1 Kings Chapter 16

Jehu's Prophecy against Baasha

1Then the word of the LORD came to Jehu the son of Hanani against Baasha, saying, 2Forasmuch as I exalted thee out of the dust, and made thee prince over my people Israel; and thou hast walked in the way of Jeroboam, and hast made my people Israel to sin, to provoke me to anger with their sins; 3Behold, I will take away the posterity of Baasha, and the posterity of his house; and will make thy house like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat. 4Him that dieth of Baasha in the city shall the dogs eat; and him that dieth of his in the fields shall the fowls of the air eat.

5Now the rest of the acts of Baasha, and what he did, and his might, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?

6So Baasha slept with his fathers, and was buried in Tirzah: and Elah his son reigned in his stead. 7And also by the hand of the prophet Jehu the son of Hanani came the word of the LORD against Baasha, and against his house, even for all the evil that he did in the sight of the LORD, in provoking him to anger with the work of his hands, in being like the house of Jeroboam; and because he killed him.

Elah Reigns in Israel

8In the twenty and sixth year of Asa king of Judah began Elah the son of Baasha to reign over Israel in Tirzah, two years. 9And his servant Zimri, captain of half his chariots, conspired against him, as he was in Tirzah, drinking himself drunk in the house of Arza steward of his house in Tirzah. 10And Zimri went in and smote him, and killed him, in the twenty and seventh year of Asa king of Judah, and reigned in his stead. 11And it came to pass, when he began to reign, as soon as he sat on his throne, that he slew all the house of Baasha: he left him not one that pisseth against a wall, neither of his kinsfolks, nor of his friends.

12Thus did Zimri destroy all the house of Baasha, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake against Baasha by Jehu the prophet, 13For all the sins of Baasha, and the sins of Elah his son, by which they sinned, and by which they made Israel to sin, in provoking the LORD God of Israel to anger with their vanities. 14Now the rest of the acts of Elah, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?

Zimri Reigns in Israel

15In the twenty and seventh year of Asa king of Judah did Zimri reign seven days in Tirzah. And the people were encamped against Gibbethon, which belonged to the Philistines. 16And the people that were encamped heard say, Zimri hath conspired, and hath also slain the king: wherefore all Israel made Omri, the captain of the host, king over Israel that day in the camp. 17And Omri went up from Gibbethon, and all Israel with him, and they besieged Tirzah. 18And it came to pass, when Zimri saw that the city was taken, that he went into the palace of the king's house, and burnt the king's house over him with fire, and died, 19For his sins which he sinned in doing evil in the sight of the LORD, in walking in the way of Jeroboam, and in his sin which he did, to make Israel to sin. 20Now the rest of the acts of Zimri, and his treason that he wrought, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?

Omri Reigns in Israel

21Then were the people of Israel divided into two parts: half of the people followed Tibni the son of Ginath, to make him king; and half followed Omri. 22But the people that followed Omri prevailed against the people that followed Tibni the son of Ginath: so Tibni died, and Omri reigned. 23In the thirty and first year of Asa king of Judah began Omri to reign over Israel, twelve years: six years reigned he in Tirzah. 24And he bought the hill Samaria of Shemer for two talents of silver, and built on the hill, and called the name of the city which he built, after the name of Shemer, owner of the hill, Samaria.

25But Omri wrought evil in the eyes of the LORD, and did worse than all that were before him. 26For he walked in all the way of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and in his sin wherewith he made Israel to sin, to provoke the LORD God of Israel to anger with their vanities. 27Now the rest of the acts of Omri which he did, and his might that he shewed, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel? 28So Omri slept with his fathers, and was buried in Samaria: and Ahab his son reigned in his stead.

Ahab Reigns in Israel, Marries Jezebel

29And in the thirty and eighth year of Asa king of Judah began Ahab the son of Omri to reign over Israel: and Ahab the son of Omri reigned over Israel in Samaria twenty and two years. 30And Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD above all that were before him.

