1 Kings 15:17
1 Kings 15:17 in Multiple Translations
Baasha king of Israel went to war against Judah and fortified Ramah to prevent anyone from leaving or entering the territory of Asa king of Judah.
And Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah, and built Ramah, that he might not suffer any to go out or come in to Asa king of Judah.
And Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah, and built Ramah, that he might not suffer any one to go out or come in to Asa king of Judah.
And Baasha, king of Israel, went up against Judah, building Ramah, so that no one was able to go out or in to Asa, king of Judah.
Baasha, king of Israel, attacked Judah and fortified Ramah to stop people coming from or going to Asa, king of Judah.
Then Baasha king of Israel went vp against Iudah, and buylt Ramah, so that he woulde let none go out or in to Asa King of Iudah.
and Baasha king of Israel goeth up against Judah, and buildeth Ramah, not to permit any one going out and coming in to Asa king of Judah.
Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah, and built Ramah, that he might not allow anyone to go out or come in to Asa king of Judah.
And Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah, and built Ramah, that he might not suffer any to go out or come in to Asa king of Judah.
And Baasa king of Israel went up against Juda, and built Rama, that no man might go out or come in, of the side of Asa king of Juda.
Baasha’s army invaded Judah. They captured Ramah town north of Jerusalem. Then they started to build a wall around it in order to prevent people from entering or leaving the area in Judah that was ruled by King Asa.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 15:17
BAB
Word Study
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Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Kings 15:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּ֨עַל
בַּעְשָׁ֤א
מֶֽלֶךְ
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
עַל
יְהוּדָ֔ה
וַ/יִּ֖בֶן
אֶת
הָ/רָמָ֑ה
לְ/בִלְתִּ֗י
תֵּ֚ת
יֹצֵ֣א
וָ/בָ֔א
לְ/אָסָ֖א
מֶ֥לֶךְ
יְהוּדָֽה
וַ/יַּ֨עַל
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בַּעְשָׁ֤א
Baʻshâʼ
H1201
Baasha
N-proper
מֶֽלֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
N-ms
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
יְהוּדָ֔ה
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
Judah
N-proper
וַ/יִּ֖בֶן
bânâh
H1129
to build
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הָ/רָמָ֑ה
Râmâh
H7414
Ramah
Art | N-proper
לְ/בִלְתִּ֗י
biltîy
H1115
lest
Prep | Conj
תֵּ֚ת
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Inf-a
יֹצֵ֣א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
V-Qal
וָ/בָ֔א
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal
לְ/אָסָ֖א
ʼÂçâʼ
H609
Asa
Prep | N-proper
מֶ֥לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
N-ms
יְהוּדָֽה
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
Judah
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 15:17
וַ/יַּ֨עַל
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
בַּעְשָׁ֤א
Baʻshâʼ
H1201
"Baasha"
N-proper
Baasha was a king of Israel, mentioned in 1 Kings 15:16, who killed King Nadab and founded the second dynasty of the northern kingdom of Israel.
Definition: A king of the Kingdom of Israel, living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ki.15.16; son of: Ahijah (H0281I); father of: Elah (H0425H) § Baasha = "wicked" third king of the northern kingdom of Israel and the founder of its second dynasty having killed the second king, Nadab
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: Baasha. See also: 1 Kings 15:16; 1 Kings 16:6; Jeremiah 41:9.
מֶֽלֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
יְהוּדָ֔ה
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
"Judah"
N-proper
Judah is the name of the tribe descended from Judah, the son of Jacob. It is also the name of the region where the tribe lived. The name means 'praised' and is first mentioned in Genesis.
Definition: § Judah = "praised" the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob
Usage: Occurs in 754 OT verses. KJV: Judah. See also: Genesis 29:35; 1 Samuel 23:3; 2 Kings 14:13.
וַ/יִּ֖בֶן
bânâh
H1129
"to build"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word bânâh means to build something, like a house or a family. It can also mean to establish or repair something, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to build, rebuild, establish, cause to continue 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to build, rebuild 1a2) to build a house (ie, establish a family) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be built 1b2) to be rebuilt 1b3) established (of restored exiles) (fig.) 1b4) established (made permanent) 1b5) to be built up (of childless wife becoming the mother of a family through the children of a concubine) Aramaic equivalent: be.nah (בְּנָה "to build" H1124)
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: (begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:22; 1 Kings 8:48; 2 Chronicles 20:8.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הָ/רָמָ֑ה
Râmâh
H7414
"Ramah"
Art | N-proper
Ramah, a city in Palestine, was a place of battle between Israel and Syria.
