1 Kings 16:7

KJV

And also by the hand of the prophet Jehu the son of Hanani came the word of the LORD against Baasha, and against his house, even for all the evil that he did in the sight of the LORD, in provoking him to anger with the work of his hands, in being like the house of Jeroboam; and because he killed him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And also by the hand {H3027} of the prophet {H5030} Jehu {H3058} the son {H1121} of Hanani {H2607} came the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} against Baasha {H1201}, and against his house {H1004}, even for all the evil {H7451} that he did {H6213} in the sight {H5869} of the LORD {H3068}, in provoking him to anger {H3707} with the work {H4639} of his hands {H3027}, in being like the house {H1004} of Jeroboam {H3379}; and because he killed {H5221} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

Through the prophet Yehu the son of Hanani the word of ADONAI was proclaimed against Ba'sha and his house both because he did so much evil from ADONAI's perspective, angering him with his actions and becoming like the house of Yarov'am, and because he killed [Nadav].

Berean Standard Bible

Moreover, the word of the LORD came through the prophet Jehu son of Hanani against Baasha and his house, because of all the evil he had done in the sight of the LORD, provoking Him to anger with the work of his hands and becoming like the house of Jeroboam, and also because Baasha had struck down the house of Jeroboam.

American Standard Version

And moreover by the prophet Jehu the son of Hanani came the word of Jehovah against Baasha, and against his house, both because of all the evil that he did in the sight of Jehovah, to provoke him to anger with the work of his hands, in being like the house of Jeroboam, and because he smote him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Kings 16:7 delivers a solemn pronouncement of divine judgment against King Baasha of Israel, conveyed through the prophet Jehu, son of Hanani. This verse attributes God's wrath to Baasha's widespread evil, specifically his provocation of the Lord through idolatry—the "work of his hands"—and his sinful emulation of the condemned house of Jeroboam, compounded by his violent ascent to power and eradication of Jeroboam's lineage. It underscores God's unwavering commitment to justice and accountability for kings and their kingdoms, even amidst the turbulent political landscape of the divided monarchy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the tumultuous narrative of the early Northern Kingdom of Israel, a period characterized by rapid dynastic changes and persistent spiritual apostasy. It follows directly from the account of Baasha's reign, which began with his violent overthrow of Nadab, son of Jeroboam, and the subsequent extermination of Jeroboam's entire household, thereby fulfilling the prophecy delivered by Ahijah in [1 Kings 14:10-11](/1_kings/14-10-11 "1 Kings 14:10-11 - Ahijah's Prophecy Against Jeroboam's House"). Despite being God's instrument in executing judgment on Jeroboam's house (as seen in [1 Kings 15:27-30](/1_kings/15-27-30 "1 Kings 15:27-30 - Baasha Overthrows Nadab and Destroys Jeroboam's House")), Baasha himself failed to learn from this divine intervention. Instead, he perpetuated the very idolatry and sin that led to Jeroboam's downfall, thus inviting the same divine retribution upon his own dynasty. The introduction of Jehu, son of Hanani, as a prophet here signals the continuation of God's direct and authoritative intervention in Israel's royal affairs, mirroring earlier prophetic condemnations against unfaithful kings.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the divided monarchy (Israel in the North, Judah in the South) was marked by profound political instability, frequent coups, and a pervasive struggle against idolatry. Kings of Israel, from Jeroboam onward, consistently established and maintained alternative worship centers at Dan and Bethel, complete with golden calves. This was a deliberate political maneuver to prevent their subjects from going to Jerusalem to worship the Lord, thereby severing their ties to the Davidic dynasty and the true temple. This practice, initiated by Jeroboam, became the defining sin of the Northern Kingdom, repeatedly "provoking the LORD to anger." Prophets like Jehu served as crucial moral and theological voices, acting as God's emissaries to confront kings, pronounce judgment, and call the nation back to covenant faithfulness. Their messages often carried significant political weight, shaping the destiny of royal houses and the nation itself by revealing God's active involvement in human affairs.