31And it came to pass, as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took to wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Zidonians, and went and served Baal, and worshipped him. 32And he reared up an altar for Baal in the house of Baal, which he had built in Samaria. 33And Ahab made a grove; and Ahab did more to provoke the LORD God of Israel to anger than all the kings of Israel that were before him. 34In his days did Hiel the Bethelite build Jericho: he laid the foundation thereof in Abiram his firstborn, and set up the gates thereof in his youngest son Segub, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Joshua the son of Nun.

King James Bible

Text courtesy of BibleProtector.com.

Jehu’s Prophecy against Baasha

1 The word of Yahweh came to Jehu the son of Hanani against Baasha, saying, 2 “Because I exalted you out of the dust, and made you prince over my people Israel, and you have walked in the way of Jeroboam, and have made my people Israel to sin, to provoke me to anger with their sins; 3 behold, I will utterly sweep away Baasha and his house; and I will make your house like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat. 4 The dogs will eat Baasha’s descendants who die in the city; and he who dies of his in the field the birds of the sky will eat.”

5 Now the rest of the acts of Baasha, and what he did, and his might, aren’t they written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?

6 Baasha slept with his fathers, and was buried in Tirzah; and Elah his son reigned in his place. 7 Moreover by the prophet Jehu the son of Hanani came the word of Yahweh against Baasha, and against his house, both because of all the evil that he did in the sight of Yahweh, to provoke him to anger with the work of his hands, in being like the house of Jeroboam, and because he struck him.

Elah Reigns in Israel

8 In the twenty-sixth year of Asa king of Judah, Elah the son of Baasha began to reign over Israel in Tirzah for two years. 9 His servant Zimri, captain of half his chariots, conspired against him. Now he was in Tirzah, drinking himself drunk in the house of Arza, who was over the household in Tirzah: 10 and Zimri went in and struck him, and killed him, in the twenty-seventh year of Asa king of Judah, and reigned in his place. 11 It happened, when he began to reign, as soon as he sat on his throne, that he struck all the house of Baasha: he didn’t leave him a single one who urinates on a wall, neither of his relatives, nor of his friends.

12 Thus Zimri destroyed all the house of Baasha, according to the word of Yahweh, which he spoke against Baasha by Jehu the prophet, 13 for all the sins of Baasha, and the sins of Elah his son, which they sinned, and with which they made Israel to sin, to provoke Yahweh, the God of Israel, to anger with their vanities. 14 Now the rest of the acts of Elah, and all that he did, aren’t they written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?

Zimri Reigns in Israel

15 In the twenty-seventh year of Asa king of Judah, Zimri reigned seven days in Tirzah. Now the people were encamped against Gibbethon, which belonged to the Philistines. 16 The people who were encamped heard say, Zimri has conspired, and has also struck the king: therefore all Israel made Omri, the captain of the army, king over Israel that day in the camp. 17 Omri went up from Gibbethon, and all Israel with him, and they besieged Tirzah. 18 It happened, when Zimri saw that the city was taken, that he went into the castle of the king’s house, and burnt the king’s house over him with fire, and died, 19 for his sins which he sinned in doing that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, in walking in the way of Jeroboam, and in his sin which he did, to make Israel to sin. 20 Now the rest of the acts of Zimri, and his treason that he committed, aren’t they written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?

Omri Reigns in Israel

21 Then were the people of Israel divided into two parts: half of the people followed Tibni the son of Ginath, to make him king; and half followed Omri. 22 But the people who followed Omri prevailed against the people who followed Tibni the son of Ginath: so Tibni died, and Omri reigned. 23 In the thirty-first year of Asa king of Judah, Omri began to reign over Israel for twelve years. He reigned six years in Tirzah. 24 He bought the hill Samaria of Shemer for two talents of silver; and he built on the hill, and called the name of the city which he built, after the name of Shemer, the owner of the hill, Samaria.

