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.
In the third year of King Asa's reign in Judah, Baasha son of Ahijah became king over all of Israel in Tirzah, and he ruled for twenty-four years.
This verse records when Baasha became king of Israel and how long he ruled, showing God's detailed care in recording the history of His people.
📚 Historical Context
This occurred around 909 BC during the divided kingdom period, when Israel (northern kingdom) and Judah (southern kingdom) were separate nations. Baasha had violently seized power by killing the previous king Nadab, and he ruled from Tirzah, which served as Israel's capital before Samaria was built. This was a time of political instability and spiritual decline in the northern kingdom.
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