Definition: Ramah = "hill" a place of battle between Israel and Syria Another name of ra.mot gi.l.ad (רָמֹת "Ramoth" H7433)
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: Ramah. See also: Joshua 18:25; 1 Samuel 25:1; Isaiah 10:29.
לְ/בִלְתִּ֗י
biltîy
H1115
"lest"
Prep | Conj
This Hebrew word means not or except, and is often used with a prepositional prefix. It appears in various forms, such as not, except, or unless, and is used in many biblical passages.
Definition: subst 1) not, except adv 2) not 3) except (after preceding negation) conj 4) except (after an implied or expressed negation) with prep 5) so as not, in order not 6) an account of not, because...not 7) until not
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: because un(satiable), beside, but, [phrase] continual, except, from, lest, neither, no more, none, not, nothing, save, that no, without. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Kings 12:9; Isaiah 10:4.
תֵּ֚ת
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Inf-a
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
יֹצֵ֣א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
וָ/בָ֔א
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
לְ/אָסָ֖א
ʼÂçâʼ
H609
"Asa"
Prep | N-proper
Asa was a king of Judah, son of Abijam, who ruled wisely and brought peace to the land, as recorded in 1 Kings 15:11-15 and 2 Chronicles 14-16.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at 1Ch.9.16; son of: Elkanah (H0511K); father of: Berechiah (H1296I) § Asa = "healer: injurious (?)" 1) king of Judah, son of Abijam, father of Jehoshaphat 2) a Levite
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: Asa. See also: 1 Kings 15:8; 2 Chronicles 13:23; Jeremiah 41:9.
מֶ֥לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
יְהוּדָֽה
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
"Judah"
N-proper
Judah is the name of the tribe descended from Judah, the son of Jacob. It is also the name of the region where the tribe lived. The name means 'praised' and is first mentioned in Genesis.
Definition: § Judah = "praised" the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob
Usage: Occurs in 754 OT verses. KJV: Judah. See also: Genesis 29:35; 1 Samuel 23:3; 2 Kings 14:13.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 15:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 15:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 15:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 15:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 15:17
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 15:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 15:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 15:17
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 15:17
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 15:17
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 15:17
- Sermons on 1 Kings 15:17
Context — War between Asa and Baasha
15And he brought into the house of the LORD the silver and gold and the articles that he and his father had dedicated.
16Now there was war between Asa and Baasha king of Israel throughout their days.
17Baasha king of Israel went to war against Judah and fortified Ramah to prevent anyone from leaving or entering the territory of Asa king of Judah.
18So Asa withdrew all the silver and gold that remained in the treasuries of the house of the LORD and the royal palace. He entrusted it to his servants and sent them with this message to Ben-hadad son of Tabrimmon, the son of Hezion, the king of Aram, who was ruling in Damascus: 19“Let there be a treaty between me and you as there was between my father and your father. See, I have sent you a gift of silver and gold. Now go and break your treaty with Baasha king of Israel, so that he will withdraw from me.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Kings 12:27 | If these people go up to offer sacrifices in the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, their hearts will return to their lord, Rehoboam king of Judah; then they will kill me and return to Rehoboam king of Judah.” |
| 2 | 2 Chronicles 16:1–6 | In the thirty-sixth year of Asa’s reign, Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah and fortified Ramah to prevent anyone from leaving or entering the territory of Asa king of Judah. So Asa withdrew the silver and gold from the treasuries of the house of the LORD and the royal palace, and he sent it with this message to Ben-hadad king of Aram, who was ruling in Damascus: “Let there be a treaty between me and you, between my father and your father. See, I have sent you silver and gold. Now go and break your treaty with Baasha king of Israel, so that he will withdraw from me.” And Ben-hadad listened to King Asa and sent the commanders of his armies against the cities of Israel, conquering Ijon, Dan, Abel-maim, and all the store cities of Naphtali. When Baasha learned of this, he stopped fortifying Ramah and abandoned his work. Then King Asa brought all the men of Judah, and they carried away the stones of Ramah and the timbers Baasha had used for building. And with these materials he built up Geba and Mizpah. |