25 Omri did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, and dealt wickedly above all who were before him. 26 For he walked in all the way of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and in his sins with which he made Israel to sin, to provoke Yahweh, the God of Israel, to anger with their vanities. 27 Now the rest of the acts of Omri which he did, and his might that he showed, aren’t they written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel? 28 So Omri slept with his fathers, and was buried in Samaria; and Ahab his son reigned in his place.

Ahab Reigns in Israel, Marries Jezebel

29 In the thirty-eighth year of Asa king of Judah began Ahab the son of Omri to reign over Israel: and Ahab the son of Omri reigned over Israel in Samaria twenty-two years. 30 Ahab the son of Omri did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh above all that were before him.

31 It happened, as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took as wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and went and served Baal, and worshiped him. 32 He reared up an altar for Baal in the house of Baal, which he had built in Samaria. 33 Ahab made the Asherah; and Ahab did yet more to provoke Yahweh, the God of Israel, to anger than all the kings of Israel who were before him. 34 In his days Hiel the Bethelite built Jericho: he laid its foundation with the loss of Abiram his firstborn, and set up its gates with the loss of his youngest son Segub, according to the word of Yahweh, which he spoke by Joshua the son of Nun.

Jehu’s Prophecy against Baasha

1 Then the word of the LORD came to Jehu son of Hanani against Baasha, saying: 2 “Even though I lifted you out of the dust and made you ruler over My people Israel, you have walked in the way of Jeroboam and have caused My people Israel to sin and to provoke Me to anger by their sins. 3 So now I will consume Baasha and his house, and I will make your house like that of Jeroboam son of Nebat:

4 Anyone belonging to Baasha who dies in the city

will be eaten by dogs,

and anyone who dies in the field

will be eaten by the birds of the air.”

5 As for the rest of the acts of Baasha, along with his accomplishments and might, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel? 6 And Baasha rested with his fathers and was buried in Tirzah, and his son Elah reigned in his place.

7 Moreover, the word of the LORD came through the prophet Jehu son of Hanani against Baasha and his house, because of all the evil he had done in the sight of the LORD, provoking Him to anger with the work of his hands and becoming like the house of Jeroboam, and also because Baasha had struck down the house of Jeroboam.

Elah Reigns in Israel

8 In the twenty-sixth year of Asa’s reign over Judah, Elah son of Baasha became king of Israel, and he reigned in Tirzah two years.

9 However, while Elah was in Tirzah getting drunk in the house of Arza the steward of his household there, Elah’s servant Zimri, the commander of half his chariots, conspired against him. 10 So in the twenty-seventh year of Asa’s reign over Judah, Zimri went in, struck Elah down, and killed him. And Zimri reigned in his place.

11 As soon as Zimri began to reign and was seated on the throne, he struck down the entire household of Baasha. He did not leave a single male, whether a kinsman or friend. 12 So Zimri destroyed the entire household of Baasha, according to the word that the LORD had spoken against Baasha through Jehu the prophet. 13 This happened because of all the sins Baasha and his son Elah had committed and had caused Israel to commit, provoking the LORD, the God of Israel, to anger with their worthless idols.

14 As for the rest of the acts of Elah, along with all his accomplishments, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel?

Zimri Reigns in Israel

15 In the twenty-seventh year of Asa’s reign over Judah, Zimri reigned in Tirzah for seven days. Now the troops were encamped against Gibbethon of the Philistines, 16 and the people in the camp heard that Zimri had not only conspired but had also struck down the king. So there in the camp that very day, all Israel proclaimed Omri, the commander of the army, king over Israel.

17 Then Omri and all the Israelites marched up from Gibbethon and besieged Tirzah. 18 When Zimri saw that the city was captured, he entered the citadel of the royal palace and burned it down upon himself. So he died 19 because of the sins he had committed, doing evil in the sight of the LORD and following the example of Jeroboam and the sin he had committed and had caused Israel to commit.

20 As for the rest of the acts of Zimri and the treason he committed, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel?

