Asa, Nadab, Baasha

The war between Abijam and Jeroboam set up a period of peace for Abijam's successor, Asa. One of the most righteous and zealous kings of Judah during much of his reign, Asa carried out extensive reforms, which we will see more about in our next reading. For turning to God, Asa was blessed with an entire decade of peace, during which he was able to fortify the kingdom.

But while Asa was enjoying quiet, the kingdom of Israel was suffering great internal turmoil. In Asa's second year, the independent northern kingdom lost its founding king. Then Jeroboam's son Nadab lasted less than two years before the first of Israel's seven changes of dynasty took place. As prophesied by Ahijah (1 Kings 14:10), Baasha was very thorough in getting rid of Jeroboam's descendants. But he did not prove to be any better at obeying God.