2 Chronicles 16:1

ยถ In the six and thirtieth year of the reign of Asa Baasha king of Israel came up against Judah, and built Ramah, to the intent that he might let none go out or come in to Asa king of Judah.

In the six {H8337} and thirtieth {H7970} year {H8141} of the reign {H4438} of Asa {H609} Baasha {H1201} king {H4428} of Israel {H3478} came up {H5927} against Judah {H3063}, and built {H1129} Ramah {H7414}, to the intent that {H1115} he might let {H5414} none go out {H3318} or come in {H935} to Asa {H609} king {H4428} of Judah {H3063}.

In the thirty-sixth year of Asa's reign, Ba'asha king of Isra'el attacked Y'hudah, and he fortified Ramah to prevent anyone's leaving or entering the territory of Asa king of Y'hudah.

In the thirty-sixth year of Asaโ€™s reign, Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah and fortified Ramah to prevent anyone from leaving or entering the territory of Asa king of Judah.

In the six and thirtieth year of the reign of Asa, Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah, and built Ramah, that he might not suffer any one to go out or come in to Asa king of Judah.

Commentary

2 Chronicles 16:1 marks a significant turning point in the reign of King Asa of Judah. After years of fidelity and success, this verse describes a new conflict that challenges his kingdom and reveals a shift in his approach to leadership and faith.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse places us in the context of the divided monarchy, where the northern Kingdom of Israel (under King Baasha) and the southern Kingdom of Judah (under King Asa) were often in conflict. The mention of the "six and thirtieth year of the reign of Asa" has been a point of discussion among scholars, as it seems to contradict other timelines in the Bible. Many interpret this as the 36th year since the division of the kingdom (or the 36th year of the Northern Kingdom's existence), placing the event around the 16th year of Asaโ€™s personal reign, allowing for his earlier successes. King Baasha of Israel, known for his hostility towards Judah, initiated a strategic move by building up the city of Ramah. Located just a few miles north of Jerusalem, Ramah was a crucial choke point on a major trade and travel route. By fortifying Ramah, Baasha's intent was clear: "that he might let none go out or come in to Asa king of Judah," effectively blockading Judah and isolating its capital.

Key Themes

  • Inter-Kingdom Conflict: The verse highlights the persistent tension and warfare between the northern and southern kingdoms, a recurring theme throughout the books of Kings and Chronicles.
  • Strategic Warfare: Baasha's actions demonstrate a calculated military strategy to cripple Judah's economy and mobility, rather than a direct assault.
  • Setting the Stage for Decline: For King Asa, who had previously enjoyed divine favor and victory through reliance on God (as seen in his triumph over Zerah the Ethiopian), this new threat presents a test. This incident, also recounted in 1 Kings 15:17, foreshadows a critical error in Asa's judgment, leading to a rebuke from the prophet Hanani in 2 Chronicles 16:7.

Linguistic Insight

The name Ramah (Hebrew: ืจึธืžึธื”, Ramah) literally means "height" or "elevated place." This name perfectly describes its geographical and strategic importance, as a fortified position on high ground would indeed control access to the surrounding region and the capital.

Practical Application

This verse, while historical, offers valuable lessons. Even leaders with a strong history of faith can face new challenges that tempt them to abandon reliance on God. Asa's initial success came from seeking the Lord, but here we see the beginning of a shift towards human strategy and alliances. It reminds us that constant vigilance and unwavering trust in God are necessary throughout all seasons of life, not just in moments of obvious crisis or initial faithfulness. Our methods of dealing with opposition should always align with our faith, lest we fall into the trap of worldly solutions.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 15:9

    And he gathered all Judah and Benjamin, and the strangers with them out of Ephraim and Manasseh, and out of Simeon: for they fell to him out of Israel in abundance, when they saw that the LORD his God [was] with him.

  • 2 Chronicles 15:5

    And in those times [there was] no peace to him that went out, nor to him that came in, but great vexations [were] upon all the inhabitants of the countries.

  • 2 Chronicles 11:13

    ยถ And the priests and the Levites that [were] in all Israel resorted to him out of all their coasts.

  • 2 Chronicles 11:17

    So they strengthened the kingdom of Judah, and made Rehoboam the son of Solomon strong, three years: for three years they walked in the way of David and Solomon.

  • 1 Kings 15:16

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

  • 1 Kings 15:22

    Then king Asa made a proclamation throughout all Judah; none [was] exempted: and they took away the stones of Ramah, and the timber thereof, wherewith Baasha had builded; and king Asa built with them Geba of Benjamin, and Mizpah.

  • 1 Kings 12:27

    If this people go up to do sacrifice in the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, then shall the heart of this people turn again unto their lord, [even] unto Rehoboam king of Judah, and they shall kill me, and go again to Rehoboam king of Judah.
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