Ahijah אֲחִיָּ֫הוּ
Father of Baasha, king of Israel
Who is Ahijah in the Bible?
Ahijah was the father of Baasha, who became the third king of Israel and ruled for 24 years (1 Kings 15:27, 15:33). Though Ahijah himself is not extensively featured in biblical narratives, he is remembered primarily through his son's reign and its consequences. Baasha walked in the ways of Jeroboam and did evil in the sight of the Lord, prompting the prophet Jehu son of Hanani to declare that God would bring disaster upon Baasha's house, making it like the house of Jeroboam (1 Kings 16:1-4). Ahijah's significance lies in the prophetic judgment against his descendants, illustrating how God's judgment extended across generations when a royal line persisted in sin and idolatry.
Biography
Ahijah is mentioned in the Bible as the father of Baasha, who became the third king of Israel after Jeroboam I. Baasha, the son of Ahijah, was from the tribe of Issachar and reigned over Israel for 24 years. (1Ki.15.27,33)
During his reign, Baasha did evil in the sight of the Lord and walked in the ways of Jeroboam, leading Israel into sin. (1Ki.15.34) The prophet Jehu, son of Hanani, prophesied against Baasha and his house, declaring that they would meet a fate similar to that of Jeroboam's house. (1Ki.16.1-4)
Ahijah is mentioned in the context of God's judgment against the house of Baasha, as God declared that He would bring disaster upon Baasha and his house, making it like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat. (1Ki.21.22; 2Ki.9.9)
Family
In Scripture
2 biblical books1 Kings 3 verses
- 1 Kings 15:27
"Then Baasha son of Ahijah of the house of Issachar conspired against Nadab, and Baasha struck him down at Gibbethon of the Philistines while Nadab and all Israel were besieging the city."
- 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."
- 1 Kings 21:22
"I will make your house like that of Jeroboam son of Nebat and like that of Baasha son of Ahijah, because you have provoked My anger and caused Israel to sin.’"
2 Kings 1 verse
- 2 Kings 9:9
"I will make the house of Ahab like the houses of Jeroboam son of Nebat and Baasha son of Ahijah."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | אֲחִיָּ֫הוּ |