and military siege from the north.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah":** This initial clause immediately establishes the aggressive and offensive posture of King Baasha. The phrase "went up" signifies a deliberate military advance, indicating that Israel initiated hostile action against its southern neighbor, Judah. It sets a tone of direct confrontation and a clear power play.
* **"and built Ramah":** This is the core action of the verse. Baasha did not merely occupy Ramah; he actively "built" or fortified it. This implies a significant and sustained construction effort, transforming the town into a permanent military outpost or stronghold. The verb suggests a calculated, long-term strategic investment, designed to establish a lasting presence and control, rather than a temporary encampment.
* **"that he might not suffer any to go out or come in to Asa king of Judah":** This final clause explicitly articulates the strategic purpose and devastating intent behind Baasha's fortification of Ramah. His objective was to create an impenetrable barrier, a complete blockade, effectively cutting off all movement and commerce to and from Judah's capital, Jerusalem, which was under the direct authority of King Asa. This was a deliberate attempt to isolate, economically strangle, and militarily pressure the Southern Kingdom.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs **Antagonism** by clearly delineating the opposing forces of King Baasha and King Asa, highlighting the persistent and bitter conflict between the two divided kingdoms. The precise description of Baasha's action and its intended effect demonstrates remarkable **Strategic Detail**, offering valuable insight into ancient military tactics and the geopolitical realities of the time. The act of "building Ramah" functions as a potent **Symbol** of aggression, control, and the deep-seated division and animosity that plagued Israel and Judah. Furthermore, the verse contains an element of **Foreshadowing**, as Baasha's aggressive move against Judah sets the immediate stage for Asa's subsequent and ultimately critiqued reliance on a foreign power (Aram) for deliverance, an action that later draws prophetic rebuke from Hanani the seer ([2 Chronicles 16:7](/2_chronicles/16-7 "2 Chronicles 16:7 - Hanani's Rebuke of Asa")).

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The account in [1 Kings 15:17](/1_kings/15-17 "1 Kings 15:17 - Baasha Fortifies Ramah") serves as a stark reminder of the tragic consequences of division, unchecked human ambition, and the pursuit of power, even among those who share a common heritage as God's covenant people. It highlights how political and strategic maneuvers, while militarily sound, can become instruments of oppression and isolation, reflecting a broader biblical theme of the human tendency to rely on earthly strength and cunning rather than divine wisdom and protection. While Baasha's strategy was effective in its immediate aim, the narrative implicitly critiques the spiritual state that led to such constant internal strife within the chosen nation. It underscores the inherent fragility of human security and the ever-present need for discernment in leadership, particularly when faced with existential threats. The subsequent narrative, where Asa turns to Syria for help rather than God, further illustrates the pervasive temptation to seek human solutions over divine intervention, a recurring test of faith for God's chosen leaders throughout biblical history.

* [1 Kings 15:16](/1_kings/15-16 "Constant War Between Asa and Baasha")
* [2 Chronicles 16:7](/2_chronicles/16-7 "Hanani's Rebuke of Asa")
* [Proverbs 21:30](/proverbs/21-30 "No Wisdom Against the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The strategic blockade of Ramah by King Baasha offers profound insights into how we, as individuals and communities, might encounter "blockades" in our own lives—situations designed to isolate, hinder, or cut off our progress and access to vital resources. These spiritual, relational, economic, or professional obstacles can feel overwhelming, much like a physical siege. Just as Baasha sought to control the flow of life into Judah, adversaries (both spiritual and earthly) may attempt to restrict our access to God's presence, community, spiritual nourishment, or even our sense of purpose. This narrative challenges us to critically examine our initial response to such pressures. Do we panic and seek immediate, perhaps ungodly, alliances or solutions, as King Asa later did by turning to Syria, thereby demonstrating a lack of faith in God's ability to deliver? Or do we, like Asa in his earlier, more faithful days when he faced the vast Cushite army ([2 Chronicles 14:11](/2_chronicles/14-11 "2 Chronicles 14:11 - Asa's Prayer and Victory Against Zerah")), first turn to the Lord in prayer and dependence, trusting in His sovereign power? The account also speaks to the resourcefulness and resilience required in adversity. Asa's eventual dismantling of Ramah and repurposing its materials for his own fortifications demonstrates a remarkable capacity to turn a threat into an advantage, reminding us that even the enemy's plans can be subverted for God's purposes if we act with wisdom, discernment, and divine guidance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "blockades" or attempts at isolation are you currently facing in your life, whether personal, professional, or spiritual?**
* **When faced with such an obstacle, what is your immediate inclination—to rely on your own strength, human connections, or divine intervention?**
* **How can the story of Asa's initial reliance on God (and later deviation) inform your approach to current challenges and temptations?**
* **In what ways might God enable you to "dismantle" the enemy's plans and repurpose them for His glory, turning a perceived threat into an unexpected opportunity?**