* **Key Themes:** First Kings 16:7 powerfully articulates several recurring themes central to the Books of Kings. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment and Accountability**, emphasizing that God actively oversees the reigns of kings and holds them responsible for their actions, particularly their spiritual leadership. Baasha's judgment underscores the **Consequences of Idolatry**, revealing that the worship of false gods, especially the golden calves established by [Jeroboam](/1_kings/12-28 "1 Kings 12:28 - Jeroboam's Golden Calves"), is not merely a ritualistic deviation but a direct affront to God's holiness and exclusive sovereignty, eliciting divine wrath. The verse also highlights the tragic **Cycle of Sin and Retribution** in the Northern Kingdom; despite witnessing the downfall of Jeroboam's house, Baasha repeated the same spiritual errors, leading to a similar prophetic condemnation and eventual demise of his own dynasty, as detailed in [1 Kings 16:1-4](/1_kings/16-1-4 "1 Kings 16:1-4 - Jehu's Prophecy Against Baasha"). Finally, it reinforces the **Sovereignty of God in History**, demonstrating that even amidst human political machinations and violence, God's word, delivered through His prophets, remains supreme and will inevitably be fulfilled.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **provoking (Hebrew, _kaʻaç'_):** Derived from a primitive root meaning "to trouble," this word signifies a deep emotional response of anger, grief, or indignation. When applied to God, as here, it indicates that Baasha's actions were not merely a transgression but a direct, personal offense that incited divine wrath and displeasure. It highlights the intimate and jealous nature of God's relationship with Israel, where idolatry is seen as a profound betrayal.
* **work (Hebrew, _maʻăseh'_):** This term refers to an action, deed, or transaction, and by implication, a product or property. In this context, "the work of his hands" specifically denotes human-made idols or the wicked deeds that spring from a heart alienated from God. It contrasts the futile and offensive nature of worshipping human constructs with the divine Creator's true "work" of creation and redemption.
* **house (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** This word encompasses a wide range of meanings, including a physical dwelling, a family, a household, or a dynasty. Here, "his house" and "the house of Jeroboam" refer to the royal lineage and dynasty, signifying that the judgment pronounced is not merely upon the individual king but upon his entire family line, ensuring its eradication as a consequence of their collective sin and leadership.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And also by the hand of the prophet Jehu the son of Hanani came the word of the LORD against Baasha, and against his house,"**: This opening clause establishes the divine origin and prophetic agency of the judgment. "By the hand of" signifies that Jehu is merely the instrument or messenger through whom God's authoritative "word of the LORD" is delivered. The judgment is directed not only at Baasha personally but also "against his house," indicating a dynastic curse, a common form of divine retribution for wicked kings in Israel that extends to their lineage.
* **"even for all the evil that he did in the sight of the LORD,"**: This phrase provides the overarching reason for the judgment: Baasha's comprehensive "evil." The phrase "in the sight of the LORD" emphasizes that God is the ultimate observer and judge of all human actions, regardless of human perception or political maneuvering. Baasha's reign was characterized by actions deemed morally and spiritually corrupt by God's standards, not merely by human opinion.
* **"in provoking him to anger with the work of his hands,"**: This specifies the primary nature of Baasha's evil: idolatry. His active promotion or tolerance of the "work of his hands"—the golden calves and associated false worship at Dan and Bethel—was a direct and personal offense to God, demonstrating a profound lack of reverence and faithfulness to the covenant. This act of creating and worshipping idols was a deliberate affront to God's exclusive claim to Israel's worship.
* **"in being like the house of Jeroboam;"**: This clause highlights Baasha's spiritual continuity with the condemned Jeroboam. Despite having overthrown Jeroboam's dynasty, Baasha adopted and perpetuated Jeroboam's foundational sin of leading Israel into institutionalized idolatry. This repetition of sin ensured a repetition of judgment, demonstrating a tragic failure to learn from the past and a willful disregard for God's clear standards.
* **"and because he killed him."**: This final clause refers to Baasha's violent usurpation of the throne, specifically his assassination of Nadab and the subsequent extermination of Jeroboam's entire household (as described in [1 Kings 15:27-29](/1_kings/15-27-29 "1 Kings 15:27-29 - Baasha Kills Nadab and Destroys Jeroboam's House")). While Baasha's action fulfilled Ahijah's earlier prophecy against Jeroboam's house, he acted out of personal ambition and violence, not divine commission, and without turning from Jeroboam's sins. Thus, he was held accountable for the bloodshed and his own continued wickedness.

