Anyone belonging to Baasha who dies in the city will be eaten by dogs, and anyone who dies in the field will be eaten by the birds of the air." Anyone belonging to BaashaThis phrase refers to the descendants and household of Baasha, the king of Israel. Baasha's reign was marked by idolatry and sin, leading to God's judgment upon his house. The Hebrew root for "belonging" (לְבַעֲשָׁא) indicates possession or association, emphasizing the totality of the judgment that would befall not just Baasha but all connected to him. Historically, this reflects the common practice of divine retribution in the ancient Near East, where the sins of a leader could bring consequences upon their entire lineage. who dies in the city
The city, in ancient Israel, was a place of supposed safety and community. However, the prophecy indicates that even within the walls of the city, there would be no refuge from God's judgment. The Hebrew word for "city" (עִיר) often symbolizes human civilization and order, yet here it becomes a place of divine reckoning. This serves as a stark reminder that no earthly stronghold can protect against the consequences of sin. the dogs will eat
Dogs in ancient Israel were not the domesticated pets we know today but were often wild scavengers. The imagery of dogs eating the dead is a vivid depiction of disgrace and dishonor, as proper burial was a significant cultural and religious practice. The Hebrew word for "dogs" (כְּלָבִים) underscores the ignominy of such a fate, highlighting the severity of divine judgment against Baasha's house. and anyone who dies in the field
The field represents the open and unprotected areas outside the city. In contrast to the city, the field is a place of exposure and vulnerability. The Hebrew term for "field" (שָׂדֶה) often connotes the wilderness or uncultivated land, symbolizing the absence of human control and the inevitability of divine will. the birds of the air will eat
Birds, particularly scavenging birds, are often associated with death and decay in biblical literature. The phrase "birds of the air" (עוֹף הַשָּׁמַיִם) evokes the image of carrion birds, which were considered unclean. This imagery reinforces the theme of disgrace and the totality of God's judgment, as even in death, there is no dignity for those who defy the Lord. Persons / Places / Events 1. BaashaBaasha was the king of Israel who reigned after overthrowing Nadab, the son of Jeroboam. His reign was marked by evil in the sight of the Lord, as he continued in the sinful ways of Jeroboam. 2. IsraelThe northern kingdom of the divided Israelite monarchy. During Baasha's reign, Israel was characterized by idolatry and disobedience to God. 3. Prophecy of JehuThis verse is part of a prophecy delivered by Jehu, the son of Hanani, against Baasha. It foretells the disgraceful end of Baasha's lineage due to his sins. Teaching Points Divine Judgment on SinGod's judgment is inevitable for those who persist in sin and lead others astray. Baasha's fate serves as a warning to remain faithful and obedient to God's commands. The Consequences of LeadershipLeaders bear a significant responsibility for their influence. Baasha's actions led to severe consequences for his entire household, reminding us of the impact of leadership on others. The Certainty of God's WordThe fulfillment of prophecies, such as Jehu's against Baasha, underscores the reliability and certainty of God's Word. Believers can trust in the promises and warnings found in Scripture. The Importance of RepentanceWhile judgment is pronounced, the opportunity for repentance is always present. Baasha's account encourages us to seek God's mercy and turn from our sinful ways. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the prophecy against Baasha in 1 Kings 16:4 reflect the broader theme of divine judgment in the Old Testament? 2. In what ways can leaders today learn from Baasha's example regarding the influence of their actions on others? 3. How does the certainty of God's Word, as seen in the fulfillment of prophecies, impact your faith and trust in Scripture? 4. What are some practical steps you can take to ensure that your life aligns with God's commands, avoiding the pitfalls of disobedience? 5. How can the theme of repentance in the account of Baasha encourage you to seek God's forgiveness and change in areas where you may be struggling? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Kings 14:11This verse contains a similar prophecy against Jeroboam's house, highlighting the recurring theme of divine judgment against those who lead Israel into sin. Deuteronomy 28:26This passage speaks of the curses for disobedience, including the bodies being left for birds and beasts, reflecting the consequences of turning away from God. Psalm 79:2This verse describes a scene of devastation where bodies are left unburied, symbolizing disgrace and divine judgment. People Abiram, Ahab, Arza, Asa, Baasha, Elah, Ethbaal, Ginath, Hanani, Hiel, Israelites, Jehu, Jeroboam, Jezebel, Joram, Joshua, Nebat, Nun, Omri, Segub, Shemer, Sidonians, Tibni, Tirzah, Zidon, Zidonians, ZimriPlaces Bethel, Gibbethon, Jericho, Samaria, TirzahTopics Air, Anyone, Baasa, Baasha, Ba'asha, Baasha's, Belonging, Birds, Death, Descendants, Die, Dies, Dieth, Dogs, Eat, Family, Feed, Field, Fields, Fowl, Fowls, Heavens, Open, Sky, TownDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 16:4 4612 birds
4630 dog 1 Kings 16:1-7 1429 prophecy, OT fulfilment Library Whether the Mode of virtue Falls under the Precept of the Law?
