1 Kings 15:33

KJV

In the third year of Asa king of Judah began Baasha the son of Ahijah to reign over all Israel in Tirzah, twenty and four years.

KJV (with Strong's)

In the third {H7969} year {H8141} of Asa {H609} king {H4428} of Judah {H3063} began Baasha {H1201} the son {H1121} of Ahijah {H281} to reign {H4427} over all Israel {H3478} in Tirzah {H8656}, twenty {H6242} and four {H702} years {H8141}.

Complete Jewish Bible

It was in the third year of Asa king of Y'hudah that Ba'sha the son of Achiyah began his reign over all Isra'el in Tirtzah, and his rule lasted twenty-four years.

Berean Standard Bible

In the third year of Asa’s reign over Judah, Baasha son of Ahijah became king of all Israel, and he reigned in Tirzah twenty-four years.

American Standard Version

In the third year of Asa king of Judah began Baasha the son of Ahijah to reign over all Israel in Tirzah, and reigned twenty and four years.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 15:33 serves as a pivotal chronological and political anchor within the narrative of the divided monarchy, precisely marking the commencement of Baasha's reign over the Northern Kingdom of Israel. This verse not only establishes the duration of his rule but also situates it concurrently within the third year of Asa's reign over Judah, highlighting the interwoven yet often tumultuous histories of the two kingdoms from Baasha's newly established capital in Tirzah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the violent usurpation of the throne by Baasha. Having assassinated Nadab, the son of Jeroboam I, while Nadab was besieging Gibbethon ([1 Kings 15:27-28](/1_kings/15-27-28 "1 Kings 15:27-28 - Baasha's Coup")), Baasha proceeded to utterly destroy Jeroboam's entire household, leaving no survivor. This brutal act directly fulfilled the severe prophecy delivered by the prophet Ahijah concerning the eradication of Jeroboam's dynasty due to their egregious idolatry and sin ([1 Kings 14:10-11](/1_kings/14-10-11 "1 Kings 14:10-11 - Ahijah's Prophecy Against Jeroboam")). The mention of Baasha's reign duration here, rather than at its conclusion, is a common biblical literary device, providing immediate context for the new dynastic era. The subsequent verse, [1 Kings 15:34](/1_kings/15-34 "1 Kings 15:34 - Baasha Continues Jeroboam's Sin"), immediately condemns Baasha for continuing the very sins of Jeroboam, setting the stage for a similar divine judgment against his own house.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period described in [1 Kings 15](/1_kings/15 "1 Kings 15 - Asa and Baasha") is characterized by significant political instability in the Northern Kingdom of Israel, contrasting sharply with the relative dynastic stability of the Davidic line in Judah. Unlike Judah, where kings generally succeeded their fathers, Israel frequently experienced violent coups and the rapid rise and fall of dynasties, often initiated by military commanders like Baasha. Tirzah, designated as Baasha's capital, was a strategically important and beautiful city that served as the primary royal residence for the Northern Kingdom for several decades after the division of the kingdom, before Omri later moved the capital to Samaria ([1 Kings 16:23-24](/1_kings/16-23-24 "1 Kings 16:23-24 - Omri Builds Samaria")). The explicit synchronization with "the third year of Asa king of Judah" underscores the ongoing, often hostile, coexistence of the two kingdoms, whose histories are intricately interwoven in the biblical record.

* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the books of Kings. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Dynastic Instability**, a recurring characteristic of the Northern Kingdom, where the throne was frequently seized through bloodshed rather than peaceful succession, unlike the enduring Davidic covenant in Judah. Secondly, Baasha's violent rise and the eradication of Jeroboam's house serve as a stark demonstration of **Prophetic Fulfillment**, emphasizing God's absolute sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to executing His declared judgments, even through the actions of a ruthless usurper. Thirdly, the narrative immediately foreshadows **Cycles of Sin and Judgment**, as Baasha, despite being God's instrument against Jeroboam's idolatry, quickly falls into the same pattern of sin (as noted in [1 Kings 15:34](/1_kings/15-34 "1 Kings 15:34 - Baasha's Idolatry")), setting the stage for a similar prophetic condemnation and judgment against his own house by the prophet Jehu (see [1 Kings 16:1-4](/1_kings/16-1-4 "1 Kings 16:1-4 - Prophecy Against Baasha's House")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Baasha (Hebrew, _Baʻshâʼ_):** From an unused root meaning "to stink" or "offensiveness," this name proves ironically fitting given his violent ascent and subsequent continuation of Jeroboam's idolatrous practices. His rise from an obscure background (son of Ahijah, of the tribe of Issachar) to king through regicide highlights the volatile nature of Israelite politics and the absence of a stable, divinely sanctioned dynasty akin to David's in Judah.
* **son (Hebrew, _bên_):** This term, meaning "a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense," indicates Baasha's lineage from Ahijah, establishing his identity and tribal affiliation (Issachar, per [1 Kings 15:27](/1_kings/15-27 "1 Kings 15:27 - Baasha's Lineage")). While not of royal descent, his identity as "son of Ahijah" grounds him within the Israelite social structure before his dramatic rise to power.
* **reign (Hebrew, _mâlak_):** This primitive root signifies "to reign" or, inceptively, "to ascend the throne." In Baasha's context, it carries the weight of a reign initiated not through inherited right or popular acclamation, but through violent usurpation and the complete annihilation of the preceding royal line, setting a precedent for future instability in the Northern Kingdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In the third year of Asa king of Judah":** This clause provides a precise chronological marker, synchronizing the history of the Northern Kingdom with that of the Southern Kingdom. It underscores the parallel narratives of the two divided nations, often engaged in conflict, and allows for a clear understanding of the timeline of events within the broader biblical history. This synchronization is crucial for the overall historical framework of the Books of Kings.
* **"began Baasha the son of Ahijah to reign over all Israel":** This signifies the commencement of a new dynasty in the Northern Kingdom, established through a violent coup. Baasha, not of royal lineage, seized control, asserting his authority over the entire territory of Israel, marking a significant shift in leadership and the fulfillment of divine judgment against Jeroboam's house. His reign represents a new, albeit illegitimate, political order.
* **"in Tirzah":** This specifies the location of Baasha's capital and the administrative center of his reign. Tirzah, known for its beauty and strategic location, became the seat of power for the Northern Kingdom, symbolizing the new political order under Baasha. It served as the capital for several subsequent kings before Omri moved it to Samaria.
* **"twenty and four years":** This states the total duration of Baasha's reign. Despite his violent beginning, he managed to maintain power for a considerable period, indicating a degree of stability achieved through force, though his reign was ultimately marked by the same spiritual failures as his predecessors, leading to his own house's downfall.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Chronological Markers** are evident in the precise dating "In the third year of Asa king of Judah," which serves to interweave the histories of the two kingdoms, providing a clear timeline for the reader and emphasizing their interconnected destinies. The mention of Baasha's 24-year reign at its outset, rather than its conclusion, functions as a form of **Prolepsis** or **Foreshadowing**, giving the reader immediate insight into the duration and nature of this new, violent dynasty. There is also an implicit **Juxtaposition** between the relative dynastic stability of the Davidic line in Judah (represented by Asa) and the volatile, coup-ridden succession in Israel (represented by Baasha). Finally, a subtle **Irony** is present: Baasha is God's instrument for fulfilling the prophecy against Jeroboam, yet he himself falls into the same pattern of sin, foreshadowing his own eventual downfall and the judgment against his house.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 15:33 highlights God's sovereign control over human history and political affairs, even amidst the chaos and violence of human ambition. Baasha's rise, though born of regicide, was ultimately within the scope of God's plan to bring judgment upon the idolatrous house of Jeroboam. This demonstrates that God uses even wicked rulers and their sinful actions to accomplish His righteous purposes, though He does not condone their sin. The verse also underscores the recurring theme of the consequences of idolatry and disobedience, as the Northern Kingdom continually reaped instability and divine judgment due to its rejection of the Lord's covenant and its persistent embrace of false worship.

* [1 Kings 14:10](/1_kings/14-10 "1 Kings 14:10 - Prophecy of Jeroboam's Destruction")
* [1 Kings 16:1-4](/1_kings/16-1-4 "1 Kings 16:1-4 - Prophecy Against Baasha's House")
* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in God's Hand")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of Baasha's ascent and reign, initiated by violence and marked by continued sin, serves as a powerful reminder of several enduring truths for believers today. Firstly, it underscores God's unwavering sovereignty, demonstrating that even the most chaotic human events and the most ruthless political maneuvers ultimately fall within the purview of His divine plan. He works through, and judges, all rulers and nations according to His perfect will, calling us to trust in His ultimate control even when circumstances seem dire. Secondly, the repeated cycle of kings falling into the same sins as their predecessors, despite witnessing the devastating consequences, highlights the stubbornness of the human heart and its propensity for spiritual rebellion. This calls us to a deep self-examination: are we truly learning from the lessons of history and the clear warnings of Scripture, or are we prone to repeating patterns of disobedience in our own lives or communities, particularly regarding idolatry of comfort, success, or self? Finally, Baasha's story reminds us that while God may use individuals as instruments for His purposes, He holds everyone accountable for their own actions and moral choices. Our obedience to God is paramount, regardless of our station or the circumstances surrounding us, for true faithfulness is measured not by our position, but by our devotion to His commands.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's sovereignty over human rulers, even wicked ones, challenge or comfort you in understanding current world events and political landscapes?**
* **What patterns of sin or disobedience do you observe in your own life or community that echo the cycles of spiritual rebellion seen in Israel's history?**
* **In what ways can we actively ensure that we learn from the past, rather than repeating its mistakes, especially regarding spiritual faithfulness and resisting the allure of idolatry?**

