1 Kings 15:33

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

1 Kings 15:33 marks a significant chronological and political point in the history of the divided monarchy, detailing the beginning of a new reign in the Northern Kingdom of Israel.

Context

This verse follows closely on the heels of a dramatic power shift. Baasha, son of Ahijah, brutally assassinated Nadab, the son of Jeroboam I, thereby seizing the throne of Israel (1 Kings 15:28). His coup also involved the complete eradication of Jeroboam's entire household, fulfilling a dire prophecy delivered earlier by the prophet Ahijah (1 Kings 14:10-11). Baasha established his capital in Tirzah, which served as a prominent city and royal residence for the Northern Kingdom before Omri later moved the capital to Samaria. The reference to "the third year of Asa king of Judah" grounds this event in the parallel timeline of the Southern Kingdom, highlighting the ongoing, often contentious, coexistence of Israel and Judah.

Key Themes

  • Dynastic Instability: Baasha's violent ascension underscores the volatile nature of the Northern Kingdom's monarchy, which frequently saw reigns end in coups rather than peaceful succession, unlike the more stable Davidic line in Judah.
  • Prophetic Fulfillment: The destruction of Jeroboam's house by Baasha serves as a clear demonstration of God's sovereignty and His commitment to fulfilling His declared judgments, even through the actions of wicked men.
  • Cycles of Sin and Judgment: Despite being God's instrument against Jeroboam's idolatry, Baasha himself continued the same sinful practices that had provoked divine wrath (1 Kings 15:34). This set the stage for a similar judgment to be pronounced against his own house (1 Kings 16:1-4).

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "began to reign" uses the common Hebrew verb malakh (מָלַךְ), denoting the commencement of a king's rule. While standard, in Baasha's context, it signifies a reign initiated not through inherited right but through usurpation and bloodshed, setting a tone for his 24 years on the throne.

Practical Application

The record of Baasha's reign offers timeless lessons:

  1. God's Ultimate Control: Even amidst human violence and political upheaval, God's plan and prophecies are unfailingly accomplished. He uses nations and rulers, whether they acknowledge Him or not, to achieve His purposes.
  2. The Enduring Consequences of Sin: The repeated pattern of kings continuing in sin, despite witnessing the downfall of their predecessors, highlights the deep-seated nature of spiritual rebellion and its inevitable consequences. It serves as a warning against ignoring the lessons of history and divine warnings.
  3. Accountability for All: While Baasha was an instrument of God's judgment against Jeroboam, he was not excused for his own wickedness. This reminds us that all individuals, regardless of their role or position, are ultimately accountable to God for their actions.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
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