2 Chronicles 16:5

KJV

And it came to pass, when Baasha heard [it], that he left off building of Ramah, and let his work cease.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass, when Baasha {H1201} heard {H8085} it, that he left off {H2308} building {H1129} of Ramah {H7414}, and let his work {H4399} cease {H7673}.

Complete Jewish Bible

As soon as Ba'asha heard of it, he stopped building Ramah and abandoned his work.

Berean Standard Bible

When Baasha learned of this, he stopped fortifying Ramah and abandoned his work.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass, when Baasha heard thereof, that he left off building Ramah, and let his work cease.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 16:5 records the abrupt cessation of King Baasha of Israel's strategic building project at Ramah. This pivotal event was a direct consequence of King Asa of Judah's diplomatic maneuver, wherein he bribed Ben-hadad, King of Syria, to break his alliance with Baasha and attack Israelite territory. Upon hearing of the northern invasion, Baasha was compelled to abandon his fortification efforts at Ramah, a critical border city intended to exert pressure on Judah, thereby illustrating the immediate and far-reaching impact of shifting geopolitical alliances and divine orchestration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader narrative of King Asa's reign over Judah, specifically detailing a significant foreign policy decision. It immediately follows the account of Asa's alliance with Ben-hadad, King of Syria, against Baasha, King of Israel, as described in [2 Chronicles 16:1-4](/2_chronicles/16-1 "2 Chronicles 16:1-4 - Asa's Alliance with Ben-hadad"). Baasha had been fortifying Ramah, a strategic location, to blockade Judah. Asa, instead of relying on the Lord, took treasures from the temple and his own palace to secure Ben-hadad's loyalty. When Ben-hadad attacked Israelite cities in the north, Baasha was forced to abandon his construction efforts at Ramah. The phrase "when Baasha heard it" directly refers to his receiving news of this surprise invasion, which diverted his military resources and attention away from Judah. This event sets the stage for the prophetic rebuke of Asa by Hanani the seer in [2 Chronicles 16:7-9](/2_chronicles/16-7 "2 Chronicles 16:7-9 - Hanani's Rebuke of King Asa"), highlighting the theological implications of Asa's reliance on human alliances rather than divine faithfulness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period described is one of ongoing tension and conflict between the divided kingdoms of Judah (south) and Israel (north) following the split of the united monarchy. Ramah, located approximately five miles north of Jerusalem, was a highly strategic border city. Its fortification by Baasha was a clear act of aggression, intended to control access to and from Jerusalem, effectively strangling Judah's economic and military movements. The practice of forming alliances with neighboring powers, often sealed with tribute or bribes, was a common geopolitical strategy in the ancient Near East. Asa's decision to use temple and palace treasures to sway Ben-hadad reflects the desperate measures kings would take to secure their borders and gain advantage over rivals. This incident underscores the precarious balance of power and the constant threat of regional warfare that characterized the period of the divided monarchy.
* **Key Themes:** The cessation of Baasha's building project at Ramah powerfully illustrates several key themes. Firstly, it highlights the **disruption of human plans** by external forces, often divinely orchestrated, demonstrating that even well-conceived human endeavors can be suddenly and completely thwarted. Baasha's ambitious project, aimed at strengthening his kingdom and pressing Judah, was brought to an immediate standstill. Secondly, the verse emphasizes the **consequences of geopolitical strategy** and the tangible impact of international relations and shifting alliances. Asa's strategic maneuver, though born of a lack of faith, directly led to Baasha's tactical retreat and the abandonment of his work. Thirdly, it subtly introduces the overarching theme of **divine sovereignty** versus human agency, which becomes explicit in Hanani's subsequent rebuke of Asa in [2 Chronicles 16:7-9](/2_chronicles/16-7 "2 Chronicles 16:7-9 - Hanani's Rebuke of King Asa"). Though Asa acted out of human cunning, the outcome served God's purpose in disrupting Baasha's aggression and revealing Asa's spiritual compromise.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Heard (Hebrew, _shama'_)**: This verb signifies not merely the act of hearing a sound, but often implies understanding, receiving intelligence, or obeying. In this context, Baasha "heard" the news of Ben-hadad's invasion, implying he received definite, actionable intelligence that necessitated an immediate response. It conveys the sudden and impactful nature of the information.
* **Left off building (Hebrew, _chadal livnot_)**: The verb _chadal_ means "to cease, desist, refrain from." Coupled with "building," it indicates an immediate and complete cessation of the construction work. It suggests an abrupt halt to an ongoing activity, not merely a pause, but a definitive abandonment of the project.
* **Cease (Hebrew, _hishbit_)**: This is the Hiphil form of the verb _shabat_, meaning "to cause to cease, bring to an end, put a stop to." It is a stronger term than _chadal_, emphasizing the definitive and forceful termination of the work. The repetition of the idea of stopping ("left off" and "cease") underscores the totality and finality of Baasha's abandonment of the project at Ramah.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass, when Baasha heard [it]":** This introductory clause sets the scene, indicating a direct cause-and-effect relationship. "It" refers to the news of Ben-hadad's invasion of Israelite territory, specifically the cities mentioned in [2 Chronicles 16:4](/2_chronicles/16-4 "2 Chronicles 16:4 - Ben-hadad's Attack on Israel"). Baasha's reception of this intelligence is the immediate catalyst for his subsequent actions.
* **"that he left off building of Ramah":** Upon receiving the news, Baasha immediately abandoned his ongoing construction project at Ramah. This was a significant strategic undertaking, designed to fortify a key border city and exert pressure on Judah. The cessation implies a sudden and urgent diversion of resources and military attention to address the new threat in the north.
* **"and let his work cease":** This phrase reiterates and emphasizes the complete termination of the building activities. It underscores the decisive nature of Baasha's response to the invasion. The repetition highlights the totality of the abandonment, signifying that the project was not merely paused but brought to a definitive halt, as Baasha's priorities shifted dramatically to defend his northern borders.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its message effectively. **Cause and Effect** is central, as Baasha's action of abandoning the building is presented as a direct consequence of "when Baasha heard" the news of the Syrian invasion. This highlights the immediate and impactful nature of geopolitical shifts. **Conciseness** is also evident; the verse is remarkably brief, yet it powerfully communicates a significant strategic reversal. This brevity underscores the suddenness and finality of Baasha's decision. Furthermore, there is an element of **Irony** at play within the broader narrative: Baasha's aggressive building project, intended to oppress Judah, is ultimately thwarted by Judah's king, Asa, albeit through a faithless alliance. This demonstrates how human plans, even those driven by hostility, can be unexpectedly disrupted by external forces, often serving a larger divine purpose.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The abrupt cessation of Baasha's building project at Ramah, though triggered by human political maneuvering, serves as a powerful illustration of divine sovereignty over human endeavors. While King Asa's actions in bribing Ben-hadad were a display of human cunning and, as later revealed, a lack of faith in God, the outcome nevertheless aligned with God's overarching control of history. This event demonstrates that even the most determined and well-resourced human plans can be thwarted when they run contrary to God's purposes or when God chooses to intervene, whether directly or through the actions of other nations and rulers. It underscores a fundamental biblical truth: human plans are subject to the will of the Almighty, and true security and success are found not in strategic alliances or military might, but in faithful reliance upon God.

