Prophets Continue to Warn

Of Baasha, who usurped the throne after assassinating King Nadab, Jeroboam’s son, and then exterminated the whole family of Jeroboam, it is written: “He did evil in the sight of the Lord, and walked in the way of Jeroboam, and in his sin wherewith he made Israel to sin.” 1 Kings 15:34.AGP 88.3

There was still need of the prophet, and of divine interference with the madness of man; and both came: “By the hand of the prophet Jehu the son of Hanani came the word of the Lord against Baasha, and against his house, even for all the evil that he did in the sight of the Lord, in provoking Him to anger with the work of his hands, in being like the house of Jeroboam.” 1 Kings 16:7.AGP 88.4

Baasha reigned twenty-three years, and was succeeded by his son Elah, whose reign was cut short by the conspiracy of “Zimri, captain of half his chariots.” Verse 9. In the second year of Elah’s reign “Zimri went in and smote him, and killedAGP 88.5

him, … and reigned in his stead…. He slew all the house of Baasha…. Thus did Zimri destroy all the house of Baasha, according to the word of the Lord, which He spake against Baasha by Jehu the prophet, for all the sins of Baasha, and the sins of Elah his son, by which they sinned, and by which they made Israel to sin.” 1 Kings 16:9-13.AGP 89.1

Zimri was not allowed to enjoy the fruits of his conspiracy for long—only seven days—when he was overthrown, and Omri was made king. During Omri’s reign of twelve years he transferred the capital of the kingdom from Tirzah to Samaria.AGP 89.2

“But Omri wrought evil in the eyes of the Lord, and did worse than all that were before him.” Verse 25.AGP 89.3

At his death he was succeeded by his son Ahab, who became notorious for his wickedness in Israel. This was in the year 932 B.C., fifty-eight years from the beginning of the kingdom under the reign of Jeroboam. The history is heartsickening. It was altogether unnecessary, for the kings and the people had faithful, inspired prophets with them from Jeroboam to Ahab. They were Ahijah, Iddo, “a man of God,” Shemaiah, Hanani, and Jehu. It seems that Jehu either joined Ahijah or followed him immediately; for soon after Jeroboam’s death Jehu was sent to Baasha with a message of doom. From 2 Chronicles 19:2 we find this same prophet bearing a message of reproof to Jehoshaphat after the death of Ahab.AGP 89.4

Thus the record shows that the prophetic gift was doing faithful, active, continued service for the welfare of rulers and people. But the results were very disappointing. In rejecting God as their king, Israel entered upon a road beset with perils they did not foresee. To the time of Ahab they suffered continual defeat, notwithstanding the presence and services of inspired prophets of God.AGP 89.5