1 Kings 16 1

1 Kings 16:1 kjv

Then the word of the LORD came to Jehu the son of Hanani against Baasha, saying,

1 Kings 16:1 nkjv

Then the word of the LORD came to Jehu the son of Hanani, against Baasha, saying:

1 Kings 16:1 niv

Then the word of the LORD came to Jehu son of Hanani concerning Baasha:

1 Kings 16:1 esv

And the word of the LORD came to Jehu the son of Hanani against Baasha, saying,

1 Kings 16:1 nlt

This message from the LORD was delivered to King Baasha by the prophet Jehu son of Hanani:

1 Kings 16 verses

1 Kings 16 1 Meaning

This verse declares the divine origin of a prophetic message concerning Baasha, king of Israel. It states that "the word of the Lord" came directly to Jehu, the prophet and son of Hanani, indicating a definitive and authoritative communication from God Himself. The phrase "against Baasha" immediately sets the tone for an oracle of judgment or strong rebuke, positioning God's divine authority directly opposite Baasha's actions and reign. It highlights that God remains sovereign over earthly kings, even those who establish their own power through violent means, and His word will judge their deeds.

1 Kings 16 1 Context

First Kings chapter 16 opens amidst a turbulent period in the history of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, characterized by rapid dynastic changes, political assassinations, and pervasive idolatry. The previous chapters detailed the apostasy of King Jeroboam and the swift, bloody end of his dynasty by Baasha. Baasha ascended to the throne by assassinating Nadab, Jeroboam's son, thereby fulfilling the prophecy spoken by Ahijah (1 Ki 14:10-14, 15:29). Despite acting as God's instrument for this judgment, Baasha himself did not turn Israel back to the Lord but continued and entrenched the idolatrous practices established by Jeroboam, specifically the worship of golden calves at Bethel and Dan. This verse marks the beginning of God's direct pronouncement of judgment upon Baasha, echoing the pattern of divine accountability that permeated the narratives of both kingdoms and underscoring the overarching theme in Kings: covenant obedience leads to blessing, and disobedience to severe consequences, including the termination of royal lines.

1 Kings 16 1 Word analysis

• Then: (וַיְהִי - va·ye·hi) This connective indicates a temporal sequence, linking this divine communication directly to the preceding events of Baasha's reign and setting the stage for the fulfillment of divine judgment that follows. It highlights God's immediate response to Baasha's continuing wickedness.
• the word of the LORD: (דְבַר יְהוָה - devar Yahweh) This is a fundamental and frequently used prophetic formula throughout the Hebrew Scriptures. It emphasizes that the message originates directly from Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, signifying divine authority, infallibility, and a declaration that cannot be resisted or negated by human will or power. It contrasts the instability of human reigns with the steadfastness of God's decree.
• came: (הָיָה - hayah) Literally "was" or "became," in this context it means "came to be" or "came upon," signifying an active, direct, and purposeful divine communication reaching the prophet. It implies God's intentional self-disclosure through His messenger.
• to Jehu: (אֶל־יֵהוּא - 'el Yehu') Jehu, whose name means "He is Yahweh" or "Yahweh is He," is specifically identified as the recipient of the divine word. He serves as God's appointed spokesman, underscoring the vital role of prophets as conduits of divine will to kings and nations.
• the son of Hanani: This patriarchal lineage immediately identifies Jehu not just as a random individual but as part of a recognized prophetic family. Hanani, his father, was also a prophet who challenged King Asa of Judah (2 Chr 16:7-10), indicating a legacy of prophetic boldness and a divine anointing that transcended the political boundaries of the divided monarchy.
• against Baasha: (עַל־בַּעְשָׁא - 'al-Ba‘sha') The preposition "against" (al) signifies that the message is directed in opposition to or in condemnation of Baasha, indicating an oracle of judgment, rebuke, or accusation. It clarifies that Baasha's reign, despite its military successes, has failed to secure God's favor.
• saying: (לֵאמֹר - le'mor) This Hebrew infinitive often introduces direct speech or a verbatim quote. It indicates that the following verses contain the precise message that Jehu received from the Lord and is now to deliver without alteration or compromise.

Words-group Analysis

• "the word of the Lord came": This entire phrase encapsulates the prophetic process, highlighting God's initiative in revelation. It underscores that true prophetic utterance is not from human conjecture or political opportunism but is divinely initiated, demonstrating God's active involvement in the history and governance of His people, especially concerning the behavior of their rulers. This phrase signals the authoritative nature of the subsequent message.
• "to Jehu the son of Hanani against Baasha": This grouping provides essential information about the prophet and the target of the prophecy. It underscores God's deliberate choice of messenger and recipient. By identifying Jehu as "the son of Hanani," the text connects him to a known prophetic lineage, adding weight and historical context to his mission. The specific target, Baasha, confirms God's detailed and particular oversight of human kings and their actions. This precision demonstrates God's judicial intent.

1 Kings 16 1 Bonus section

The repetitive use of the formula "the word of the Lord came to [prophet]" throughout Kings and the prophetic books signifies more than a mere historical record; it acts as a theological statement about divine immanence and continued active participation in the affairs of humanity. This structure often precedes moments of crucial judgment, redirection, or revelation. Furthermore, the selection of Jehu, son of Hanani, not only leverages a recognized prophetic lineage (Hanani having rebuked King Asa of Judah) but also demonstrates that God's concern for covenant faithfulness extended beyond the Southern Kingdom, showing His consistent standards and unyielding pursuit of justice in both Judah and Israel despite their political division. This highlights a universal application of divine law, transcending geopolitical boundaries.

1 Kings 16 1 Commentary

First Kings 16:1 initiates a powerful divine judgment against King Baasha of Israel, framing the ensuing narrative of his demise within God's absolute sovereignty. The immediate appearance of "the word of the Lord" coming "to Jehu the son of Hanani" highlights that even the violent accession and apparent stability of a monarch like Baasha is ultimately under God's discerning eye and judgment. This verse reinforces the recurring biblical truth that God is the true King-maker and King-breaker, who raises up and tears down rulers according to His perfect will and righteousness, often through the agency of His prophets. Despite Baasha's earlier role as God's instrument against the house of Jeroboam, his perpetuation of the very idolatry he was used to judge rendered him equally accountable and ripe for divine retribution. This sequence underscores a critical spiritual principle: God demands holiness and covenant fidelity from all, especially those in authority, and no human power can withstand the direct word of the Almighty. It serves as a stern warning that failing to obey God’s laws, even after benefiting from His judgment on others, ensures a similar fate.