And it came to pass, when Baasha heard it, that he left off building of Ramah, and let his work cease.

2 CHRONICLES 16:5KJV
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2 Chronicles 16:5 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 16:5 mean?

2 Chronicles 16:5 describes how, when Baasha, the king of Israel, heard news about events in Judah, he stopped building the fortified city of Ramah and abandoned his construction efforts there. The verse shows a direct reaction to outside pressure that caused Baasha to halt his strategic project.

This verse is set during the reign of Asa, king of Judah, who faced opposition from Baasha, king of Israel. Baasha had been building up Ramah to control movement in and out of Judah, but when he learned of Asa’s actions—especially Asa’s alliance with Ben-Hadad of Aram—he ceased his work. The verse highlights a turning point in the conflict between Israel and Judah, showing how political and military maneuvers could quickly change the balance of power.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 16:5

  • בַּעְשָׁא (Baasha): This is the name of the king of Israel who was opposing Judah. Knowing his identity helps place the verse in its historical context.
  • שָׁמַע (shamaʿ, "heard"): This word often means more than just hearing; it can imply paying attention or responding to information, which fits Baasha’s immediate reaction.
  • חָדַל (chadal, "left off"/"ceased"): This word means to stop or discontinue an action. It emphasizes that Baasha did not just pause but fully abandoned his building project at Ramah.
  • רָמָה (Ramah): The name of the strategic town being fortified. Understanding its location helps explain why its construction was so significant in the conflict.

Why 2 Chronicles 16:5 matters

  • The verse clarifies that Baasha’s building at Ramah was not just a routine project but a strategic move to pressure Judah, which was effectively countered by Asa’s actions.
  • It shows how quickly political strategies could change in response to new alliances or threats, highlighting the fluid nature of ancient Israelite politics.
  • This moment sets up the following verses, where Asa takes advantage of Baasha’s withdrawal to dismantle Ramah and use its materials for his own defenses, showing the ongoing back-and-forth between the two kingdoms.

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.

“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.

“off” Hebrew H2308 · used in 56 verses

  • Genesis 11:8 So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city.
  • Ruth 1:18 When she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her.
  • Job 19:14 My kinsfolk have failed, and my familiar friends have forgotten me.

“cease” Hebrew H7673 · used in 67 verses

  • Genesis 2:2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
  • Nehemiah 4:11 And our adversaries said, They shall not know, neither see, till we come in the midst among them, and slay them, and cause the work to cease.
  • Jeremiah 48:35 Moreover I will cause to cease in Moab, saith the LORD, him that offereth in the high places, and him that burneth incense to his gods.