And Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah, and built Ramah, that he might not suffer any to go out or come in to Asa king of Judah.

1 KINGS 15:17KJV
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1 Kings 15:17 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 15:17 mean?

1 Kings 15:17 describes how Baasha, the king of Israel, went up to attack Judah and began building up the town of Ramah to block anyone from leaving or entering the territory ruled by Asa, the king of Judah. This verse shows a moment of conflict where Baasha tries to control movement and trade between the two kingdoms by fortifying a strategic location.

In the historical setting, Baasha was the northern king of Israel, and Asa ruled the southern kingdom of Judah. The verse explains Baasha’s military strategy: by building up Ramah, which was close to the border, he aimed to cut off Judah’s access and put pressure on Asa. This action was part of ongoing hostilities between the two kingdoms during this period.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 15:17

  • רָמָה (Ramah, transliteration: Ramah) means "height" or "high place." In this verse, it refers to a town located near the border between Israel and Judah. Its position made it a key point for controlling movement between the kingdoms.
  • בָּנָה (banah, transliteration: built) means "to build" or "to fortify." Here, it emphasizes that Baasha was not just occupying Ramah but actively strengthening it as a military outpost.
  • לֹא יִתֵּן (lo yitten, transliteration: not suffer) means "not allow" or "not permit." The phrase highlights Baasha’s intent to prevent anyone from going out or coming in, showing this was a deliberate blockade.

Why 1 Kings 15:17 matters

  • This verse clarifies the political tension and rivalry between Israel and Judah, showing that their relationship was often hostile and marked by power struggles.
  • The detail about building up Ramah helps readers understand the practical steps ancient kings took to assert control, not just through open battle but also by strategic blockades.
  • Understanding this verse sheds light on the broader narrative in 1 Kings, where the actions of kings often have direct impacts on the daily lives of their people, especially in border regions.

Where else these words appear

“Baasha” Hebrew H1201 · used in 26 verses

  • 1 Kings 15:16 And there was war between Asa and Baasha king of Israel all their days.
  • 1 Kings 16:1 Then the word of the LORD came to Jehu the son of Hanani against Baasha, saying,
  • 1 Kings 16:12 Thus did Zimri destroy all the house of Baasha, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake against Baasha by Jehu the prophet,

“Ramah” Hebrew H7414 · used in 35 verses

  • Joshua 18:25 Gibeon, and Ramah, and Beeroth,
  • 1 Samuel 16:13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.
  • 2 Kings 8:29 And king Joram went back to be healed in Jezreel of the wounds which the Syrians had given him at Ramah, when he fought against Hazael king of Syria. And Ahaziah the son of Jehoram king of Judah went down to see Joram the son of Ahab in Jezreel, because he was sick.

“Asa” Hebrew H609 · used in 52 verses

  • 1 Kings 15:8 And Abijam slept with his fathers; and they buried him in the city of David: and Asa his son reigned in his stead.
  • 1 Kings 16:15 In 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.
  • 2 Chronicles 15:10 So they gathered themselves together at Jerusalem in the third month, in the fifteenth year of the reign of Asa.