### FAQ
**Why was Ramah considered such a strategically important location for Baasha to fortify?**

Answer: Ramah was crucial due to its unique geographical position. Located approximately five miles north of Jerusalem on a prominent height, it commanded the primary north-south road that served as a vital artery for trade, communication, and military movement between the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. By establishing a stronghold there, Baasha aimed to create a choke-point, effectively cutting off all access to and from Judah's capital, Jerusalem. This allowed him to exert immense economic pressure, disrupt supply lines, prevent reinforcements, and isolate King Asa's kingdom without needing to lay siege directly to Jerusalem. Its control meant control over the flow of lifeblood into Judah.

**What was the immediate outcome of Baasha's fortification of Ramah?**

Answer: Baasha's aggressive move at Ramah directly led King Asa of Judah to seek a desperate and controversial alliance with Ben-hadad I, the king of Aram (Syria). Asa sent silver and gold from the temple and royal treasuries to Ben-hadad, urging him to break his existing treaty with Baasha and instead attack Israel ([1 Kings 15:18-19](/1_kings/15-18 "1 Kings 15:18 - Asa's Alliance with Ben-Hadad")). Ben-hadad complied, launching attacks on several cities in northern Israel, including Ijon, Dan, Abel-beth-maachah, and all Chinneroth, along with the land of Naphtali ([1 Kings 15:20](/1_kings/15-20 "1 Kings 15:20 - Ben-Hadad Attacks Israel")). This forced Baasha to abandon his project at Ramah and return to defend his own territory. King Asa then seized the opportunity, taking the stones and timber Baasha had used at Ramah and repurposing them to fortify his own border towns of Geba and Mizpah ([1 Kings 15:21-22](/1_kings/15-21 "1 Kings 15:21 - Baasha's Retreat from Ramah")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The strategic blockade of Ramah by Baasha, meticulously designed to cut off access and isolate Judah, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate spiritual blockade that humanity faced due to sin. Just as Baasha sought to prevent any "going out or coming in," sin erected an insurmountable barrier between humanity and God, severing our access to His life, presence, and blessing. No human king, no military strategy, and no amount of earthly treasure could dismantle this spiritual barrier. However, in Christ, we find the divine King who utterly demolished this ultimate blockade. Through His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus became the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), breaking down every wall of hostility and separation ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Broke Down the Wall")). He is the [new and living way](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19 - Access to God Through Christ") through the torn veil, granting us bold and unhindered access to the Father. Unlike Asa, who relied on a human king to remove a physical blockade, God Himself, in Christ, provided the perfect and eternal solution to our spiritual isolation. Jesus, the [true Way, the Truth, and the Life](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life"), ensures that those who believe in Him can truly "go out and come in" freely, finding pasture and abundant life ([John 10:9](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus, the Gate")). He is the ultimate victor over all spiritual blockades, having triumphed over principalities and powers, making a public spectacle of them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")), opening the path for eternal fellowship.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Kings 12:27

If this people go up to do sacrifice in the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, then shall the heart of this people turn again unto their lord, [even] unto Rehoboam king of Judah, and they shall kill me, and go again to Rehoboam king of Judah.

Joshua 18:25

Gibeon, and Ramah, and Beeroth,

2 Chronicles 16:1

¶ In the six and thirtieth year of the reign of Asa Baasha king of Israel came up against Judah, and built Ramah, to the intent that he might let none go out or come in to Asa king of Judah.

2 Chronicles 16:6

Then Asa the king took all Judah; and they carried away the stones of Ramah, and the timber thereof, wherewith Baasha was building; and he built therewith Geba and Mizpah.

1 Kings 15:21

And it came to pass, when Baasha heard [thereof], that he left off building of Ramah, and dwelt in Tirzah.

1 Kings 15:22

Then king Asa made a proclamation throughout all Judah; none [was] exempted: and they took away the stones of Ramah, and the timber thereof, wherewith Baasha had builded; and king Asa built with them Geba of Benjamin, and Mizpah.

Jeremiah 31:15

Thus saith the LORD; A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, [and] bitter weeping; Rahel weeping for her children refused to be comforted for her children, because they [were] not.