1 Kings 15:29

KJV

And it came to pass, when he reigned, [that] he smote all the house of Jeroboam; he left not to Jeroboam any that breathed, until he had destroyed him, according unto the saying of the LORD, which he spake by his servant Ahijah the Shilonite:

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass, when he reigned {H4427}, that he smote {H5221} all the house {H1004} of Jeroboam {H3379}; he left {H7604} not to Jeroboam {H3379} any that breathed {H5397}, until he had destroyed {H8045} him, according unto the saying {H1697} of the LORD {H3068}, which he spake {H1696} by {H3027} his servant {H5650} Ahijah {H281} the Shilonite {H7888}:

Complete Jewish Bible

As soon as he had become king he killed off the entire house of Yarov'am, destroying every living soul and leaving not one survivor. This was in keeping with what ADONAI had said through his servant Achiyah from Shiloh;

Berean Standard Bible

As soon as Baasha became king, he struck down the entire household of Jeroboam. He did not leave to Jeroboam anyone that breathed, but destroyed them all according to the word that the LORD had spoken through His servant Ahijah the Shilonite,

American Standard Version

And it came to pass that, as soon as he was king, he smote all the house of Jeroboam: he left not to Jeroboam any that breathed, until he had destroyed him; according unto the saying of Jehovah, which he spake by his servant Ahijah the Shilonite;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Kings 15:29 records the brutal and complete annihilation of King Jeroboam's entire household by Baasha, who had recently usurped the throne of Israel. This violent purge, which left no living descendant of Jeroboam, is explicitly presented not merely as a political power grab but as the direct and precise fulfillment of a divine prophecy delivered earlier by the prophet Ahijah the Shilonite, underscoring God's absolute sovereignty over human affairs and His unwavering justice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Baasha's successful assassination of Nadab, Jeroboam's son, and his subsequent ascension to the throne of the Northern Kingdom of Israel (cf. [1 Kings 15:27-28](/1_kings/15-27 "1 Kings 15:27-28 - Baasha's Coup")). The narrative of 1 Kings consistently highlights the instability of the Northern Kingdom's dynasties, often contrasted with the more stable (though not perfect) Davidic line in Judah. Jeroboam himself was the first king of the divided Northern Kingdom, chosen by God but quickly falling into grievous idolatry by establishing golden calves for worship in Bethel and Dan (see [1 Kings 12:28-30](/1_kings/12-28 "1 Kings 12:28-30 - Jeroboam's Idolatry")). This act of apostasy, leading the entire nation astray, provoked God's severe judgment, which was pronounced by the prophet Ahijah against Jeroboam's house in [1 Kings 14:7-16](/1_kings/14-7 "1 Kings 14:7-16 - Ahijah's Prophecy Against Jeroboam"). Verse 29, therefore, marks the dramatic and irreversible conclusion of Jeroboam's dynasty, fulfilling the specific and dire warnings given by the prophet.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The extermination of a predecessor's entire household was a common, albeit brutal, practice in ancient Near Eastern monarchies following a coup. This practice served to eliminate all potential rivals, especially male heirs, who might later challenge the new king's legitimacy or attempt to reclaim the throne. Such purges were designed to secure the new dynasty's power and prevent future rebellions. The Northern Kingdom of Israel, unlike Judah with its covenantal promise to the Davidic line, experienced frequent dynastic changes marked by violence and instability. Baasha's actions fit this pattern of securing power through ruthless means. However, the unique aspect here is the explicit theological interpretation: what appears as a purely political act is revealed as a divinely orchestrated judgment, demonstrating that God works through human agents, even those driven by their own ambition, to accomplish His purposes.

