Who was Baasha?

King of Israel

The story of Baasha

Baasha - King of Israel
Baasha - King of Israel
King of Israel

Baasha was a biblical figure who was the third king of the northern kingdom of Israel. He was the son of Ahijah and the brother of Elah. He was a contemporary of King Asa of Judah. Baasha is best known for his military campaigns against the kingdom of Judah. He attacked the city of Gibbethon and killed the king of Judah, Nadab. He then proceeded to conquer the cities of Judah and fortify them. He also built a fortress at Ramah to prevent the people of Judah from entering the northern kingdom. Baasha also attempted to expand the northern kingdom's borders by attacking the kingdom of Aram. He was successful in his campaign and was able to expand the northern kingdom's borders. Baasha is also known for his religious reforms. He abolished the worship of other gods and established the worship of Yahweh as the sole religion of the northern kingdom. He also destroyed the high places of other gods and replaced them with altars to Yahweh. Baasha is remembered as a powerful king who was able to expand the borders of the northern kingdom and establish the worship of Yahweh as the sole religion. He is also remembered for his military campaigns against the kingdom of Judah and his religious reforms.

Name meaning

The name "Baasha" has its origins in Hebrew and is found in the Bible. In Hebrew, "Baasha" (בַּעְשָׁא) is often interpreted to mean "he who lays waste" or "he who seeks." Baasha was a king of Israel mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles. He was the third king of the northern kingdom of Israel and ruled for 24 years after overthrowing Nadab, the son of Jeroboam. His reign is characterized by military actions and political intrigue.

Name origin

Hebrew

Role

King of Israel

First mention

1 Kings 15:16

Appearances in the Bible

26 mentions

Family

Relatives of Baasha

Baasha in the Bible

Explore all 6 chapters where Baasha appears

1 Kings

Chapter 15

Abijam's Reign in Judah

Abijam becomes king of Judah and continues the sins of his father.

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1 Kings

Chapter 16

The Reign of Baasha in Israel

Baasha becomes king of Israel and continues in the sins of Jeroboam.

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1 Kings

Chapter 21

Naboth's Vineyard

Ahab wants Naboth's vineyard and Jezebel arranges for him to be falsely accused and executed.

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2 Kings

Chapter 9

Jehu Anointed King of Israel

Jehu is anointed king of Israel by one of the sons of the prophet Elisha.

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2 Chronicles

Chapter 16

Asa's Alliance and Rebuke

Asa's shift in strategy, forming alliances with foreign powers, and the prophet Hanani's rebuke highlighting the import...

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Jeremiah

Chapter 41

Assassination of Gedaliah and Military Retaliation

In Jeremiah 41, Ishmael conspires with ten other men to assassinate Gedaliah, who had been appointed as governor over Ju...

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