1. 1 Kings 16:1–4 (ESV)
  2. Application

Responsible for your actions

1 Kings 16:1–4 (ESV)

1 And the word of the LORD came to Jehu the son of Hanani against Baasha, saying,

God says, through the mouth of the prophet, I have taken you out of the dust: Baasha, you are just ordinary, nothing special—and then you dare to think that everything is allowed? The following is striking: I have made you leader over my people Israel. Baasha was a man who became king by violence and did not even hesitate to kill. Has God appointed such a person? Yes, but that does not mean that God approves everything. A king also retains his own responsibility. He is accountable for his actions. He is judged on what he does or does not do and cannot appeal to: yes, but God has appointed me. Here God addresses him for his sinful attitude: Baasha followed the example of Jeroboam and not only provoked the Lord himself with his actions, but he also set the wrong example for his people.