* [Proverbs 19:21](/proverbs/19-21 "Proverbs 19:21 - The Lord's Purpose Prevails")
* [Isaiah 14:27](/isaiah/14-27 "Isaiah 14:27 - God's Unstoppable Plan")
* [2 Chronicles 16:7](/2_chronicles/16-7 "2 Chronicles 16:7 - Hanani's Rebuke of Asa")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For the modern believer, 2 Chronicles 16:5 offers profound insights into the nature of human plans and divine sovereignty. It reminds us that even our most meticulously crafted strategies, whether personal, professional, or communal, are ultimately subject to forces beyond our immediate control. Just as Baasha's ambitious project was abruptly halted, so too can our endeavors be disrupted by unforeseen circumstances, shifting priorities, or external pressures. This verse calls us to cultivate a posture of humility and flexibility, recognizing that while diligent planning is wise, ultimate trust must be placed in God's sovereign hand. It challenges us to examine where we place our security—in our own efforts, our resources, or our strategic alliances—or in the unwavering faithfulness of God. When our plans are disrupted, this narrative invites us to seek God's perspective, understanding that such interruptions might be His way of redirecting us, protecting us, or revealing a greater purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "building projects" in your life (plans, goals, ambitions) have been unexpectedly halted or redirected? How did you respond?**
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to rely on human cunning or resources rather than trusting in God's sovereign provision and guidance?**
* **How does the understanding of God's sovereignty over human plans impact your approach to planning and decision-making?**

