Nadab King of Isra’el
First Kings 15: 25-32
Nadab king of Isra’el DIG: What was the sin of Nadab’s father? Ba’asha was likely a military leader. How did this military coup fit in with God’s plan? Why should the king’s children die also? What prophecy was fulfilled with the death of Nadab and his entire family?
REFLECT: Why are so many countries ruled by military leaders? What must generals believe for civilian rule to prevail? How does God deal with sinners today? Are fair warnings still given? When have you had to suffer the consequences of your sin? What did you learn?
The dynasty that began with Jeroboam came to an end.
The background of the king: It was in the second year of Asa king of Judah that Nadab the son of Jeroboam began his reign over Isra’el, and he ruled Isra’el two years. Nadab is the only member of the dynasty of Jeroboam to reign, and it was a very short reign, only two years (First Kings 15:25).
The significance of his reign: Nadab inherited his father’s throne as well as his sinful ways, living for sin instead of righteousness. He did what was evil from ADONAI’s perspective, following the example of his father Jeroboam and the sin through which he had made Isra’el sin (to see link click Dd – Golden Calves at Dan and Bethel). Nadab had only reigned two years when a conspiracy developed that led to King Nadab being assassinated by Ba’asha the son of Ahijah, from the descendants of Issachar. Nadab was with the army of Isra’el, directing a siege of Gibbethon, a Philistine city south of Ekron. That border city had been a source of friction between Isra’el and the Philistines. It actually belonged to the tribe of Dan (Joshua 19:43-45) and was a Levitical city (Joshua 21:23), and Nadab wanted to reclaim it for Isra’el (First Kings 15:26-27).386
As soon as Nadab had become king he killed off the entire house of Jeroboam, destroying every living soul and leaving not one survivor. This was in keeping with what ADONAI had said through his servant Ahijah from Shiloh (see Dg – The Prophecy of Ahijah); it was the punishment for the sins Jeroboam had committed through the false religious system he had imposed on Isra’el, thereby angering ADONAI the God of Isra’el (1 Kings 15:29-30). Ba’asha’s father was named Ahijah, as was the prophet who predicted the doom of the house of Jeroboam. Though they were not the same person, the identical names provide a touch of irony.387
The justification for murdering (see the commentary on Deuteronomy Bq – Do Not Murder) every living soul and leaving not one survivor in the regime that had just been terminated seems horrific, but it was a common practice of the time. David was expected to do this at Saul’s house, but refrained. The purpose was initially to avoid any focus for reprisals or a blood feud after a coup; ironically, as would eventually happen to Ba’asha’s family as well (First Kings 16:11). It may here be related to the thoroughness of divine punishment (Deuteronomy 9:14 and 25:19) to prevent the deliberate spread of sin and angering ADONAI the God of Isra’el. The command to the Isrealites entering the Land was for total destruction of those who opposed God (Deuteronomy 7:2). Here that is taken as applying to fellow Israelites who opposed YHVH, and that required special prophetic sanction. The contamination of sin needed to be prevented in their time and in ours.388
People who lead a nation to embrace empty rebellious and unethical systems often create an environment of violence, greed, and oppression. Their children and grandchildren often reap the harvest of their actions. ADONAI didn’t force that murder to occur. Rather, the prophecy simply declared to Jeroboam that there would be consequences for his evil actions.389 Nadab was killed in a military campaign so he was not buried in his family tomb, just as the prophet prophesied.
The summary of his reign: That was the end of the dynasty of Jeroboam. Other activities of Nadab and all his accomplishments are recorded in the Annals of the Kings of Isra’el. There was war between Asa and Ba’asha king of Isra’el as long as they both lived (First Kings 15:31-32).
The death of the king: It was in the third year of Asa king of Judah that Ba’asha killed Nadab and became king in his place (First Kings 15:28).
Dear Heavenly Father, Praise You my perfect Holy Father. Please help me in my parenting to be like You. May I always remember that my actions affect more than just me. They also affect my children and grandchildren. I want to show them how Awesome You are by my making time in my busy schedule to spend time reading Your Word and meditating on it. May You teach me how to wisely love Your children and also how to discipline them in love, as You do. My son, do not take lightly the discipline of ADONAI or lose heart when you are corrected by Him, because ADONAI disciplines the one He loves and punishes every son He accepts (Hebrews 12:6). I love You and want to guide my children and grandchildren to love You also! To the One who sits at Your right hand. Amen
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