### FAQ

**Why is the reign length mentioned here, rather than at the end of his reign?**

Answer: It is a common literary convention in the books of Kings to state the duration of a king's reign at its commencement, often immediately after detailing their ascension. This provides the reader with immediate context regarding the king's significance and the period of their rule, allowing for a clearer understanding of the chronological flow of events. It also sets the stage for the subsequent narrative of their reign, which will often include details of their character, actions, and eventual demise. For instance, we see similar immediate declarations of reign length for other kings like Nadab ([1 Kings 15:25](/1_kings/15-25 "1 Kings 15:25 - Nadab's Reign")) and Asa ([1 Kings 15:10](/1_kings/15-10 "1 Kings 15:10 - Asa's Reign")). This convention helps to frame the entire account of a king's rule from the outset.

**What was the significance of Tirzah as a capital city for the Northern Kingdom?**

Answer: Tirzah held significant strategic and symbolic importance as the first capital of the Northern Kingdom after the division of the monarchy. Its designation as Baasha's capital (and earlier, Jeroboam's) signifies its role as the administrative and political center of Israel for several decades. It was a beautiful city, as suggested by its name meaning "pleasantness," and likely provided a strong defensive position. However, its history as a capital was relatively short-lived compared to Jerusalem, as it was later abandoned after a siege and Omri, Baasha's successor, moved the capital to the newly established city of Samaria ([1 Kings 16:17-24](/1_kings/16-17-24 "1 Kings 16:17-24 - Omri Builds Samaria")). Tirzah represents the initial, unstable attempts of the Northern Kingdom to establish a permanent seat of power distinct from Jerusalem.

**How does Baasha's reign compare to Jeroboam's, and what lessons can be drawn from their similarities?**

Answer: Both Baasha and Jeroboam were usurpers who seized the throne through violent means, establishing new dynasties in the Northern Kingdom. Both were instrumental in fulfilling divine prophecies against their predecessors' houses (Jeroboam against Rehoboam's house, Baasha against Jeroboam's). Crucially, both continued the pattern of idolatry, leading Israel astray with the worship of golden calves and other pagan practices, thereby provoking God's wrath. This continuation of sin led to prophetic judgments against their own houses, demonstrating a tragic cycle of rebellion and divine retribution. The primary lesson is that while God uses individuals to accomplish His purposes, He holds them accountable for their own obedience and moral choices. Their reigns highlight the consistent failure of the Northern Kingdom's leadership to lead the people in true worship of the Lord, perpetually inviting divine judgment and demonstrating humanity's persistent tendency to stray from God's commands.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tumultuous and unstable reigns of kings like Baasha in the Northern Kingdom, marked by violence, idolatry, and cycles of judgment, starkly contrast with the promise of an eternal, righteous King. The constant coups and the failure of earthly kings to lead their people in faithfulness underscore humanity's desperate need for a perfect ruler. This narrative points forward to Jesus Christ, the true King, whose reign is not established through bloodshed and usurpation but through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection. Unlike Baasha, who continued the sin of his predecessors and brought judgment upon his own house, Jesus, as the Son of David, fulfills the eternal covenant made with David (see [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")), establishing a kingdom that will never end (as prophesied in [Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32-33 "Luke 1:32-33 - Jesus' Eternal Kingdom")). His rule is one of righteousness, peace, and justice, breaking the cycle of sin and judgment that plagued Israel's kings. Through His atoning work, He offers forgiveness and eternal life, inviting all to enter His unshakable kingdom (as seen in [Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - An Unshakable Kingdom")), a stark contrast to the fleeting and flawed reigns of mortal kings like Baasha. Ultimately, the instability and moral failures of Israel's monarchy serve as a profound backdrop, highlighting the glorious and enduring reign of the [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"), Jesus Christ.

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 16:8

In the twenty and sixth year of Asa king of Judah began Elah the son of Baasha to reign over Israel in Tirzah, two years.