1 Kings 16:12
So Zimri destroyed the entire household of Baasha, according to the word that the LORD had spoken against Baasha through Jehu the prophet.
So Zimri destroyed the entire household of Baasha
Zimri's actions fulfilled a common pattern in the history of Israel's monarchy, where new kings often eradicated the previous dynasty to secure their own rule. This was a brutal but effective method to eliminate any potential claimants to the throne. The destruction of Baasha's household reflects the political instability and violence that characterized the Northern Kingdom of Israel during this period. Historically, such actions were not uncommon in the ancient Near East, where dynastic purges were a means of consolidating power.

according to the word that the LORD had spoken against Baasha
This phrase underscores the theme of divine sovereignty and judgment. The LORD's word, delivered through His prophets, was seen as authoritative and certain. The prophecy against Baasha was a consequence of his sins and idolatry, demonstrating that God holds leaders accountable for their actions. This reflects the biblical principle that God’s word is unchanging and will come to pass, as seen in other instances of fulfilled prophecy throughout Scripture.

through Jehu the prophet
Jehu, the son of Hanani, was a prophet who conveyed God's judgment against Baasha. Prophets in Israel served as God's messengers, often delivering difficult truths to kings and the people. Jehu's role highlights the importance of prophets in guiding and correcting the nation according to God's will. This also connects to the broader biblical narrative where prophets like Elijah, Elisha, and Isaiah played crucial roles in calling Israel back to faithfulness. Jehu's prophecy against Baasha is a reminder of the prophetic tradition that holds leaders accountable to divine standards.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Zimri
A commander in the army of Israel who conspired against and killed King Elah, Baasha's son, and subsequently became king. His reign was short-lived, lasting only seven days.

2. Baasha
The former king of Israel who came to power by assassinating King Nadab. His dynasty was marked by idolatry and evil in the sight of the LORD.

3. Jehu the Prophet
A prophet who delivered God's judgment against Baasha's house, foretelling its destruction due to Baasha's sins and idolatry.

4. The House of Baasha
Refers to the dynasty or family line of Baasha, which was completely destroyed as a fulfillment of God's judgment.

5. Israel
The northern kingdom of the divided Israelite monarchy, often characterized by political instability and idolatry during this period.
Teaching Points
The Certainty of God's Word
God's pronouncements through His prophets are sure and will come to pass. Believers can trust in the reliability and truth of God's Word.

The Consequences of Sin
Persistent sin and idolatry lead to judgment and destruction. This serves as a warning to turn away from sin and seek righteousness.

The Role of Prophets
Prophets are God's messengers, delivering His truth and warnings. We should heed the messages of God's Word and His messengers today.

The Importance of Obedience
Obedience to God is crucial for maintaining His favor and avoiding judgment. Believers are called to live in accordance with God's commands.

God's Sovereignty in History
God is sovereign over the affairs of nations and individuals. His plans and purposes will be accomplished, regardless of human actions.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the destruction of Baasha's house illustrate the certainty of God's prophetic word?

2. In what ways can we see the consequences of sin in our own lives, and how can we seek God's forgiveness and restoration?

3. How can we discern and respond to the messages of modern-day "prophets" or spiritual leaders in light of biblical truth?

4. What steps can we take to ensure that we are living in obedience to God's commands in our daily lives?

5. How does understanding God's sovereignty over history provide comfort and assurance in times of personal or national turmoil?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Kings 15:29
This verse describes the similar fate of Jeroboam's house, which was also destroyed according to God's word. It highlights the pattern of divine judgment against idolatrous dynasties.

2 Kings 9:7-10
This passage recounts the prophecy against the house of Ahab, another example of God's judgment against a sinful dynasty, showing the consistency of God's justice.

Deuteronomy 28:15-20
These verses outline the curses for disobedience to God's commandments, providing a backdrop for understanding the consequences faced by Baasha's house.
The House of BaashaJ.A. Macdonald 1 Kings 16:8-14
A Divine Judgment and its InstrumentJ. Urquhart 1 Kings 16:8-20
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, Zimri
Places
Bethel, Gibbethon, Jericho, Samaria, Tirzah
Topics
Accordance, Baasa, Baasha, Ba'asha, Death, Destroy, Destroyed, Destroyeth, Family, Household, Jehu, Mouth, Prophet, Spake, Spoke, Spoken, Thus, Zimri
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Kings 16:12

     1429   prophecy, OT fulfilment
     1690   word of God

1 Kings 16:12-13

     8739   evil, examples of

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 Theologica

Whether 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

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