1 Kings 16:6 - Jehu's Prophecy Against Baasha

New International Version
Baasha rested with his ancestors and was buried in Tirzah. And Elah his son succeeded him as king.New Living Translation
When Baasha died, he was buried in Tirzah. Then his son Elah became the next king.English Standard Version
And Baasha slept with his fathers and was buried at Tirzah, and Elah his son reigned in his place.Berean Standard Bible
And Baasha rested with his fathers and was buried in Tirzah, and his son Elah reigned in his place.King James Bible
So Baasha slept with his fathers, and was buried in Tirzah: and Elah his son reigned in his stead.New King James Version
So Baasha rested with his fathers and was buried in Tirzah. Then Elah his son reigned in his place.New American Standard Bible
And Baasha lay down with his fathers and was buried in Tirzah, and his son Elah became king in his place.NASB 1995
And Baasha slept with his fathers and was buried in Tirzah, and Elah his son became king in his place.NASB 1977
And Baasha slept with his fathers and was buried in Tirzah, and Elah his son became king in his place.Legacy Standard Bible
And Baasha slept with his fathers and was buried in Tirzah, and Elah his son became king in his place.Amplified Bible
Baasha slept with his fathers [in death] and was buried in Tirzah. Elah his son became king in his place.Christian Standard Bible
Baasha rested with his ancestors and was buried in Tirzah. His son Elah became king in his place.Holman Christian Standard Bible
Baasha rested with his fathers and was buried in Tirzah. His son Elah became king in his place. American Standard Version
And Baasha slept with his fathers, and was buried in Tirzah; and Elah his son reigned in his stead.English Revised Version
And Baasha slept with his fathers, and was buried in Tirzah; and Elah his son reigned in his stead.GOD'S WORD® Translation
Baasha lay down in death with his ancestors and was buried in Tirzah. His son Elah succeeded him as king.Good News Translation
Baasha died and was buried in Tirzah, and his son Elah succeeded him as king. International Standard Version
Eventually, Baasha died, as had his ancestors, and he was buried in Tirzah. His son Elah was installed as king in his place.Majority Standard Bible
And Baasha rested with his fathers and was buried in Tirzah, and his son Elah reigned in his place.NET Bible
Baasha passed away and was buried in Tirzah. His son Elah replaced him as king.New Heart English Bible
Baasha slept with his fathers, and was buried in Tirzah; and Elah his son reigned in his place.Webster's Bible Translation
So Baasha slept with his fathers, and was buried in Tirzah: and Elah his son reigned in his stead.World English Bible
Baasha slept with his fathers, and was buried in Tirzah; and Elah his son reigned in his place.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And Baasha lies with his fathers, and is buried in Tirzah, and his son Elah reigns in his stead.Young's Literal Translation
And Baasha lieth with his fathers, and is buried in Tirzah, and Elah his son reigneth in his stead.Smith's Literal Translation
And Baasha will lie down with his fathers, and will be buried in Tirzah and his son Elah will reign in his stead.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
So Baasa slept with his fathers, and was buried in Thersa: and Ela his son reigned in his stead. Catholic Public Domain Version
Then Baasha slept with his fathers, and he was buried at Tirzah. And Elah, his son, reigned in his place.New American Bible
Baasha rested with his ancestors; he was buried in Tirzah, and his son Elah succeeded him as king.New Revised Standard Version
Baasha slept with his ancestors, and was buried at Tirzah; and his son Elah succeeded him.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
So Baasha slept with his fathers and was buried in Tirzah; and Elah his son reigned in his stead.Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Baasha fell asleep with his parents, and he was buried in Terzah, and Elah his son reigned after him.

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And Baasa slept with his fathers, and was buried in Tirzah; and Elah his son reigned in his stead.Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Baasa slept with his fathers, and they bury him in Thersa; and Ela his son reigns in his stead.Additional Translations ...

