Nadab, King of Israel

Nadab, the son of Jeroboam, was the second king of the northern kingdom of Israel. His reign is recorded in 1 Kings 15:25-31. Nadab ascended to the throne in the second year of Asa, king of Judah, and reigned over Israel for two years. His rule is characterized by the continuation of the idolatrous practices initiated by his father, Jeroboam. The Berean Standard Bible states, "And he did evil in the sight of the LORD and walked in the way of his father and in his sin, which he had caused Israel to commit" (1 Kings 15:26).

Nadab's reign was marked by instability and conflict. He led Israel in a military campaign against the Philistine city of Gibbethon. During this siege, Baasha, the son of Ahijah from the tribe of Issachar, conspired against him. Baasha assassinated Nadab and seized the throne, fulfilling the prophecy against the house of Jeroboam. The BSB records, "As soon as Baasha became king, he struck down the entire house of Jeroboam. He did not leave to Jeroboam anyone who breathed, but destroyed them all, according to the word of the LORD spoken through His servant Ahijah the Shilonite" (1 Kings 15:29).

Baasha, King of Israel

Baasha's reign is detailed in 1 Kings 15:33-16:7. He became king in the third year of Asa, king of Judah, and reigned for twenty-four years. Baasha's rule was marked by a continuation of the idolatrous practices of his predecessors. The BSB notes, "He did evil in the sight of the LORD and walked in the way of Jeroboam and in his sin, which he had caused Israel to commit" (1 Kings 15:34).

Baasha's reign was characterized by political and military challenges. He fortified the city of Ramah to prevent any movement between the kingdoms of Israel and Judah, leading to conflict with Asa, king of Judah. Asa responded by forming an alliance with Ben-Hadad, king of Aram, which forced Baasha to abandon his fortifications at Ramah.

The prophet Jehu, son of Hanani, delivered a message from the LORD to Baasha, condemning him for following in the sinful ways of Jeroboam and for leading Israel into sin. The BSB records, "I lifted you up from the dust and made you ruler over My people Israel, but you have walked in the way of Jeroboam and have caused My people Israel to sin, provoking Me to anger with their sins" (1 Kings 16:2).

Baasha's dynasty was short-lived, as his son Elah succeeded him but reigned only briefly before being assassinated by Zimri, one of his officials. This fulfilled the prophecy against Baasha's house, as recorded in 1 Kings 16:3-4, "So now I will consume Baasha and his house, and I will make your house like that of Jeroboam son of Nebat. 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."

The reigns of Nadab and Baasha highlight the ongoing struggle of the northern kingdom of Israel to maintain fidelity to the LORD amidst political intrigue and idolatry. Their accounts serve as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's commandments and the fulfillment of divine prophecy.