Omri Reigns in Israel

21 At that time the people of Israel were divided: Half of the people supported Tibni son of Ginath as king, and half supported Omri. 22 But the followers of Omri proved stronger than those of Tibni son of Ginath. So Tibni died and Omri became king.

23 In the thirty-first year of Asa’s reign over Judah, Omri became king of Israel, and he reigned twelve years, six of them in Tirzah. 24 He bought the hill of Samaria from Shemer for two talents of silver a and built a city there, calling it Samaria after the name of Shemer, who had owned the hill.

25 But Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD and acted more wickedly than all who were before him. 26 For he walked in all the ways of Jeroboam son of Nebat and in his sins, which he caused Israel to commit, provoking the LORD, the God of Israel, to anger with their worthless idols.

27 As for the rest of the acts of Omri, along with his accomplishments and the might he exercised, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel?

28 And Omri rested with his fathers and was buried in Samaria, and his son Ahab reigned in his place.

Ahab Reigns in Israel, Marries Jezebel

29 In the thirty-eighth year of Asa’s reign over Judah, Ahab son of Omri became king of Israel, and he reigned in Samaria twenty-two years.

30 However, Ahab son of Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD, more than all who were before him. 31 And as if it were not enough for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, he even married Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and he then proceeded to serve and worship Baal.

32 First, Ahab set up an altar for Baal in the temple of Baal that he had built in Samaria. 33 Then he set up an Asherah pole. Thus Ahab did more to provoke the LORD, the God of Israel, to anger than all the kings of Israel before him.

34 In Ahab’s days, Hiel the Bethelite rebuilt Jericho. At the cost of Abiram his firstborn he laid its foundation, and at the cost of Segub his youngest he set up its gates, according to the word that the LORD had spoken through Joshua son of Nun. b

Footnotes:

24 a 2 talents  is approximately 151 pounds or 68.4 kilograms of silver.
34 b See Joshua 6:26.

Jehu's Prophecy against Baasha

1And a word of Jehovah is unto Jehu son of Hanani, against Baasha, saying, 2'Because that I have raised thee up out of the dust, and appoint thee leader over My people Israel, and thou walkest in the way of Jeroboam, and causest My people Israel to sin -- to provoke Me to anger with their sins; 3lo, I am putting away the posterity of Baasha, even the posterity of his house, and have given up thy house as the house of Jeroboam son of Nebat; 4him who dieth of Baasha in a city do the dogs eat, and him who dieth of his in a field do fowl of the heavens eat.'

5And the rest of the matters of Baasha, and that which he did, and his might, are they not written on the book of the Chronicles of the kings of Israel?

6And Baasha lieth with his fathers, and is buried in Tirzah, and Elah his son reigneth in his stead. 7And also by the hand of Jehu son of Hanani the prophet a word of Jehovah hath been concerning Baasha, and concerning his house, and concerning all the evil that he did in the eyes of Jehovah to provoke Him to anger with the work of his hands, to be like the house of Jeroboam, and concerning that for which he smote him.

Elah Reigns in Israel

8In the twenty and sixth year of Asa king of Judah reigned hath Elah son of Baasha over Israel in Tirzah, two years; 9and conspire against him doth his servant Zimri (head of the half of the chariots) and he is in Tirzah drinking -- a drunkard in the house of Arza, who is over the house in Tirzah. 10And Zimri cometh in and smiteth him, and putteth him to death, in the twenty and seventh year of Asa king of Judah, and reigneth in his stead; 11and it cometh to pass in his reigning, at his sitting on his throne, he hath smitten the whole house of Baasha; he hath not left to him any sitting on the wall, and of his redeemers, and of his friends.

12And Zimri destroyeth the whole house of Baasha, according to the word of Jehovah, that He spake concerning Baasha, by the hand of Jehu the prophet: 13concerning all the sins of Baasha, and the sins of Elah his son, that they sinned, and that they caused Israel to sin to provoke Jehovah, God of Israel, with their vanities. 14And the rest of the matters of Elah, and all that he did, are they not written on the book of the Chronicles of the kings of Israel?

