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.

And Baasha {H1201} the son {H1121} of Ahijah {H281}, of the house {H1004} of Issachar {H3485}, conspired {H7194} against him; and Baasha {H1201} smote {H5221} him at Gibbethon {H1405}, which belonged to the Philistines {H6430}; for Nadab {H5070} and all Israel {H3478} laid siege {H6696} to Gibbethon {H1405}.

Ba'sha the son of Achiyah, from the descendants of Yissakhar, conspired against him; and Ba'sha attacked him at Gib'ton, which belonged to the P'lishtim; for at the time Nadav and all Isra'el were besieging Gib'ton.

Then Baasha son of Ahijah of the house of Issachar conspired against Nadab, and Baasha struck him down at Gibbethon of the Philistines while Nadab and all Israel were besieging the city.

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 were laying siege to Gibbethon.

Commentary

Context

1 Kings 15:27 details a significant turning point in the early history of the divided kingdom of Israel. It describes the violent overthrow of King Nadab, the son and successor of Jeroboam I, who was the first king of the northern kingdom. Nadab's reign was short, lasting only two years (1 Kings 15:25). At the time of this event, Nadab was leading an Israelite siege against Gibbethon, a city located in the tribal territory of Dan but currently under Philistine control. This military campaign provided the strategic opportunity for Baasha, a commander from the tribe of Issachar, to conspire against and assassinate the king. This act directly fulfilled the prophecy delivered by Ahijah the prophet, which foretold the complete destruction of Jeroboam's dynasty due to their idolatry and leading Israel into sin.

Key Themes

  • Dynastic Instability: This verse starkly illustrates the volatile nature of the northern kingdom's monarchy. Unlike the enduring Davidic dynasty in Judah, Israel experienced frequent coups and violent changes in ruling families, a pattern that would characterize much of its history.
  • Divine Judgment and Prophecy Fulfillment: The swift and brutal end of Nadab's reign and the Jeroboam dynasty is presented as a direct consequence of Jeroboam's disobedience and establishment of idolatrous worship. God's word, spoken through Ahijah, proves true, underscoring His sovereignty over earthly rulers and kingdoms, even through human treachery.
  • Usurpation and Betrayal: Baasha's actions are a clear example of political conspiracy and betrayal. He rises to power by assassinating the reigning king, a recurring theme in the book of Kings that highlights the moral and spiritual decay within the northern kingdom.

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "smote him" (Hebrew: ื•ึทื™ึผึทื›ึผึตื”ื•ึผ, vayyakkehu) is a common biblical term indicating a decisive, often fatal, blow. It conveys the violent and conclusive nature of Nadab's removal by Baasha, emphasizing the immediate and complete end of his life and reign.

Significance and Application

1 Kings 15:27 offers several enduring lessons for believers today:

  • The Consequences of Disobedience: The fall of Jeroboam's house serves as a potent reminder that actions, particularly those involving spiritual rebellion against God, have significant and often far-reaching consequences.
  • God's Sovereignty Amidst Chaos: Even in moments of intense human ambition, conspiracy, and violence, the narrative shows that God's purposes are at work. The fulfillment of prophecy through Baasha's actions demonstrates that no human scheme can ultimately thwart the divine will.
  • The Peril of Power: The constant struggle for power and the willingness to resort to violence to attain it characterized much of the northern kingdom's history. This serves as a cautionary tale about the corrupting influence of unchecked ambition and the pursuit of power outside of God's will. This event sets the stage for Baasha's subsequent reign, which ironically would also face divine judgment for perpetuating the same sins of Jeroboam, highlighting the recurring pattern of apostasy and judgment in Israel's history.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 14:14 (5 votes)

    Moreover the LORD shall raise him up a king over Israel, who shall cut off the house of Jeroboam that day: but what? even now.

  • Joshua 21:23 (5 votes)

    And out of the tribe of Dan, Eltekeh with her suburbs, Gibbethon with her suburbs,

  • Joshua 19:44 (5 votes)

    And Eltekeh, and Gibbethon, and Baalath,

  • 1 Kings 16:15 (4 votes)

    ยถ In the twenty and seventh year of Asa king of Judah did Zimri reign seven days in Tirzah. And the people [were] encamped against Gibbethon, which [belonged] to the Philistines.

  • 1 Kings 16:9 (2 votes)

    And his servant Zimri, captain of half [his] chariots, conspired against him, as he was in Tirzah, drinking himself drunk in the house of Arza steward of [his] house in Tirzah.

  • 1 Kings 15:16 (2 votes)

    And there was war between Asa and Baasha king of Israel all their days.

  • 1 Kings 15:17 (2 votes)

    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.