#### Literary Devices
First Kings 16:7 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message with theological weight. **Repetition** is evident in the recurring theme of kings "walking in the ways of Jeroboam," which serves as a tragic refrain throughout the Books of Kings, highlighting the persistent apostasy of the Northern Kingdom and the cyclical nature of divine judgment. The verse also utilizes **Foreshadowing**, as the pronouncement against Baasha's house anticipates its swift and violent downfall, mirroring the fate of Jeroboam's dynasty and setting a grim pattern for future kings of Israel. The entire verse functions as a **Prophetic Oracle**, a direct divine pronouncement delivered through a designated messenger, underscoring the authoritative and performative nature of God's word, which declares what will be. Finally, there is a subtle but potent **Irony** in Baasha's situation: he rose to power by destroying the house of Jeroboam, thereby fulfilling a divine prophecy, yet he then became "like the house of Jeroboam" in his sin, ultimately inviting the same judgment upon himself.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The judgment against Baasha in 1 Kings 16:7 powerfully affirms God's active sovereignty over human history and His unwavering commitment to justice, particularly concerning the spiritual leadership of a nation. It underscores that divine judgment is not arbitrary but a righteous response to persistent rebellion, especially idolatry, which God views as a direct affront to His unique holiness and covenant relationship with His people. This passage reinforces the biblical principle that God holds individuals, even powerful rulers, accountable for their choices and actions, and that the consequences of sin, particularly corporate sin like institutionalized idolatry, extend beyond the individual to their lineage and the entire community. It serves as a stark reminder that true authority and ultimate power reside with the Lord, who raises up and brings down kings according to His divine will and moral standards, ensuring that no human power can ultimately thwart His purposes or escape His righteous judgment.

* [Deuteronomy 4:23-26](/deuteronomy/4-23-26 "Warning Against Idolatry and Its Consequences")
* [Psalm 115:4-8](/psalm/115-4-8 "The Futility and Blindness of Idols")
* [Jeremiah 7:1-15](/jeremiah/7-1-15 "Jeremiah's Temple Sermon and Warning of Judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Kings 16:7 serves as a timeless warning about the profound consequences of spiritual compromise and direct disobedience to God. For believers today, it reinforces the critical truth that every individual, regardless of their position or influence, is ultimately accountable to God for their choices. While modern idolatry may not always involve physical statues, it manifests in anything that takes precedence over God in our lives—money, power, reputation, comfort, or even relationships. The call to "provoke Him to anger" with the "work of our hands" extends to any endeavor or pursuit that displaces God from His rightful place of supreme worship and obedience. We are challenged to examine our lives for subtle forms of idolatry and to actively pursue genuine devotion to the Lord alone. Furthermore, Baasha's failure to learn from Jeroboam's downfall emphasizes the vital importance of learning from history—both biblical and personal—to avoid repeating cycles of sin and its inevitable consequences. We must diligently heed God's word, which continues to speak with divine authority, offering crucial guidance, warning, and wisdom for our lives, lest we, too, fall into patterns of disobedience that invite divine displeasure.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be "provoking" God to anger with the "work of my hands" in my daily life, even unintentionally, by prioritizing something over Him?**
* **What "idols" (tangible or intangible) might be competing for God's rightful place in my heart and priorities today, subtly or overtly?**
* **How can I actively learn from the spiritual failures of biblical figures like Baasha and Jeroboam to avoid repeating similar mistakes in my own walk with God and ensure my actions align with His will?**
* **How does the concept of divine accountability for kings apply to leaders and authorities in our modern society, and how should believers respond to this truth through prayer and responsible citizenship?**

### FAQ
**Who was Jehu, son of Hanani, and what was his significance?**

Answer: Jehu, son of Hanani, was a prophet of the Lord, introduced in [1 Kings 16:7](/1_kings/16-7 "1 Kings 16:7 - Jehu's Prophecy Against Baasha") as the divine messenger who pronounced judgment against King Baasha of Israel. He is also mentioned in [2 Chronicles 19:2](/2_chronicles/19-2 "2 Chronicles 19:2 - Jehu Rebukes King Jehoshaphat") for rebuking King Jehoshaphat of Judah and is credited with writing a commentary on the acts of Jehoshaphat in [2 Chronicles 20:34](/2_chronicles/20-34 "2 Chronicles 20:34 - Jehu's Commentary on Jehoshaphat"). His significance lies in his role as a fearless and faithful prophet who confronted kings from both the Northern and Southern Kingdoms, demonstrating God's consistent use of prophetic voices to hold rulers accountable and to speak His word into the political and spiritual affairs of His people, regardless of their power or position.

