### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Baʻshâʼ**, represented by `{{H1201}}`, is the name of a **king** `{{H4428}}` of Israel `{{H3478}}`. Its base definition is **offensiveness**, derived from an unused root meaning "to stink." The name appears **28 times** across **26 unique verses**, exclusively chronicling the reign and legacy of this ruler.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **Baasha** is introduced as the son of Ahijah from the house of Issachar [[1 Kings 15:27]]. He seized the throne by conspiring against and smiting Nadab, the king of Israel, at Gibbethon [[1 Kings 15:27]]. Baasha began his reign in the third **year** `{{H8141}}` of Asa, king of Judah, and ruled for twenty-four years from the city of Tirzah [[1 Kings 15:33]]. His reign was characterized by constant **war** `{{H4421}}` with Asa ([[1 Kings 15:16]], [[1 Kings 15:32]]). A notable conflict involved Baasha building the city of Ramah to prevent passage to or from the kingdom of Judah, a project he abandoned after Asa formed a **league** `{{H1285}}` with the king of Syria ([[1 Kings 15:17]], [[1 Kings 15:21]]). Baasha provoked the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` God of Israel to **anger** `{{H3707}}` with his **sins** `{{H2403}}` and **vanities** `{{H1892}}` [[1 Kings 16:13]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are central to understanding the narrative of Baasha's life and downfall:
* `{{H4428}}` **melek** (king): This title defines Baasha's position as the ruler of **Israel** `{{H3478}}`. He is consistently referred to as **king** in the context of his wars and deeds [[1 Kings 15:16]].
* `{{H1004}}` **bayith** (house): This term refers to Baasha's family and royal dynasty. A central theme of his story is the divine judgment pronounced against his **house**, which was prophesied to be, and ultimately was, completely destroyed ([[1 Kings 16:3]], [[1 Kings 16:11]]).
* `{{H2398}}` **châṭâʼ** (to sin): Baasha's reign is condemned because he **sinned** `{{H2398}}` and "made Israel to **sin**" [[1 Kings 16:13]], following the wicked example of his predecessor.
* `{{H3379}}` **Yârobʻâm** (Jeroboam): The LORD's judgment against Baasha is explicitly tied to the legacy of the first king of the northern kingdom, stating his house would be made "like the **house** `{{H1004}}` of **Jeroboam**" ([[1 Kings 16:3]], [[1 Kings 16:7]]).
### Theological Significance
The narrative of Baasha carries significant weight in the history of Israel's monarchy. It serves as a powerful illustration of sin and divine retribution.
* **A Cycle of Sin:** Baasha continues the pattern of apostasy established by **Jeroboam** `{{H3379}}` the son of Nebat. The **word** `{{H1697}}` of the LORD against him came because he followed in the evil ways of Jeroboam's house ([[1 Kings 16:7]], [[1 Kings 21:22]]).
* **Prophetic Judgment:** The prophet Jehu, son of Hanani, delivered God's decree against Baasha, foretelling the utter destruction of his lineage ([[1 Kings 16:1]], [[1 Kings 16:7]]). The prophecy specified that the dogs **shall eat** `{{H398}}` those of Baasha who die in the **city** `{{H5892}}`, and the fowls of the air shall eat those who die in the **fields** `{{H7704}}` [[1 Kings 16:4]].
* **Inevitable Consequence:** The prophecy was fulfilled when Zimri, a commander, conspired against Baasha's son Elah and slew all the **house** `{{H1004}}` of Baasha, leaving none of his kinsfolks or friends [[1 Kings 16:11-12]]. Baasha's house became a byword for a cursed dynasty, used in later prophecies against King Ahab [[2 Kings 9:9]].
### Summary
In summary, **Baʻshâʼ** `{{H1201}}` is not merely a historical name but a figure personifying a destructive pattern of leadership in Israel. His name, meaning **offensiveness**, aptly describes a reign that was an offense to God, marked by provoking the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` to **anger** `{{H3707}}` [[1 Kings 16:7]]. He came to power through violence, perpetuated the sins of the past, and earned a divine judgment that annihilated his entire family line. The story of Baasha, whose acts were **written** `{{H3789}}` in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel [[1 Kings 16:5]], serves as a lasting testament to the principle that kings are accountable to God and that unrepentant sin leads to ruin.
TRV