1 Kings 15:28

Euen in the third yeere of Asa king of Iudah, did Baasha slay him, and reigned in his stead. 1 Kings 15:28 (KJV)

Context: To better understand the significance of 1 Kings 15:28, let’s first consider the context. This verse is part of the historical account of the divided kingdom after the reign of King Solomon, when the united kingdom split into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. The verse specifically refers to events involving King Baasha in the northern kingdom.

Historical Background: Before delving into the verse itself, it’s helpful to know some background. King Baasha ruled over Israel for twenty‑two years, according to the KJV (1 Kings 15:34), and he came to power by killing Nadab, the son of Jeroboam, whom he succeeded. Baasha’s rise to the throne was a result of his conspiracy against Nadab, not a rebellion against King Jeroboam himself. After becoming king, Baasha later eliminated the remaining members of Jeroboam’s house (1 Kings 15:30).

Verse Analysis – 1 Kings 15:28 (KJV): “And Baasha the son of Ahijah, that was of Issachar, conspired against him, slew him, and reigned in his stead.”

Third Year of Asa: The reference to the third year of Asa belongs to the following verse (1 Kings 15:29), which states that Baasha began to reign over Israel in the third year of King Asa of Judah. Asa was regarded as a righteous king who pursued religious reforms, but the murder of Nadab occurred prior to Asa’s third year; Asa’s third year simply marks the start of Baasha’s reign.

Baasha, the king of Israel, murdered Nadab, the son of Jeroboam, and then assumed the throne of Israel. He later eradicated the surviving members of Jeroboam’s family, consolidating his rule over the northern kingdom.