Zimri Reigns in Israel

15In the twenty and seventh year of Asa king of Judah, reigned hath Zimri seven days in Tirzah; and the people are encamping against Gibbethon, which is to the Philistines; 16and the people who are encamping hear, saying, 'Zimri hath conspired, and also hath smitten the king;' and all Israel cause Omri head of the host to reign over Israel on that day in the camp. 17And Omri goeth up, and all Israel with him, from Gibbethon, and they lay siege to Tirzah. 18And it cometh to pass, at Zimri's seeing that the city hath been captured, that he cometh in unto a high place of the house of the king, and burneth over him the house of the king with fire, and dieth, 19for his sins that he sinned, to do the evil thing in the eyes of Jehovah, to walk in the way of Jeroboam, and in his sin that he did, to cause Israel to sin; 20and the rest of the matters of Zimri, and his conspiracy that he made, are they not written on the book of the Chronicles of the kings of Israel?

Omri Reigns in Israel

21Then are the sons of Israel parted into halves; half of the people hath been after Tibni son of Ginath to cause him to reign, and the half after Omri; 22and stronger are the people that are after Omri than the people that are after Tibni son of Ginath, and Tibni dieth, and Omri reigneth. 23In the thirty and first year of Asa king of Judah reigned hath Omri over Israel twelve years; in Tirzah he hath reigned six years, 24and he buyeth the mount Samaria from Shemer, with two talents of silver, and buildeth on the mount, and calleth the name of the city that he hath built by the name of Shemer, lord of the hill -- Samaria.

25And Omri doth the evil thing in the eyes of Jehovah, and doth evil above all who are before him, 26and walketh in all the way of Jeroboam son of Nebat, and in his sin that he caused Israel to sin, to provoke Jehovah, God of Israel, with their vanities. 27And the rest of the matters of Omri that he did, and his might that he got, are they not written on the book of the Chronicles of the kings of Israel? 28And Omri lieth with his fathers, and is buried in Samaria, and Ahab his son reigneth in his stead.

Ahab Reigns in Israel, Marries Jezebel

29And Ahab son of Omri hath reigned over Israel in the thirty and eighth year of Asa king of Judah, and Ahab son of Omri reigneth over Israel in Samaria twenty and two years, 30and Ahab son of Omri doth the evil thing in the eyes of Jehovah above all who are before him.

31And it cometh to pass -- hath it been light his walking in the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat? -- then he taketh a wife, Jezebel daughter of Ethbaal, king of the Zidonians, and goeth and serveth Baal, and boweth himself to it, 32and raiseth up an altar for Baal, in the house of the Baal, that he built in Samaria; 33and Ahab maketh the shrine, and Ahab addeth to do so as to provoke Jehovah, God of Israel, above all the kings of Israel who have been before him. 34In his days hath Hiel the Beth-Elite built Jericho; in Abiram his first-born he laid its foundation, and in Segub his youngest he set up its doors, according to the word of Jehovah that He spake by the hand of Joshua son of Nun.

The F.O.G Commentary:

1What is the meaning of 1 Kings 16?

1.1Introduction to 1 Kings 16

1.2Context of 1 Kings 16

1.3Ancient Key Word Study

1.4Compare & Contrast

1.51 Kings 16 Unique Insights

1.61 Kings 16 Connections to Yeshua

1.71 Kings 16 Scriptural Echoes

1.81 Kings 16 Devotional

1.9Did You Know

What is the meaning of 1 Kings 16?

Introduction to 1 Kings 16

The sixteenth chapter of 1 Kings presents a dramatic narrative of divine judgment and political turmoil in the northern kingdom of Israel. This chapter serves as a sobering illustration of the consequences of persistent idolatry and rebellion against יהוה (Yahweh). Through a series of rapid-fire royal successions and assassinations, we witness the fulfillment of prophetic words and the continuing spiritual deterioration of Israel under corrupt leadership.

Context of 1 Kings 16

Within the immediate context of 1 Kings, chapter 16 follows the division of Solomon’s kingdom and chronicles the unstable political situation in the northern kingdom of Israel. This chapter specifically details the reigns of several kings: Baasha, Elah, Zimri, Tibni, and Omri, culminating in the introduction of the notoriously wicked King Ahab. It serves as a pivotal transition point, setting the stage for the ministry of the prophet Elijah and the dramatic confrontations that would follow.

The broader biblical context reveals this chapter as part of the larger historical narrative demonstrating Israel’s cyclical pattern of sin, judgment, and the persistent mercy of יהוה (Yahweh). This chapter particularly emphasizes the fulfillment of prophecy, showing how God’s word, once spoken, inevitably comes to pass. The political instability and moral decay described here also provide essential background for understanding the later prophetic books and their messages of judgment and hope.

Ancient Key Word Study

Anger (כַּעַס, ka’as) – The Hebrew word appears multiple times in this chapter, particularly concerning how the kings provoked יהוה (Yahweh) to anger. The root meaning suggests not just emotion but a deep vexation or grief, indicating how the kings’ actions deeply wounded God’s heart.
House (בַּיִת, bayit) – Used repeatedly in reference to royal dynasties, this term carries deeper meaning than just physical dwelling. In Ancient Near Eastern context, it represented legacy, authority, and divine appointment, making its destruction particularly significant.
Destroyed (שָׁמַד, shamad) – This powerful verb appears in the context of divine judgment, carrying the sense of complete obliteration or annihilation. It’s not merely death but the complete removal of a person or dynasty from history.
Sin (חַטָּאת, chattat) – The word appears frequently in describing the kings’ actions, particularly in reference to Jeroboam’s sin. The root meaning suggests “missing the mark” but in biblical Hebrew carries the weight of covenant betrayal.
Prophet (נָבִיא, nabi) – Used in reference to Jehu son of Hanani, this term denotes more than just a forecaster but one who speaks with divine authority and represents יהוה (Yahweh)’s covenant lawsuit against His people.
Worthless (הֶבֶל, hevel) – Applied to idols, this term literally means “vapor” or “breath,” emphasizing the emptiness and futility of false worship. It’s the same word used throughout Ecclesiastes to describe life’s vanity apart from God.
Provoke (כעס, ka’as) – This verb appears in describing how the kings antagonized יהוה (Yahweh), suggesting not accidental offense but deliberate action that incites divine response.
Walked (הָלַךְ, halak) – Used metaphorically to describe life conduct, this common Hebrew verb takes on spiritual significance in describing how kings “walked in the ways” of their predecessors, indicating deliberate pattern-following.

Compare & Contrast

Verse 1’s prophetic announcement through Jehu leverages the Hebrew word דָּבָר (davar) for “word,” rather than אִמְרָה (imrah), emphasizing the active, powerful nature of God’s pronouncement rather than just spoken content. This choice underscores the inevitable fulfillment of divine judgment.
The description of Zimri’s seven-day reign (verse 15) uses the Hebrew מָלַךְ (malak) rather than the more formal הִמְלִיךְ (himlik), suggesting his reign’s illegitimacy and transient nature.
Verse 25’s description of Omri doing “evil” uses the intensive form רָעַע (ra’a’) rather than the simple רַע (ra’), emphasizing the exceptional wickedness of his actions.
The mention of Ahab’s marriage to Jezebel (verse 31) employs לָקַח (laqach) rather than נָשָׂא (nasa’) for “took,” suggesting acquisition rather than covenant relationship, highlighting the political nature of the union.
Verse 34’s account of Jericho’s rebuilding uses בָּנָה (banah) in the intensive stem, emphasizing the deliberate defiance of Joshua’s ancient curse.

1 Kings 16 Unique Insights

The chapter presents a fascinating pattern of divine judgment that mirrors ancient Near Eastern covenant treaties. When vassals rebelled against their suzerain, they typically faced similar consequences to those described here – dynasty termination and political chaos. This parallel would have resonated deeply with the original audience, highlighting how Israel had reversed their covenant relationship with יהוה (Yahweh), choosing to become vassals to false gods instead.

Can a Bible Come to Life over a Coffee?

This biblical entry has a unique origin story. Find out how it came to be—and why your visit today is about so much more than words. Get your coffee ready—God’s about to visit. But will you open the door for Him?

I’m ready

The repeated phrase “walked in the way of Jeroboam” carries special significance in Jewish thought. The Talmud discusses how Jeroboam’s sin was particularly grievous because he not only sinned but established a pattern of sin for others to follow. This concept of מַחֲטִיא אֶת הָרַבִּים (machati et harabim) – causing others to sin – is considered even more severe than personal transgression.

The rebuilding of Jericho (verse 34) represents more than mere construction – it symbolizes direct defiance of divine decree. The ancient rabbis noted that this act, occurring during Ahab’s reign, marked a significant spiritual low point where even ancient taboos were openly flouted. The death of the builder’s sons fulfilled Joshua’s prophecy precisely, demonstrating God’s long memory and the enduring nature of His word.

1 Kings 16 Connections to Yeshua

The rapid succession of failed kings in this chapter points to humanity’s desperate need for a perfect King – a need ultimately fulfilled in Yeshua the Messiah. While these kings “walked in the ways” of their sinful predecessors, Yeshua would later declare Himself “the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (John 14:6), offering a different path to follow.

The chapter’s emphasis on the fulfillment of prophetic words foreshadows how Yeshua would fulfill every prophecy concerning the Messiah, demonstrating God’s faithfulness across generations. The contrast between these kings who built their kingdoms through violence and the Prince of Peace who would establish His kingdom through sacrificial love is particularly striking.

1 Kings 16 Scriptural Echoes

The pattern of divine judgment echoes throughout Scripture, from the flood narrative to the exile. The phrase “cut off” used here resonates with Daniel 9:26, which prophesies how the Messiah would be “cut off.” The rebuilding of Jericho connects back to Joshua 6:26 and forward to Revelation 21:14, where the New Jerusalem represents God’s perfect city.

The theme of idolatry and its consequences finds parallels in Jeremiah 2:13, where God’s people are accused of forsaking Him for broken cisterns. The political instability described here is later referenced by Hosea 8:4 when criticizing Israel’s self-appointed kings.

1 Kings 16 Devotional

This chapter challenges us to examine our own hearts regarding idolatry. While we may not bow to golden calves, we must ask ourselves what “ways of Jeroboam” we might be walking in – what patterns of compromise or self-reliance we’ve established that lead others astray.

The fulfillment of prophecies in this chapter reminds us that God’s word never returns void. This should both warn and comfort us – warn us to take His commands seriously, and comfort us that His promises of redemption are equally certain.

Did You Know

The name Omri (verse 16) appears in Assyrian records as “Humri,” and Israel became known as “Bit-Humria” (House of Omri), indicating his dynasty’s significant international impact.
Archaeological evidence from Samaria shows sophisticated building techniques dating to Omri’s reign, confirming the biblical account of his architectural achievements.
The phrase “walking in the way” used throughout this chapter reflects an ancient Near Eastern idiom for discipleship and loyalty to a particular deity or king.
Jezebel’s name contains a play on words in Hebrew, possibly meaning “where is the prince?” – a mockery of Baal worship, as Baal was called “prince.”
The rebuilding of Jericho occurred approximately 500 years after Joshua’s curse, demonstrating the long-term nature of biblical prophecy fulfillment.
The term used for Ahab’s temple to Baal suggests it was a particularly large and elaborate structure, later confirmed by archaeological findings.
The mention of ivory in Ahab’s building projects is supported by numerous ivory fragments discovered by archaeologists in Samaria.

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Bible Themes

Jean Paul Joseph

After a dramatic early morning encounter with King Jesus, I just couldn’t put my Bible down. The F.O.G took a hold of me and this website was born. What is the F.O.G?

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