New International Version In the thirty-sixth year of Asa’s reign Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah and fortified Ramah to prevent anyone from leaving or entering the territory of Asa king of Judah. New Living Translation In the thirty-sixth year of Asa’s reign, King Baasha of Israel invaded Judah and fortified Ramah in order to prevent anyone from entering or leaving King Asa’s territory in Judah. English Standard Version In the thirty-sixth year of the reign of Asa, Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah and built Ramah, that he might permit no one to go out or come in to Asa king of Judah. Berean Standard Bible In the thirty-sixth year of Asa’s reign, Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah and fortified Ramah to prevent anyone from leaving or entering the territory of Asa king of Judah. Berean Literal Bible In the thirty-sixth year of the reign of Asa, Baasha king of Israel came up against Judah, and he fortified Ramah, so as to allow none to go out or come in to Asa king of Judah. King James Bible 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. New King James Version In the thirty-sixth year of the reign of Asa, Baasha king of Israel came up against Judah and built Ramah, that he might let none go out or come in to Asa king of Judah. New American Standard Bible In the thirty-sixth year of Asa’s reign, Baasha king of Israel came up against Judah and fortified Ramah in order to prevent anyone from going out or coming in to Asa king of Judah. NASB 1995 In the thirty-sixth year of Asa’s reign Baasha king of Israel came up against Judah and fortified Ramah in order to prevent anyone from going out or coming in to Asa king of Judah. NASB 1977 In the thirty-sixth year of Asa’s reign Baasha king of Israel came up against Judah and fortified Ramah in order to prevent anyone from going out or coming in to Asa king of Judah. Legacy Standard Bible In the thirty-sixth year of Asa’s reign Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah and built up Ramah in order to prevent anyone from going out or coming in to Asa king of Judah. Amplified Bible In the thirty-sixth year of Asa’s reign Baasha king of Israel came up against Judah and fortified Ramah in order to prevent anyone from going out or coming in to [meet with] Asa king of Judah. Berean Annotated Bible In the thirty-sixth year of Asa’s reign (healer), Baasha (wicked) king of Israel (he wrestles with God) went up against Judah (praised) and fortified Ramah (hill) to prevent anyone from leaving or entering the territory of Asa king of Judah. Christian Standard Bible In the thirty-sixth year of Asa, Israel’s King Baasha went to war against Judah. He built Ramah in order to keep anyone from leaving or coming to King Asa of Judah. Holman Christian Standard Bible In the thirty-sixth year of Asa, Israel’s King Baasha went to war against Judah. He built Ramah in order to deny access to anyone—going or coming—to Judah’s King Asa. American Standard Version In the six and thirtieth year of the reign of Asa, Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah, and built Ramah, that he might not suffer any one to go out or come in to Asa king of Judah. Contemporary English Version In the thirty-sixth year of Asa's rule, King Baasha of Israel invaded Judah and captured the town of Ramah. He started making the town stronger, and he put troops there to stop people from going in and out of Judah. English Revised Version In the six and thirtieth year of the reign of Asa, 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. GOD'S WORD® Translation In the thirty-sixth year of Asa's reign, King Baasha of Israel invaded Judah and fortified Ramah to keep anyone from going to or coming from King Asa of Judah. Good News Translation In the thirty-sixth year of the reign of King Asa of Judah, King Baasha of Israel invaded Judah and started to fortify Ramah in order to cut off all traffic in and out of Judah. International Standard Version During the thirty-sixth year of Asa's reign, King Baasha of Israel invaded Judah and interdicted Ramah by building fortifications around it so no one could enter or leave to join King Asa of Judah. NET Bible In the thirty-sixth year of Asa's reign, King Baasha of Israel attacked Judah, and he established Ramah as a military outpost to prevent anyone from leaving or entering the land of King Asa of Judah. New Heart English Bible In the six and thirtieth year of the reign of Asa, Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah, and built Ramah, that he might not allow anyone to go out or come in to Asa king of Judah. Webster's Bible Translation In the six and thirtieth year of the reign of Asa Baasha king of Israel came against Judah, and built Ramah, to the intent that he might let none go out or come in to Asa king of Judah. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleIn the thirty-sixth year of Asa’s reign, Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah and fortified Ramah to prevent anyone from leaving or entering the territory of Asa king of Judah. World English Bible In the thirty-sixth year of Asa’s reign, Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah, and built Ramah, that he might not allow anyone to go out or come in to Asa king of Judah. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionIn the thirty-sixth year of the reign of Asa, Baasha king of Israel has come up against Judah, and builds Ramah, so as not to permit any going out and coming in to Asa king of Judah. Berean Literal Bible In the thirty-sixth year of the reign of Asa, Baasha king of Israel came up against Judah, and he fortified Ramah, so as to allow none to go out or come in to Asa king of Judah. Young's Literal Translation In the thirty and sixth year of the reign of Asa, come up hath Baasha king of Israel, against Judah, and buildeth Ramah, so as not to permit any going out and coming in to Asa king of Judah. Smith's Literal Translation In the thirty and sixth year to the kingdom of Asa, Baasha king of Israel came up against Judah, and he will build Ramah, not to give him coming out and going in to Asa, king of Judah. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd in the six and thirtieth year of his kingdom, Baasa the king of Israel came up against Juda, and built a wall about Rama, that no one might safely go out or come in of the kingdom of Asa. Catholic Public Domain Version Then, in the thirty-sixth year of his reign, Baasha, the king of Israel, ascended against Judah. And he encircled Ramah with a wall, so that no one could safely depart or enter from the kingdom of Asa. New American Bible In the thirty-sixth year of Asa’s reign, Baasha, king of Israel, attacked Judah and fortified Ramah to block all movement for Asa, king of Judah. New Revised Standard Version In the thirty-sixth year of the reign of Asa, King Baasha of Israel went up against Judah, and built Ramah, to prevent anyone from going out or coming into the territory of King Asa of Judah. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleIN the thirty-sixth year of the reign of Asa, Baasha king of Israel came up against Judah and built Ramtha, that he might let none go out or come in to Asa king of Judah. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And in the thirty sixth year of the kingdom of Asa, Baasha King of Israel went up against those of the house of Yehuda, and he built Ramtha, because they were not allowing Asa King of Yehuda to go out and to enter OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917In the six and thirtieth year of the reign of Asa, Baasa 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. Brenton Septuagint Translation And in the thirty-eighth year of the reign of Asa, the king of Israel went up against Juda, and built Rama, so as not to allow egress or ingress to Asa king of Juda. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context War Between Asa and Baasha1In the thirty-sixth year of Asa’s reign, Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah and fortified Ramah to prevent anyone from leaving or entering the territory of Asa king of Judah. 2So Asa withdrew the silver and gold from the treasuries of the house of the LORD and the royal palace, and he sent it with this message to Ben-hadad king of Aram, who was ruling in Damascus:… Cross References In the thirty-sixth year of Asa’s reign, 1 Kings 16:8 In the twenty-sixth year of Asa’s reign over Judah, Elah son of Baasha became king of Israel, and he reigned in Tirzah two years. 1 Kings 15:33 In the third year of Asa’s reign over Judah, Baasha son of Ahijah became king of all Israel, and he reigned in Tirzah twenty-four years. 2 Chronicles 15:19 And there was no war until the thirty-fifth year of Asa’s reign. Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah 1 Kings 15:17 Baasha king of Israel went to war against Judah and fortified Ramah to prevent anyone from leaving or entering the territory of Asa king of Judah. 1 Kings 16:1-4 Then the word of the LORD came to Jehu son of Hanani against Baasha, saying: / “Even though I lifted you out of the dust and made you ruler over My people Israel, you have walked in the way of Jeroboam and have caused My people Israel to sin and to provoke Me to anger by their sins. / So now I will consume Baasha and his house, and I will make your house like that of Jeroboam son of Nebat: … and fortified Ramah 1 Kings 15:21 When Baasha learned of this, he stopped fortifying Ramah and withdrew to Tirzah. 1 Kings 15:22 Then King Asa summoned all the men of Judah, with no exceptions, and they carried away the stones of Ramah and the timbers Baasha had used for building. And with these materials King Asa built up Geba of Benjamin, as well as Mizpah. 2 Chronicles 14:6 Because the land was at peace, Asa built fortified cities in Judah. In those days no one made war with him, because the LORD had given him rest. to prevent anyone from leaving or entering the territory of Asa king of Judah. 2 Kings 25:1 So in the ninth year of Zedekiah’s reign, on the tenth day of the tenth month, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon marched against Jerusalem with his entire army. They encamped outside the city and built a siege wall all around it. 2 Kings 24:10-11 At that time the servants of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon marched up to Jerusalem, and the city came under siege. / And Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to the city while his servants were besieging it. Jeremiah 39:1 In the ninth year of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the tenth month, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon marched against Jerusalem with his entire army and laid siege to the city. 1 Kings 15:16-22 Now there was war between Asa and Baasha king of Israel throughout their days. / Baasha king of Israel went to war against Judah and fortified Ramah to prevent anyone from leaving or entering the territory of Asa king of Judah. / So Asa withdrew all the silver and gold that remained in the treasuries of the house of the LORD and the royal palace. He entrusted it to his servants and sent them with this message to Ben-hadad son of Tabrimmon, the son of Hezion, the king of Aram, who was ruling in Damascus: … 1 Kings 15:32 And there was war between Asa and Baasha king of Israel throughout their days. 2 Chronicles 14:1 Then Abijah rested with his fathers and was buried in the City of David. And his son Asa reigned in his place, and in his days the land was at peace for ten years. 2 Chronicles 15:2 So he went out to meet Asa and said to him, “Listen to me, Asa and all Judah and Benjamin. The LORD is with you when you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you, but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you. 2 Chronicles 15:8 When Asa heard these words and the prophecy of Azariah son of Oded the prophet, he took courage and removed the detestable idols from the whole land of Judah and Benjamin and from the cities he had captured in the hill country of Ephraim. He then restored the altar of the LORD that was in front of the portico of the LORD’s temple. Treasury of Scripture 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. A. 1 Kings 15:32 And there was war between Asa and Baasha king of Israel all their days. 1 Kings 15:16-22 And there was war between Asa and Baasha king of Israel all their days… to the intent 2 Chronicles 11:13-17 And the priests and the Levites that were in all Israel resorted to him out of all their coasts… 2 Chronicles 15:5,9 And in those times there was no peace to him that went out, nor to him that came in, but great vexations were upon all the inhabitants of the countries… 1 Kings 12:27 If this people go up to do sacrifice in the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, then shall the heart of this people turn again unto their lord, even unto Rehoboam king of Judah, and they shall kill me, and go again to Rehoboam king of Judah. Jump to Previous Allow Asa Baasa Baasha Built Intent Israel Judah Order Prevent Ramah Reign Six Suffer ThirtiethJump to Next Allow Asa Baasa Baasha Built Intent Israel Judah Order Prevent Ramah Reign Six Suffer Thirtieth2 Chronicles 16 1. Asa, by the aid of the Syrians, diverts Baasha from building Ramah7. Being reproved thereof by Hanani, he puts him in prison 11. Among his other acts in his disease he seeks not to God, but to the physicians 13. His death and burial In the thirty-sixth year of Asa’s reign, Asa had ruled Judah for many years after removing idols and calling the nation back to covenant faithfulness. The date is commonly understood in relation to the divided kingdom, placing the event earlier in Asa’s reign than a strict regnal count would suggest. 1Ki 16:8 In the twenty-sixth year of Asa’s reign over Judah,… Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah Baasha continued the hostility between the northern and southern kingdoms, seeking to strengthen Israel’s position against Judah. 1Ki 15:17 Baasha king of Israel went to war against Judah… and fortified Ramah Ramah stood in Benjamin only a few miles north of Jerusalem, controlling a major route between Israel and Judah. 1Ki 15:21 When Baasha learned of this, he stopped fortifying Ramah… to prevent anyone from leaving or entering the territory of Asa king of Judah. By establishing a fortified outpost at Ramah, Baasha attempted to restrict travel, trade, and communication, placing political and economic pressure on Judah. 2Ki 25:1 Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon marched against Jerusalem… Persons / Places / Events 1. AsaKing of Judah, known for his initial faithfulness to God and religious reforms, but later faltered in his reliance on God. 2. Baasha King of Israel, who sought to weaken Judah by fortifying Ramah, a strategic location. 3. Ramah A town in the territory of Benjamin, strategically important as it controlled access to Judah. 4. Judah The southern kingdom, ruled by Asa, often in conflict with the northern kingdom of Israel. 5. Israel The northern kingdom, ruled by Baasha, frequently at odds with Judah. Teaching Points The Danger of ComplacencyAsa's early reign was marked by faithfulness, but over time, he became complacent and relied on human alliances rather than God. This serves as a warning to remain vigilant in our faith. Strategic Importance of Obedience Just as Ramah was strategically important, our obedience to God is crucial in maintaining spiritual strength and protection. Consequences of Misplaced Trust Asa's decision to rely on a foreign alliance rather than God led to negative consequences. We must evaluate where we place our trust and ensure it is in God alone. The Importance of Consistent Faith Asa's life illustrates the need for consistent faith throughout our lives, not just in times of initial zeal or crisis. Learning from Past Mistakes Asa's account encourages us to learn from our past mistakes and seek God's guidance continually. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 16:1?2. How does Asa's reliance on Aram reflect a lack of faith in God? 3. What lessons can we learn from Asa's actions in 2 Chronicles 16:1? 4. How does Asa's alliance contrast with Proverbs 3:5-6 about trusting God? 5. In what ways can we avoid Asa's mistake in our own lives? 