In the six and thirtieth year of the reign of Asa Baasha king of Israel came up against Judah, and built Ramah, to the intent that he might let none go out or come in to Asa king of Judah.

2 CHRONICLES 16:1KJV
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2 Chronicles 16:1 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 16:1 mean?

2 Chronicles 16:1 describes how, in the thirty-sixth year of King Asa’s reign over Judah, Baasha, the king of Israel, came up and fortified the town of Ramah to block anyone from leaving or entering Asa’s territory. This action was meant to cut off Judah’s access and put pressure on Asa by controlling a key route.

The verse is part of a historical account where the chronicler records a conflict between the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. Baasha’s move to build up Ramah, a town near the border, was a strategic effort to isolate Judah and possibly force Asa into submission or weaken his rule. The verse sets the stage for the events that follow, showing the tension and rivalry between these two neighboring kingdoms.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 16:1

  • רָמָה (Ramah, H7414): This name means “height” or “high place.” Ramah was a strategically located town just north of Jerusalem, making it an ideal spot for Baasha to control movement in and out of Judah.
  • בָּנָה (banah, H1129): This word means “built” or “fortified.” In this context, it emphasizes that Baasha was not just occupying Ramah but actively strengthening it as a blockade.
  • לֹא (lo, H1115) + יָצָא (yatsa, H3318) + בּוֹא (bo, H935): These words combine to express Baasha’s intent—he wanted to ensure that “none go out or come in” to Asa’s kingdom. The language underlines the completeness of the blockade.

Why 2 Chronicles 16:1 matters

  • The verse highlights the ongoing struggle for power and security between Israel and Judah, showing that even after years of relative peace, old rivalries could flare up with significant consequences.
  • By mentioning the specific year of Asa’s reign, the chronicler roots the story in a real historical timeline, helping readers see the sequence of events and their impact on Judah’s leadership.
  • Understanding the strategic importance of Ramah helps explain why Baasha’s actions were such a serious threat and why Asa’s response in the following verses is so urgent.

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 15:33 In the third year of Asa king of Judah began Baasha the son of Ahijah to reign over all Israel in Tirzah, twenty and four years.
  • 1 Kings 16:11 And it came to pass, when he began to reign, as soon as he sat on his throne, that he slew all the house of Baasha: he left him not one that pisseth against a wall, neither of his kinsfolks, nor of his friends.

“that” Hebrew H1115 · used in 29 verses

  • Genesis 3:11 And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?
  • Numbers 11:6 But now our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all, beside this manna, before our eyes.
  • Job 14:12 So man lieth down, and riseth not: till the heavens be no more, they shall not awake, nor be raised out of their sleep.

“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.
  • 1 Kings 15:22 Then king Asa made a proclamation throughout all Judah; none was exempted: and they took away the stones of Ramah, and the timber thereof, wherewith Baasha had builded; and king Asa built with them Geba of Benjamin, and Mizpah.

“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 16:10 And Zimri went in and smote him, and killed him, in the twenty and seventh year of Asa king of Judah, and reigned in his stead.
  • 2 Chronicles 15:8 And when Asa heard these words, and the prophecy of Oded the prophet, he took courage, and put away the abominable idols out of all the land of Judah and Benjamin, and out of the cities which he had taken from mount Ephraim, and renewed the altar of the LORD, that was before the porch of the LORD.