1 Kings 15

34 verses

TL;DR

King Asa of Judah restored worship and opposed Israel’s idol king Baasha, while his predecessors and successors faltered in faith.

Summary

In 1 Kings 15 the chapter records the reign of Abijam over Judah and his war with Israel, then the righteous rule of Asa who removes idol worship and defeats Baasha. Asa’s actions are praised, but his heart fails in the high places. He secures an alliance with the king of Syria and forces Baasha to abandon Ramah. Baasha later kills Israel’s king Nadab and reigns over Israel, continuing the pattern of idolatry. The chapter closes with the transition from Asa to his son Jehoshaphat. It highlights the ongoing conflict between Judah and Israel and the importance of fidelity to God.

Outline

Abijam’s reign and war with Israel
Asa’s reforms, war with Baasha, and foreign alliance
Baasha’s rise and oppression of Israel

Themes

Faithful leadership versus idolatryDivine covenant and political alliancesThe consequences of war between Israel and Judah

Keywords

idolatrycovenantwarrighteousnesspolitical alliancesuccessionfidelity

People

AbijamMaachahRehoboamJeroboamAsaBaashaBenhadadNadabAhijahJehoshaphat

Places

JerusalemRamahTirzahKidronDamascusSibothGibbethonNebedZionGaza

Things

silvergoldidolshigh placespalace treasuresthe house of the LORDthe city of David

Key Verses

1 Kings 15:12: Asa removes idol worship and declares fidelity to the Lord.
1 Kings 15:18‑20: Asa’s diplomatic alliance with the king of Syria illustrates political strategy to defeat Baasha.
1 Kings 15:27: Baasha’s assassination of Nadab shows the ruthless succession politics in Israel.

Questions

What motivates Asa to pursue religious reform, and how effective was it in Judah?
How does the alliance with Syria reflect the interplay of faith and politics?
In what ways does Baasha’s reign echo Jeroboam’s legacy, and what does this suggest about leadership continuity?

Sentiment

mixed
the passage praises righteous leadership yet laments ongoing idolatry and war.