Topical Encyclopedia Elah, the son of Baasha, was the fourth king of the northern kingdom of Israel. His reign is recorded in the First Book of Kings, specifically in 1 Kings 16:6-14. Elah's rule was marked by instability and was ultimately short-lived, lasting only two years.Background and Ascension to the Throne Elah was the son of Baasha, who had established his dynasty by overthrowing the house of Jeroboam. Baasha reigned for 24 years, during which he continued the idolatrous practices initiated by Jeroboam, leading Israel further away from the worship of Yahweh. Upon Baasha's death, Elah ascended to the throne, inheriting a kingdom steeped in idolatry and political unrest. Reign and Downfall Elah's reign is noted for its brevity and lack of significant achievements. The biblical account in 1 Kings 16:8-10 describes how Elah's rule came to an abrupt end. While Elah was in Tirzah, drinking himself drunk in the house of Arza, the steward of his house, he was assassinated by Zimri, one of his military commanders. The Berean Standard Bible states: "In the twenty-sixth year of Asa’s reign over Judah, Elah son of Baasha became king of Israel, and he reigned in Tirzah two years. Then Zimri, who had commanded half his chariots, conspired against Elah. Now Elah was in Tirzah, drinking himself drunk in the house of Arza, who was in charge of the palace at Tirzah. And Zimri came in, struck him down, and killed him in the twenty-seventh year of Asa’s reign over Judah, and he succeeded him as king" (1 Kings 16:8-10). Divine Judgment and Fulfillment of Prophecy Elah's assassination was not merely a political coup but also a fulfillment of divine judgment pronounced against the house of Baasha. The prophet Jehu, son of Hanani, had previously delivered a message from the Lord to Baasha, condemning him for walking in the ways of Jeroboam and leading Israel into sin. As a result, God declared that Baasha's house would be utterly destroyed, similar to the fate of Jeroboam's lineage (1 Kings 16:1-4). Zimri's assassination of Elah and the subsequent extermination of Baasha's family fulfilled this prophecy. The Berean Standard Bible records: "As soon as Zimri began to reign and was seated on the throne, he struck down the entire household of Baasha. He did not leave a single male, whether a kinsman or friend. So Zimri destroyed the entire household of Baasha, according to the word that the LORD had spoken against Baasha through Jehu the prophet" (1 Kings 16:11-12). Legacy Elah's reign is often viewed as a continuation of the spiritual decline initiated by his predecessors. His brief and unremarkable rule serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the inevitable fulfillment of divine prophecy. Elah's assassination and the subsequent eradication of his family underscore the transient nature of power and the importance of faithfulness to God's commandments. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 16:6-14So Baasha slept with his fathers, and was buried in Tirzah: and Elah his son reigned in his stead. Nave's Topical Index Library Appendices Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Resources Who was King Elah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was King Zimri in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was King Omri in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |