Baasha

Bay´uh-shuh

The third king of Israel, who gained the throne by murdering his predecessor, Nadab (1Kgs 15:27-28). He later exterminated the house of Jeroboam (1Kgs 15:29). His long rule (twenty-four years) was labeled wicked and rebellious (1Kgs 15:34) and his own house was brought to a violent end when Zimri, an Israelite military commander, murdered Baasha’s son Elah, in accordance with the prophecy of Jehu (1Kgs 16:1-4). Baasha’s contemporary in Judah was Asa, with whom he battled throughout his reign. The main recorded incident was Baasha’s attempt to fortify Raman, resulting in Syrian intervention by the Syrian king Ben-hadad at the request and bribe of Asa (1Kgs 15:16-20).