* **Key Themes:** The most prominent theme in [1 Kings 15:29](/1_kings/15-29 "1 Kings 15:29 - Fulfillment of Prophecy Against Jeroboam") is the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**. The text unequivocally states that Baasha's actions were "according unto the saying of the LORD, which he spake by his servant Ahijah the Shilonite." This highlights God's absolute sovereignty and the certainty of His word, demonstrating that His declared will, whether of blessing or judgment, will inevitably come to pass (cf. [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "Isaiah 46:10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning")). Closely related is the theme of **Divine Judgment**. The complete destruction of Jeroboam's dynasty serves as a stark and severe example of God's righteous judgment against persistent sin, particularly idolatry and leading His people into spiritual rebellion. It underscores the profound consequences of rejecting God's commands and leading others astray, a pattern repeated throughout the books of Kings. Finally, the verse illustrates **God's Use of Human Agents**. Baasha, driven by his own ambition and desire for power, unknowingly or knowingly became an instrument through which God's predetermined judgment was executed. This demonstrates God's ability to use even the wicked actions of men to accomplish His divine purposes, maintaining His ultimate control over history (cf. [Proverbs 16:4](/proverbs/16-4 "Proverbs 16:4 - The LORD Has Made Everything for Its Purpose")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **smote (Hebrew, _nakah'_):** The Hebrew verb נָכָה (_nakah_) is a common term that means "to strike, to smite, to beat, to kill." In this context, coupled with the subsequent phrase "he left not... any that breathed," it carries the strong connotation of a decisive and violent act of killing, specifically a military or judicial execution rather than a mere physical blow. It implies a thorough and intentional act of destruction.
* **destroyed (Hebrew, _hishmid'_):** The Hebrew verb הִשְׁמִיד (_hishmid_), from the root שׁמד (_shamad_), means "to destroy, to annihilate, to exterminate." It emphasizes the totality and completeness of the action. When used in conjunction with "smote" and "left not any that breathed," it leaves no doubt that Baasha's purge was absolute, aiming for the eradication of Jeroboam's lineage.
* **any that breathed (Hebrew, _kol-neshamah'_):** The phrase כָּל־נְשָׁמָה (_kol-neshamah_), literally "every breath" or "every living soul," is a powerful idiom signifying absolute annihilation. It conveys the idea that no living being, no male heir, no one with the breath of life, was left from Jeroboam's house. This hyperbole underscores the ruthlessness and comprehensiveness of the purge, ensuring no one remained to challenge Baasha's new reign or to perpetuate Jeroboam's lineage.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass, when he reigned, [that] he smote all the house of Jeroboam;":** This clause establishes the immediate context of Baasha's actions. Upon securing the throne after assassinating Nadab, his first order of business was to eliminate any potential threats to his reign. "All the house of Jeroboam" signifies not just his immediate family but his entire extended household and male descendants, ensuring the complete eradication of his dynastic claim.
* **"he left not to Jeroboam any that breathed, until he had destroyed him,":** This phrase vividly describes the extreme nature of the purge. It emphasizes the totality of the destruction, leaving no survivor, no one who could carry on Jeroboam's name or challenge Baasha. The repetition of "destroyed him" (referring to the house/lineage) reinforces the decisive and thorough nature of the extermination, leaving no remnant.
* **"according unto the saying of the LORD, which he spake by his servant Ahijah the Shilonite:":** This is the crucial theological commentary on the historical event. It elevates Baasha's violent act from a mere political maneuver to a divinely ordained fulfillment. The author explicitly connects the event to the prophecy delivered by Ahijah in [1 Kings 14](/1_kings/14 "1 Kings 14 - Ahijah's Prophecy"), asserting that God's word, once spoken, is certain to come to pass, even through the seemingly independent actions of human agents. This highlights God's sovereign control over history and His unwavering justice.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Divine Commentary** is central, as the narrator explicitly states that Baasha's actions were "according unto the saying of the LORD," providing a theological lens through which to interpret the violent political event. This direct intervention by the narrator ensures the audience understands the divine hand at work. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "he left not... any that breathed," which emphasizes the absolute and total annihilation of Jeroboam's lineage, leaving no living soul. While perhaps not literally every single person, it conveys the complete eradication of the dynastic line. There is also a strong element of **Irony**, as Baasha, driven by his own ambition and desire for power, unwittingly or unwillingly becomes the instrument of God's judgment, fulfilling a prophecy he may not have even known about. This underscores God's ability to use even the wicked actions of humans to achieve His righteous purposes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The eradication of Jeroboam's house in 1 Kings 15:29 serves as a powerful testament to God's unwavering justice and the absolute certainty of His prophetic word. Jeroboam's sin of establishing idolatry and leading Israel astray was not a minor transgression; it was a profound act of rebellion against the covenant God and His commands, setting a dangerous precedent for the Northern Kingdom. This severe judgment demonstrates that while God is merciful and patient, He is also just and will not allow unrepentant sin, especially that which leads His people into apostasy, to go unpunished indefinitely. The fulfillment of Ahijah's prophecy, even through a violent human agent like Baasha, underscores God's sovereign control over history and His commitment to upholding His moral order. It reminds us that God's plans and pronouncements are immutable, regardless of human actions or the passage of time.

* [1 Kings 14:10-11](/1_kings/14-10 "1 Kings 14:10-11 - Ahijah's Prophecy of Destruction")
* [Deuteronomy 28:15-20](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15-20 - Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Proverbs 14:34](/proverbs/14-34 "Proverbs 14:34 - Righteousness and Sin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The chilling account of 1 Kings 15:29, though set in a distant historical context, offers profound and enduring lessons for believers today. It calls us to a deep reverence for the word of God, recognizing that His promises and warnings are not idle threats but certain realities that will come to pass. Just as Ahijah's prophecy against Jeroboam's house was fulfilled to the letter, so too will all of God's declarations concerning sin, judgment, and salvation be realized. This should instill both a healthy fear of God's justice and an unwavering confidence in His faithfulness. The story also serves as a stark reminder of the devastating long-term consequences of persistent disobedience and, particularly for those in positions of influence, the grave responsibility of leading others. Jeroboam's sin was not just personal; it infected an entire nation, and the judgment reflected the severity of that spiritual corruption. Ultimately, this narrative points to God's ultimate sovereignty, even amidst human chaos and violence. We can find comfort in knowing that God is always at work, orchestrating events according to His divine purpose, even when human actions seem random or purely self-serving. Our call is to align our lives with His will, trusting in His righteous character and the certainty of His word.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the fulfillment of Ahijah's prophecy strengthen your trust in the reliability of God's word today?**
* **What lessons can we draw from Jeroboam's ultimate fate regarding the consequences of leading others into sin or idolatry?**
* **In what ways does this passage affirm God's sovereignty, even when human actions appear to be driven by ambition or evil?**
* **How might understanding God's justice in this historical context shape your perspective on personal accountability and the importance of obedience?**

### FAQ
**Why was Jeroboam's house destroyed so completely?**

Answer: Jeroboam's house was destroyed so completely as a direct divine judgment for his profound and persistent sin of idolatry. After the division of the kingdom, Jeroboam established golden calves in Bethel and Dan, instructing the people to worship them instead of going to Jerusalem (see [1 Kings 12:28-30](/1_kings/12-28 "1 Kings 12:28-30 - Jeroboam's Idolatry")). This act led the entire Northern Kingdom of Israel into widespread apostasy. God viewed this as a grave offense, a direct violation of the first two commandments. The prophet Ahijah the Shilonite had pronounced this judgment, stating that God would "cut off from Jeroboam every male, him that is shut up and left in Israel, and will take away the remnant of the house of Jeroboam, as a man takes away dung, till it be all gone" ([1 Kings 14:10](/1_kings/14-10 "1 Kings 14:10 - Ahijah's Prophecy of Eradication")). The complete destruction symbolized the utter rejection of Jeroboam's ungodly legacy and served as a stark warning to future kings and the nation about the severity of idolatry.

**Did Baasha know he was fulfilling God's prophecy when he annihilated Jeroboam's house?**

Answer: The text does not explicitly state whether Baasha was aware of Ahijah's prophecy. It is most likely that Baasha was primarily driven by his own political ambition and the common practice of eliminating rivals to secure his newly seized throne. In ancient Near Eastern coups, it was standard procedure to eradicate the previous ruling family to prevent any future claims to the throne. However, the biblical author's explicit commentary—"according unto the saying of the LORD, which he spake by his servant Ahijah the Shilonite"—reveals that regardless of Baasha's personal motives, he was an unwitting instrument in God's sovereign plan. This highlights a key theological truth: God can use the actions of individuals, even those driven by their own sinful desires, to accomplish His righteous purposes and fulfill His divine word (cf. [Isaiah 10:5-7](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5-7 - Assyria as God's Instrument")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The brutal but divinely ordained extermination of Jeroboam's house in 1 Kings 15:29, a stark demonstration of God's justice against idolatry and rebellion, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The instability and violent ends of the Northern Kingdom's dynasties, including Jeroboam's, highlight the futility of human efforts to establish lasting kingdoms apart from God's righteous rule. In contrast, Jesus Christ establishes an eternal kingdom, not through violence and human ambition, but through self-sacrificial love and perfect obedience. The judgment against Jeroboam's house foreshadows the absolute judgment of God against all sin, a judgment that humanity could not escape. However, in Christ, this judgment was fully borne on the cross, as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Those who trust in Him are spared the wrath that sin deserves (cf. [Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Justification by Christ's Blood")). Furthermore, while earthly kings like Baasha rise and fall, Jesus's kingship is eternal and unshakeable, fulfilling the promise of a perpetual throne for David's greater Son (cf. [Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - Jesus' Eternal Kingdom")). The sovereignty of God, so evident in the fulfillment of Ahijah's prophecy, reaches its pinnacle in God's sovereign plan of salvation through Christ, demonstrating that every event in history ultimately points to His redemptive purposes and the establishment of His righteous and everlasting reign (cf. [Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ's Supremacy in Creation")).

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 14:9

But hast done evil above all that were before thee: for thou hast gone and made thee other gods, and molten images, to provoke me to anger, and hast cast me behind thy back:

1 Kings 14:16

And he shall give Israel up because of the sins of Jeroboam, who did sin, and who made Israel to sin.

2 Kings 19:25

Hast thou not heard long ago [how] I have done it, [and] of ancient times that I have formed it? now have I brought it to pass, that thou shouldest be to lay waste fenced cities [into] ruinous heaps.

2 Kings 10:10

Know now that there shall fall unto the earth nothing of the word of the LORD, which the LORD spake concerning the house of Ahab: for the LORD hath done [that] which he spake by his servant Elijah.

2 Kings 10:11

So Jehu slew all that remained of the house of Ahab in Jezreel, and all his great men, and his kinsfolks, and his priests, until he left him none remaining.

2 Kings 9:36

Wherefore they came again, and told him. And he said, This [is] the word of the LORD, which he spake by his servant Elijah the Tishbite, saying, In the portion of Jezreel shall dogs eat the flesh of Jezebel:

2 Kings 9:37

And the carcase of Jezebel shall be as dung upon the face of the field in the portion of Jezreel; [so] that they shall not say, This [is] Jezebel.