**What does "provoking him to anger with the work of his hands" specifically refer to?**

Answer: This phrase primarily refers to Baasha's perpetuation and endorsement of idolatry, particularly the worship of the golden calves established by Jeroboam at Dan and Bethel. The "work of his hands" signifies man-made idols and the associated sinful practices that accompanied this false worship. God had explicitly forbidden the making and worshipping of images (as seen in [Exodus 20:4-5](/exodus/20-4-5 "Exodus 20:4-5 - The Second Commandment Against Idolatry")), and such acts were considered a direct and personal affront to His holiness, sovereignty, and covenant relationship with Israel. It implies that Baasha's actions were not merely a political strategy but a willful rebellion against the Lord, demonstrating a profound disrespect for His divine commands.

**Why was Baasha judged for killing Jeroboam's house if it fulfilled prophecy?**

Answer: While Baasha's actions in eradicating Jeroboam's house (as detailed in [1 Kings 15:27-30](/1_kings/15-27-30 "1 Kings 15:27-30 - Baasha Kills Nadab and Destroys Jeroboam's House")) did indeed fulfill the prophecy delivered by Ahijah in [1 Kings 14:10-11](/1_kings/14-10-11 "1 Kings 14:10-11 - Ahijah's Prophecy Against Jeroboam's House"), Baasha himself was not acting out of obedience to God or a desire to execute divine judgment. Rather, he acted out of personal ambition, violence, and a lust for power. He seized the throne through bloodshed and then continued in the very sins of idolatry and leading Israel astray that had brought judgment upon Jeroboam's house. God used Baasha's wicked actions to accomplish His purposes, but Baasha was still held accountable for his own sin, violence, and persistent rebellion against the Lord, as clearly stated by Jehu in [1 Kings 16:2](/1_kings/16-2 "1 Kings 16:2 - God's Word to Baasha Through Jehu"). God's sovereignty does not negate human responsibility for sinful choices.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The stern judgment against King Baasha in [1 Kings 16:7](/1_kings/16-7 "1 Kings 16:7 - Jehu's Prophecy Against Baasha"), rooted in his idolatry and violence, finds its ultimate resolution and transformation in Jesus Christ. The recurring cycle of sin, judgment, and the rise and fall of earthly kings, so prevalent in the Old Testament, points to the profound need for a perfect King and a definitive solution to humanity's rebellion. Jesus, unlike Baasha and the failed kings of Israel, is the King whose reign is eternal and whose "hands" are always engaged in the "work" of God, never provoking Him to anger but always doing His Father's will (as seen in [John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Does the Father's Will")). He is the true Prophet, not merely a messenger, but the very "Word of God" made flesh, through whom God has spoken His final and complete revelation (as described in [Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1-3 "Hebrews 1:1-3 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")). The "work of his hands" that provoked God's anger in Baasha's time is overcome by the perfect "work" of Christ's hands—His perfect life of obedience, His atoning death on the cross, and His victorious resurrection—which takes away the sin of the world and offers reconciliation with God (as proclaimed in [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Through faith in Him, believers are freed from the curse of the law and the cycle of judgment, receiving instead the righteousness of God and the promise of an eternal kingdom that will never be overthrown (as taught in [Romans 8:1-4](/romans/8-1-4 "Romans 8:1-4 - No Condemnation in Christ") and [Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness and Transferred to the Kingdom of His Son")). Jesus is the faithful King who secures a lasting peace and a righteous reign, fulfilling the deepest longings that the failed kings of Israel could never satisfy.

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

Psalms 115:4

Their idols [are] silver and gold, the work of men's hands.

1 Kings 14:14

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.

Hosea 1:4

And the LORD said unto him, Call his name Jezreel; for yet a little [while], and I will avenge the blood of Jezreel upon the house of Jehu, and will cause to cease the kingdom of the house of Israel.

Isaiah 2:8

Their land also is full of idols; they worship the work of their own hands, that which their own fingers have made:

Isaiah 44:9

¶ They that make a graven image [are] all of them vanity; and their delectable things shall not profit; and they [are] their own witnesses; they see not, nor know; that they may be ashamed.

Isaiah 44:20

He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, [Is there] not a lie in my right hand?

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.