1 Kings 16:1 Meaning and Explanation
“Then the word of the LORD came to Jehu the son of Hanani against Baasha, saying,”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The LORD sends His word through the prophet Jehu to pronounce judgment against King Baasha of Israel.
What Does 1 Kings 16:1 Mean?
After Baasha had reigned over the northern kingdom, walking in the idolatrous path of Jeroboam, the LORD raises up a prophet, Jehu the son of Hanani, to confront him. This opening line sets the scene for a divine oracle, the same pattern that had already fallen on the house of Jeroboam.
That the word of the LORD 'came' reminds us God does not stay silent before sin. He speaks, warns, and calls to account. Even a king on his throne is answerable to a higher King. The God who sends prophets is the God who later sent His Son, the living Word, both to warn the proud and to gather the repentant.
1 Kings 16:1 in the Original Language
dabar (דָּבָר), 'word' -- a spoken word that carries the power to accomplish what it declares.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Kings 16:1
What does 1 Kings 16:1 mean?
The LORD sends His word through the prophet Jehu to pronounce judgment against King Baasha of Israel.