| 3 | Joshua 18:25 | Gibeon, Ramah, Beeroth, |
| 4 | 1 Kings 15:21–22 | When Baasha learned of this, he stopped fortifying Ramah and withdrew to Tirzah. Then King Asa summoned all the men of Judah, with no exceptions, and they carried away the stones of Ramah and the timbers Baasha had used for building. And with these materials King Asa built up Geba of Benjamin, as well as Mizpah. |
| 5 | 1 Kings 15:27 | Then Baasha son of Ahijah of the house of Issachar conspired against Nadab, and Baasha struck him down at Gibbethon of the Philistines while Nadab and all Israel were besieging the city. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 31:15 | This is what the LORD says: “A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping, Rachel weeping for her children, and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.” |
| 7 | 2 Chronicles 11:13–17 | Moreover, the priests and Levites from all their districts throughout Israel stood with Rehoboam. For the Levites left their pasturelands and their possessions and went to Judah and Jerusalem, because Jeroboam and his sons had rejected them as priests of the LORD. And Jeroboam appointed his own priests for the high places and for the goat demons and calf idols he had made. Those from every tribe of Israel who had set their hearts to seek the LORD their God followed the Levites to Jerusalem to sacrifice to the LORD, the God of their fathers. So they strengthened the kingdom of Judah and supported Rehoboam son of Solomon for three years, because they walked for three years in the way of David and Solomon. |
| 8 | 1 Samuel 15:34 | Then Samuel went to Ramah, but Saul went up to his home in Gibeah of Saul. |
1 Kings 15:17 Summary
This verse tells us that Baasha, the king of Israel, went to war against Judah and built a wall around the city of Ramah to control who could come and go. This was a way for him to exert power over King Asa and the people of Judah, similar to the way the Philistines controlled the city of Geba in 1 Samuel 13:3. As Christians, we can learn from this situation by trusting in the Lord's sovereignty and provision, even in difficult times (Psalm 37:3-7, Proverbs 3:5-6), and seeking His guidance and wisdom in our relationships and conflicts (Matthew 5:38-42, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7). By doing so, we can avoid relying solely on human strength and strategy, and instead, trust in the Lord's power and love to guide us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Baasha king of Israel go to war against Judah?
Baasha went to war against Judah because of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Judah, as mentioned in 1 Kings 15:16, and he wanted to exert control over the region by fortifying Ramah, a strategic location, to restrict the movement of people and goods in and out of Judah, much like the siege described in 2 Kings 6:24-25.
What was the significance of Ramah in this context?
Ramah was a key location that controlled access to Judah, and by fortifying it, Baasha aimed to limit King Asa's ability to trade, receive supplies, or seek help from other nations, similar to the way the Philistines controlled the city of Geba in 1 Samuel 13:3.
How did this conflict affect King Asa's relationship with the Lord?
The conflict with Baasha led King Asa to rely on his own resources and form alliances with other nations, such as Aram, as seen in 1 Kings 15:18-19, rather than trusting solely in the Lord, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Psalm 37:3-7.
What can we learn from Baasha's actions in this verse?
Baasha's actions demonstrate the importance of trusting in the Lord and seeking His guidance in times of conflict, rather than relying solely on human strength and strategy, as warned in Psalm 20:7 and Jeremiah 17:5-8.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when faced with conflicts or challenges, and what can I learn from King Asa's and Baasha's responses in this situation?
- In what ways can I trust in the Lord's sovereignty and provision, even in the midst of difficult circumstances, as encouraged in Romans 8:28-30 and Philippians 4:13?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be relying on my own strength or human alliances, rather than seeking the Lord's guidance and wisdom, as warned in Jeremiah 17:5-8?
- How can I apply the principles of trust, faith, and humility in my own relationships and conflicts, as demonstrated in Matthew 5:38-42 and 1 Corinthians 13:4-7?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 15:17
And Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah,.... Which, in 2 Chronicles 16:1 is said to be in the thirty sixth year of Asa's reign, or rather of his kingdom; for it can never mean the year of his
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 15:17
And Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah, and built Ramah, that he might not suffer any to go out or come in to Asa king of Judah. Built Ramah - i:e., fortified it (cf.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 15:17
Baasha went up against Judah; perceiving Asa’ s great success, of which see 2Ch 14 2 Chronicles 15, and the defection of many of his own subjects to him upon that occasion, , he began to bestir himself, and commenceth a war against him. Built, i.e. repaired and fortified, Ramah, a city of Benjamin; which either belonged to the kingdom of Israel, from the division, (as some other places of that tribe are supposed to have done; of which See Poole "",) or belonged to Judah, but was now invaded and taken by Baasha, and fortified. That he might not suffer any to go out or come in to Asa king of Judah; therefore he chose this place, because it was in the way from his kingdom to Jerusalem, and, as some add, in or near the straits of the mountains, where they could easily discover and hinder all passengers that way.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 15:17
1 Kings 15:17 And Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah, and built Ramah, that he might not suffer any to go out or come in to Asa king of Judah.Ver. 17. That he might not suffer any.] He sought to block him up, and so to keep his own people - who had a mind to the sincere service of God - from flying away to him.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 15:17
(17) Built Ramah.—Ramah, or properly, the Ramah—the word signifying only “elevation”—is mentioned in Joshua 18:25 as a city of Benjamin, situated (see Jos. Ant. viii. 12, 3) about five miles north of Jerusalem. It is mentioned in Judges 4:5; Judges 19:13; Isaiah 10:29; Jeremiah 40:1, and is identified with the village known as Er-Ram at the present day.This fortification of Ramah close to the hostile capital—like the fortification of Decelea, near Athens, in the Peloponnesian war—was a standing menace to Judah. Baasha, who was a military chief, seems to have been warned by the ill-success of former attempts to invade and subjugate Judah, and to have used this easier means of keeping the enemy in check, and provoking a conflict—if a conflict there was to be—on his own ground. The text, however, implies a further design to blockade the road between the kingdoms, perhaps explained by the statement, in 2 Chronicles 15:9-10, of the falling away of many from Israel to Asa, now in the height of his prosperity. The new fortress was, no doubt, supported by all the military force of Israel, which Asa, in spite of his increased strength, dared not attack.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 15:17
Verse 17. And Baasha - built Ramah] As the word signifies a high place, what is here termed Ramah was probably a hill, (commanding a defile through which lay the principal road to Jerusalem,) which Baasha fortified in order to prevent all intercourse with the kingdom of Judah, lest his subjects should cleave to the house of David. Ramah was about two leagues northward of Jerusalem.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 15:17
17. went up against Judah and built Ramah] This act of Baasha’s shews us that Israel must by this time have recovered some of the power and territory which had been taken from them in Jeroboam’s reign (2 Chronicles 13:19). Ramah, though lying in the hill country of Ephraim, was among the places allotted to the tribe of Benjamin (Joshua 18:25), so that it must have been very near to Jerusalem, and to make a fortress of it, as Baasha was now doing, was like making a blockade of Jerusalem, a condition which is described in the words which immediately follow.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 15:17
Ramah (perhaps “Er-Ram;” marginal reference) was situated halfway between Bethel and Jerusalem. Its distance from Jerusalem was no more than five miles so that its occupation was a menace to that capital.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 15:17
17. Built Ramah — That is, he attempted to fortify it so as to make it a fortress for his troops; and since Ramah lay midway between Beth-el and Jerusalem, it was a choice spot to serve his purpose
Sermons on 1 Kings 15:17
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Disobedience and Death of Asa by Chuck Smith | In his sermon, Chuck Smith discusses the disobedience and eventual death of King Asa, emphasizing how Asa's reliance on human strategy rather than faith in God led to his downfall. |
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The Birth of the Infant Lord by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the three disasters that have engulfed the human race: total, moral, and spiritual disaster. He emphasizes the importance of understanding th |
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Internship Program Study Part 1 by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeing God work in the lives of believers. He explains that although perfection may not be achieved in a short period of t |
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(Matthew) True Worshipers by Pat Kenney | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living for Christ and not being deceived by the temporary pleasures of the world. He quotes Matthew 10, where Jesus states |
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008 the Exceeding Value of Christ by David Servant | This sermon delves into the tragic event of King Herod's slaughter of innocent children in Bethlehem, exploring the questions of why God allowed such a horrific event to occur. It |
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God Guides the Faithful by David Servant | This sermon delves into the guidance of God, using the story of Joseph being led through dreams and obedience. It emphasizes the importance of following God's general commandments |
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Love and Hatred at the Birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ by Ian Paisley | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of growing in the knowledge and understanding of Christ's love. He encourages the listeners to reflect on the sacrifice of Je |