### FAQ
**Why was Ramah so important strategically?**

Answer: Ramah was strategically vital because of its location approximately five miles north of Jerusalem, along a major north-south road. By fortifying Ramah, Baasha intended to establish a choke-point, effectively cutting off Judah's access to the northern trade routes and controlling movement in and out of Jerusalem. This would have exerted significant economic and military pressure on King Asa and the kingdom of Judah, making its cessation a major strategic victory for Judah, albeit one achieved through questionable means.

**What was King Baasha's overall reign like in Israel?**

Answer: King Baasha's reign (c. 909-886 BC) is primarily described in [1 Kings 15:16-22](/1_kings/15-16 "1 Kings 15:16-22 - Baasha's War with Asa") and [2 Chronicles 16:1-6](/2_chronicles/16-1 "2 Chronicles 16:1-6 - Asa and Baasha"). He was a military man who seized the throne of Israel by assassinating King Nadab and subsequently wiped out the entire house of Jeroboam, fulfilling a prophecy (see [1 Kings 15:29](/1_kings/15-29 "1 Kings 15:29 - Prophecy Fulfilled")). His reign was marked by continuous warfare with Judah, particularly against King Asa. Despite his military successes, the Bible condemns Baasha for continuing in the sins of Jeroboam, leading Israel astray with idolatry. The prophet Jehu later pronounced judgment against Baasha's house for his wickedness (see [1 Kings 16:1-4](/1_kings/16-1 "1 Kings 16:1-4 - Jehu's Prophecy Against Baasha")).

**How does this event relate to King Asa's later actions and the broader message of 2 Chronicles?**

Answer: This event, where Asa relies on Ben-hadad rather than God, is a turning point in Asa's reign. While Asa began his reign with strong faith and reliance on the Lord, leading to peace and victory (e.g., against Zerah the Cushite in [2 Chronicles 14:9-15](/2_chronicles/14-9 "2 Chronicles 14:9-15 - Asa's Victory Over Zerah")), his decision to bribe Ben-hadad marks a shift. The prophet Hanani rebukes Asa for this lack of trust in [2 Chronicles 16:7-9](/2_chronicles/16-7 "2 Chronicles 16:7-9 - Hanani's Rebuke of King Asa"), reminding him that "the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him." Asa's subsequent response to this rebuke, imprisoning Hanani and oppressing his people, reveals a hardening of his heart. This narrative serves as a cautionary tale within 2 Chronicles, emphasizing that even righteous kings can falter, and that consistent, unwavering trust in God is paramount for true security and blessing.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Baasha's thwarted building project at Ramah, orchestrated by divine providence through the actions of human kings, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate sovereignty of God in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as Baasha's plans were brought to a sudden halt, so too were the plans and schemes of humanity, sin, and even death ultimately rendered powerless in the face of God's redemptive purpose in Christ. The Old Testament repeatedly demonstrates that human efforts, whether for good or ill, are always subservient to God's grand design. In Jesus, this divine control reaches its zenith. No earthly king, no political alliance, no human opposition could thwart God's eternal plan to send His Son as the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). The "building" of God's kingdom, established by Christ, is one that "the gates of hell shall not prevail against" ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Peter's Confession and the Church")). While human empires rise and fall, and their strategic projects are abandoned or completed, Christ's work on the cross and His resurrection secured an eternal kingdom that can never be shaken. He is the ultimate Builder, and His work of salvation and redemption stands eternally complete, a testament to God's unthwartable will and the triumph of His divine purpose over all human machinations.

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.