Asa became king of the Two Tribes of Judah in 914 BC. He would reign for more than forty years. In that long reigning period, he was witness to eight kings in Israel, the Ten Tribe kingdom: Jeroboam, Nadab, Baasha, Elah, Zimri Tibni, Omri, and Ahab. Of them, Tibni hardly played a role, and neither did Zimri (he was king for only a week). Asa himself did what is right in God’s eyes (1 Kings 15:11–13).

Elah, son of Baasha, only reigned for two years, whereas Baasha, his father, reigned for twenty-four years. Apparently, the son did not have the strength and charisma of his father. Not every strong father will have an equally strong son. This was a risk with this hereditary monarchy. In the Two Tribe kingdom of Judah, the hereditary kingship of David and his descendants relates to God’s promises and God’s faithfulness (2 Samuel 7:12–16), but in the Ten Tribe kingdom it was based on power and violence. On that basis, this kingship would not last long. A powerful hereditary kingship, based on God’s promise, also leads to confidence, tranquility, and stability among the population. Such a kingship is not guided by popular favour and is characterized by wisdom and love to God and the people. Even if once a weak king appears in a continuous line of strong monarchs, there may still be forces present that provide stability. The continuation of the king’s line in Judah shows this—although it is not a guarantee. This also shows at the end of the entire history of all the kings.

After two years, Elah is killed by his own army commander Zimri, who came to power just like Baasha. He took advantage while Elah was getting drunk in the capital, Tirzah. In 1 Kings 16:15–16 we read that in those days the Philistine city of Gibbethon was besieged. Thus, there you find the army, but the king was safe at home drinking. This tells enough about the kingship of Elah: feasting and drinking, but not taking responsibility.