6. How can we seek God's guidance instead of worldly alliances like Asa did? 7. Why did Asa seek help from Aram instead of trusting God in 2 Chronicles 16:1? 8. How does Asa's alliance with Ben-Hadad reflect on his faith in God? 9. What does 2 Chronicles 16:1 teach about relying on human alliances over divine intervention? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Chronicles 16? XVI. THE WAR WITH BAASHA --(2Chronicles 16:1-6).Comp. 1Kings 15:17-22. (1) In the six and thirtieth year of the reign of Asa Baasha king of Israel came up.--According to 1Kings 15:33; 1Kings 16:8, Baasha began to reign in the third year of Asa, reigned twenty-four years, and died in the twenty-sixth year of Asa. These statements are obviously irreconcilable with that of our verse. We must suppose either that the chronicler has accepted a different calculation from that of the Kings--a calculation which he may have found in one of his documents; or that the text here is unsound, and thirty-six has been substituted by an error of transcription for sixteen, or twenty-six; and that in 2Chronicles 15:19 by a similar mistake thirty-five has taken the place of fifteen or twenty-five. Upon the whole, the latter alternative appears preferable; and if we assume twenty-five and twenty-six to be the correct numerals, we get the following chronology for the reign :--First, ten years of peace (2Chronicles 14:1), during which Asa strengthened his defences (2Chronicles 14:6-8); then the invasion of Zerah, at what precise date is not clear, but at some time between the eleventh and the fifteenth year (2Chronicles 14:9; 2Chronicles 15:10); then the reformation of religion and renewal of the covenant in Asa's fifteenth year (2Chronicles 15:10); and lastly, another ten years of peace, until the outbreak of the war with Baasha, in the twenty-fifth or twenty-sixth year. . . . Verse 1. - For the six and thirtieth year, read six and twentieth. Ramah belonged to Benjamin (Joshua 18:21, 25, 28), and lay between Bethel and Jerusalem, about five or six Roman miles from each; but Keil and Bertheau, by some error, call it thirty miles from Jerusalem, having very likely in their eye Ramah of Samuel, in Ephraim. The word signifies "lofty," and the present history speaks the importance of its position, and would infer also that Israel had regained Bethel, which, with other adjacent places, Abijah had wrested from Jeroboam (2 Chronicles 13:19). The reference of Isaiah 10:28, 29, 82 is exceedingly interesting, and bespeaks the fact that Ramah commanded another intersecting route from Ephraim. When it is said here that Baasha built (וַיִּבֶן) Ramah, the meaning is that he was beginning to strengthen it greatly, and fortify it. The object of Baasha, which no doubt needed no stating in the facts of the day, is now stated by history. 2 Chronicles 16:1 records a calculated act of aggression: in Asa’s thirty-sixth year, Baasha seized the choke point of Ramah to strangle Judah’s trade and worship traffic. The verse marks the sudden end of long-enjoyed peace, introduces the northern king’s attempt to undermine God’s covenant people, and sets up Asa’s critical decision about where to place his trust. The historical details, geographical note, and stated motive together affirm the literal accuracy of Scripture while pointing forward to the spiritual lesson that reliance on the Lord—not political maneuvering—secures true security.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew In the thirty-sixthשְׁלֹשִׁ֤ים (šə·lō·šîm) Number - common plural Strong's 7970: Thirty, thirtieth year בִּשְׁנַ֨ת (biš·naṯ) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 8141: A year of Asa's [reign], אָסָ֔א (’ā·sā) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 609: Asa -- perhaps 'healer', an Israelite name Baasha בַּעְשָׁ֤א (ba‘·šā) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1201: Baasha -- a king of Israel king מֶֽלֶךְ־ (me·leḵ-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 4428: A king of Israel יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc went up עָלָ֞ה (‘ā·lāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively against עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against Judah יְהוּדָ֔ה (yə·hū·ḏāh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3063: Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites and fortified וַיִּ֖בֶן (way·yi·ḇen) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1129: To build Ramah הָרָמָ֑ה (hā·rā·māh) Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 7414: Ramah -- 'height', the name of several places in Israel to prevent לְבִלְתִּ֗י (lə·ḇil·tî) Preposition-l Strong's 1115: A failure of, not, except, without, unless, besides, because not, until [anyone] from leaving יוֹצֵ֣א (yō·w·ṣê) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim or entering the territory וָבָ֔א (wā·ḇā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go of Asa לְאָסָ֖א (lə·’ā·sā) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 609: Asa -- perhaps 'healer', an Israelite name king מֶ֥לֶךְ (me·leḵ) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 4428: A king of Judah. יְהוּדָֽה׃ (yə·hū·ḏāh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3063: Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites Additonal Resources 2 Chronicles 16:1 Blue Letter Bible2 Chronicles 16:1 Bible Gateway 2 Chronicles 16:1 Bible.com 2 Chronicles 16:1 NIV |
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