MPV Commentary

Jehu's Prophecy against Baasha.

The word of the Lord came to Jehu, a prophet who was also the son of another prophet (2 Chronicles 16:7). This is the only recorded incident in Jehu's life.

The prophecy against Baasha was similar to the one pronounced against Jeroboam and his descendants. Despite Baasha's brutal rise to power, he owed his position to God's appointment or permission (1 Kings 15:2). The Lord still showed His interest in Israel, despite their errors and idolatry, by sending prophets and working miracles on their behalf.

The kingdom of Israel had a multitude of faithful worshippers, and the Lord continued to work among them. This prophecy was not an independent event but rather an addition by the historian explaining Baasha's death and the extinction of his family. The similarities between Jeroboam and Baasha extended beyond their lives; both kings followed the same idolatrous practices, and their sons suffered similar fates.

Elah, the son of Baasha, began to reign after his father's death (1 Kings 15:33). This indicates that Baasha died in his twenty-third year of rule. Elah, known for his dissolute habits, reigned for only about two years.