Just as King David was the prototype of a king seeking after God’s own heart, so King Jeroboam of Israel because the prototype of wicked kings. He became the king that other wicked kings in Israel were compared against. Nadab was a descendant of Jeroboam. Jeroboam set up idol worship in Israel. Nadab followed in that sin and caused Israel to continue idol worship too. God punished him through Baasha. Baasha also killed off everyone left from Jeroboam’s family—fulfilling the prophesy God gave to the prophet Ahijah concerning Jeroboam and his whole family. (1KI 14:9,10) But then Baasha, too, fell into idol worship himself. This sin would continue in Israel until God thrust them from his presence.

God then raised up the prophet Jehu to bring judgment on Baasha. Jehu prophesied that the Lord would do to Baasha’s family what he had done to Jeroboam’s. God had called Jeroboam to lead his people Israel, just as he had called David. But Jeroboam didn’t follow in God’s ways. He rebelled against God and instituted idolatry and caused God’s nation Israel to sin greatly against the Lord. Baasha’s son became king when Baasha died. After two years, he was assassinated by Zimri, who became king and killed off all of Baasha’s family, fulfilling God’s word to Jehu.
Application: Father, strengthen us that we may walk in your ways and keep us from the way of sin.
One Word: Walk in the word of the Lord