1 Kings 16:12

Thus did Zimri destroy all the house of Baasha, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake against Baasha by Jehu the prophet,

Thus did Zimri {H2174} destroy {H8045} all the house {H1004} of Baasha {H1201}, according to the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068}, which he spake {H1696} against Baasha {H1201} by {H3027} Jehu {H3058} the prophet {H5030},

Thus Zimri eliminated all the house of Ba'sha, in keeping with the word of ADONAI spoken against Ba'sha through Yehu the prophet. This word had been spoken

So Zimri destroyed the entire household of Baasha, according to the word that the LORD had spoken against Baasha through Jehu the prophet.

Thus did Zimri destroy all the house of Baasha, according to the word of Jehovah, which he spake against Baasha by Jehu the prophet,

Commentary

1 Kings 16:12 describes the swift and complete execution of divine judgment upon the royal house of Baasha, king of Israel, at the hands of Zimri, who violently seized the throne.

Context

This verse is the culmination of a prophetic warning and a violent coup. King Baasha, though used by God to destroy the wicked dynasty of Jeroboam (1 Kings 15:29), had himself fallen into similar patterns of idolatry and evil, vexing the Lord God of Israel (1 Kings 15:34). Consequently, God sent the prophet Jehu, son of Hanani, to pronounce a severe judgment: Baasha's entire lineage would be cut off, just like Jeroboam's (1 Kings 16:1-4). Zimri, a military commander, took advantage of a moment of weakness, assassinating Baasha's son and successor, Elah, and then proceeded to systematically eliminate all remaining male members and supporters of Baasha's family, thus fulfilling the prophecy precisely.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Sovereignty: The verse powerfully illustrates God's absolute control over human history and the rise and fall of kingdoms. Zimri's ruthless actions, though driven by his own ambition, were divinely orchestrated to bring about God's righteous judgment against Baasha's sins. This underscores the truth that the Lord directs the hearts of kings.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: Baasha's persistent idolatry and wickedness, despite witnessing God's judgment on Jeroboam, brought about the utter destruction of his own royal line. It serves as a stark warning that sin carries severe, often generational, consequences.
  • Prophetic Fulfillment: The explicit statement "according to the word of the Lord, which he spake against Baasha by Jehu the prophet" emphasizes the certainty and reliability of God's prophetic word. What God declares through His chosen messengers will inevitably come to pass.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the house of Baasha" (Hebrew: bêṯ Ba'asha, בֵית בַּעְשָׁא) is a common biblical idiom that signifies the entire family, descendants, and dynastic lineage of an individual. Its destruction means the complete eradication of any claim to the throne and the termination of the family line. The inclusion of "according to the word of the Lord" highlights that these violent events were not merely random acts of political intrigue but were divinely purposed and executed according to God's precise decree.

Practical Application

The account in 1 Kings 16:12 offers profound lessons for believers today:

  1. God is Faithful to His Word: Whether in promises of blessing or warnings of judgment, God's word is utterly reliable. We can trust that what He has spoken will come to pass.
  2. Disobedience Has Serious Consequences: This passage serves as a sobering reminder that actions have consequences. Persistent rebellion against God's commands, particularly the worship of anything other than Him, incurs His displeasure and can lead to severe outcomes.
  3. God's Sovereignty in All Circumstances: Even in chaotic and violent human affairs, God remains sovereign. He can use various means and individuals, even those with wicked intentions, to accomplish His ultimate purposes and bring about His justice. We are called to heed His instructions and walk in obedience (2 Timothy 3:16).
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Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 16:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ Then the word of the LORD came to Jehu the son of Hanani against Baasha, saying,

  • 1 Kings 16:3 (2 votes)

    Behold, I will take away the posterity of Baasha, and the posterity of his house; and will make thy house like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat.

  • Proverbs 26:6 (2 votes)

    ¶ He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, [and] drinketh damage.

  • 2 Chronicles 10:15 (2 votes)

    So the king hearkened not unto the people: for the cause was of God, that the LORD might perform his word, which he spake by the hand of Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the son of Nebat.

  • 2 Kings 14:25 (2 votes)

    He restored the coast of Israel from the entering of Hamath unto the sea of the plain, according to the word of the LORD God of Israel, which he spake by the hand of his servant Jonah, the son of Amittai, the prophet, which [was] of Gathhepher.

  • 1 Kings 16:7 (2 votes)

    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.

  • 1 Kings 14:18 (2 votes)

    And they buried him; and all Israel mourned for him, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by the hand of his servant Ahijah the prophet.