And Baasha rested with his fathers
This phrase indicates the death of Baasha, the third king of the northern kingdom of Israel. The expression "rested with his fathers" is a common biblical euphemism for death, suggesting a joining with ancestors in the afterlife. It reflects the belief in an ongoing existence beyond death, a concept that is consistent throughout the Old Testament. Baasha's reign was marked by idolatry and conflict, and his death signifies the end of his dynasty's direct rule, as prophesied by the prophet Jehu (1 Kings 16:1-4).

and was buried in Tirzah
Tirzah served as the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel before Samaria. It was a city of significant political and strategic importance during Baasha's reign. Archaeological evidence suggests that Tirzah was a well-fortified city, which aligns with its role as a royal city. The burial of Baasha in Tirzah indicates the city's status and the customary practice of burying kings in prominent locations. This burial also reflects the cultural importance of honoring leaders with proper burial rites.

and his son Elah reigned in his place
Elah's succession to the throne follows the typical pattern of dynastic succession in ancient Israel, where the son inherits the kingship from his father. However, Elah's reign was short-lived and marked by instability, as he was assassinated by Zimri, one of his officials, after only two years (1 Kings 16:8-10). This transition highlights the political turmoil and frequent changes in leadership that characterized the northern kingdom. The instability of Elah's reign fulfills the prophecy against Baasha's house, demonstrating the consequences of disobedience to God’s commands.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Baasha
The third king of the northern kingdom of Israel, who reigned for 24 years. He came to power by overthrowing Nadab, the son of Jeroboam, and was known for his evil deeds in the sight of the Lord.

2. Elah
The son of Baasha, who succeeded him as king. His reign was short-lived due to his own assassination.

3. Tirzah
A city in the northern kingdom of Israel, which served as the capital before Samaria. It was a significant location during the reigns of several kings.

4. Rested with his fathers
A common biblical expression indicating death and burial, often used to denote the end of a king's reign.

5. Reigned in his place
This phrase signifies the transition of power from one king to another, a common occurrence in the historical accounts of the kings of Israel and Judah.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Sinful Leadership
Baasha's reign is marked by evil in the sight of the Lord, leading to a legacy of instability and violence. This serves as a reminder of the impact of ungodly leadership on a nation.

The Inevitability of Death and Transition
The phrase "rested with his fathers" underscores the inevitability of death and the transient nature of earthly power. It calls believers to focus on eternal values rather than temporal authority.

The Importance of Godly Succession
The transition from Baasha to Elah, and the subsequent turmoil, highlights the importance of preparing godly successors. Leaders should invest in raising up individuals who will continue to honor God.

The Role of Divine Judgment
Baasha's end and the subsequent events reflect God's judgment on those who lead His people astray. It serves as a warning to remain faithful and obedient to God's commands.

Lists and Questions

Top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 16What is Tirzah's biblical significance?(1 Kings 16:8-10) Do historical or archaeological records support the brief yet tumultuous reign of Elah, which ended with Zimri's coup?In what year of King Asa's reign did Baasha, King of Israel die? Twenty-sixth year (I Kings 15:33 - 16:8) Still alive in the thirty-sixth year (2 Chronicles 16:1)Who was King Zimri in the Bible?

Verse 6. - So Baasha slept with his fathers, and was buried in Tizrzah [cf. 1 Kings 15:21, 33. This place is twice mentioned as his residence], and Elah his son reigned in his stead. [It is perhaps more than a mere coincidence that this uncommon name, Elah ("terebinth," see note on 1 Kings 13:14), is also the name of the great valley (1 Samuel 17:2, 19; 1 Samuel 21:9) near to Gibbethon, where Baasha was proclaimed king.] Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

And Baasha
בַּעְשָׁא֙ (ba‘·šā)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1201: Baasha -- a king of Israel

rested
וַיִּשְׁכַּ֤ב (way·yiš·kaḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7901: To lie down

with
עִם־ (‘im-)
Preposition
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

his fathers
אֲבֹתָ֔יו (’ă·ḇō·ṯāw)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1: Father

and was buried
וַיִּקָּבֵ֖ר (way·yiq·qā·ḇêr)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6912: To inter

in Tirzah,
בְּתִרְצָ֑ה (bə·ṯir·ṣāh)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 8656: Tirzah -- daughter of Zelophehad, also a Canaanite city

and his son
בְנ֖וֹ (ḇə·nōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1121: A son

Elah
אֵלָ֥ה (’ê·lāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 425: Elah -- 'terebinth', an Israelite name, also an Edomite name

reigned
וַיִּמְלֹ֛ךְ (way·yim·lōḵ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4427: To reign, inceptively, to ascend the throne, to induct into royalty, to take counsel

in his place.
תַּחְתָּֽיו׃ (taḥ·tāw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 8478: The bottom, below, in lieu of

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1 Kings 16:6 Catholic BibleOT History: 1 Kings 16:6 Baasha slept with his fathers and was (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg)