1 Kings Chapter 15 · Verse 21
And it came to pass, when Baasha heard thereof, that he left off building of Ramah, and dwelt in Tirzah.
Original Language Analysis
וַֽיְהִי֙
H1961
וַֽיְהִי֙
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 9
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
כִּשְׁמֹ֣עַ
heard
H8085
כִּשְׁמֹ֣עַ
heard
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
2 of 9
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
וַיֶּחְדַּ֕ל
thereof that he left off
H2308
וַיֶּחְדַּ֕ל
thereof that he left off
Strong's:
H2308
Word #:
4 of 9
properly, to be flabby, i.e., (by implication) desist; (figuratively) be lacking or idle
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. This period (c. 930-850 BCE) saw rapid succession and instability, especially in the northern kingdom.
Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this passage illustrate the importance of complete obedience to God's word without compromise?
- What does Elijah's ministry reveal about God's character and His commitment to His covenant people?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Analysis & Commentary
And it came to pass, when Baasha heard thereof, that he left off building of Ramah, and dwelt in Tirzah.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of kings of judah and israel: abijam, asa, nadab, baasha, within the book's focus on spiritual decline of both kingdoms under various rulers.
The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.