Objection 1: It would seem that the mode of virtue falls under the precept of the law. For the mode of virtue is that deeds of justice should be done justly, that deeds of fortitude should be done bravely, and in like manner as to the other virtues. But it is commanded (Dt. 26:20) that "thou shalt follow justly after that which is just." Therefore the mode of virtue falls under the precept. Objection 2: Further, that which belongs to the intention of the lawgiver comes chiefly under the precept. …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa TheologicaWhether a Man Can be Saved Without Baptism?
Objection 1: It seems that no man can be saved without Baptism. For our Lord said (Jn. 3:5): "Unless a man be born again of water and the Holy Ghost, he cannot enter the kingdom of God." But those alone are saved who enter God's kingdom. Therefore none can be saved without Baptism, by which a man is born again of water and the Holy Ghost. Objection 2: Further, in the book De Eccl. Dogm. xli, it is written: "We believe that no catechumen, though he die in his good works, will have eternal life, except …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether There Can be any Suitable Cause for the Sacraments of the Old Law?
Objection 1: It would seem that there can be no suitable cause for the sacraments of the Old Law. Because those things that are done for the purpose of divine worship should not be like the observances of idolaters: since it is written (Dt. 12:31): "Thou shalt not do in like manner to the Lord thy God: for they have done to their gods all the abominations which the Lord abhorreth." Now worshippers of idols used to knive themselves to the shedding of blood: for it is related (3 Kings 18:28) that they …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether a Vow Consists in a Mere Purpose of the Will?
Objection 1: It would seem that a vow consists in nothing but a purpose of the will. According to some [*William of Auxerre, Sum. Aur. III, xxviii, qu. 1; Albertus Magnus, Sent. iv, D, 38], "a vow is a conception of a good purpose after a firm deliberation of the mind, whereby a man binds himself before God to do or not to do a certain thing." But the conception of a good purpose and so forth, may consist in a mere movement of the will. Therefore a vow consists in a mere purpose of the will. Objection …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether Whoever is Perfect is in the State of Perfection?
Objection 1: It would seem that whoever is perfect is in the state of perfection. For, as stated above (A[3], ad 3), just as bodily perfection is reached by bodily growth, so spiritual perfection is acquired by spiritual growth. Now after bodily growth one is said to have reached the state of perfect age. Therefore seemingly also after spiritual growth, when one has already reached spiritual perfection, one is in the state of perfection. Objection 2: Further, according to Phys. v, 2, movement "from …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether after the Resurrection Every one Will Know what Sins He Has Committed?
Objection 1: It seems that after the resurrection everyone will not be able to know all the sins he has committed. For whatever we know, either we receive it anew through the senses, or we draw it from the treasure house of the memory. Now after the resurrection men will be unable to perceive their sins by means of sense, because they will be things of the past, while sense perceives only the present: and many sins will have escaped the sinner's memory, and he will be unable to recall them from the …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Sennacherib (705-681 B. C. )
The struggle of Sennacherib with Judaea and Egypt--Destruction of Babylon. Sennacherib either failed to inherit his father's good fortune, or lacked his ability.* He was not deficient in military genius, nor in the energy necessary to withstand the various enemies who rose against him at widely removed points of his frontier, but he had neither the adaptability of character nor the delicate tact required to manage successfully the heterogeneous elements combined under his sway. * The two principal …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8 The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
Assur-nazir-pal (885-860) and Shalmaneser III. (860-825)--The kingdom of Urartu and its conquering princes: Menuas and Argistis. Assyria was the first to reappear on the scene of action. Less hampered by an ancient past than Egypt and Chaldaea, she was the sooner able to recover her strength after any disastrous crisis, and to assume again the offensive along the whole of her frontier line. Image Drawn by Faucher-Gudin, from a bas-relief at Koyunjik of the time of Sennacherib. The initial cut, …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7 Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Kings 16:4 NIV1 Kings 16:4 NLT1 Kings 16:4 ESV1 Kings 16:4 NASB1 Kings 16:4 KJV
1 Kings 16:4 Commentaries
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