Make thy house like the house of Jeroboam, the son of Nebat— This threat was exactly verified; for as Nadab, the son of Jeroboam, reigned but two years, so Elah, the son of Baasha, reigned no more; and as Nadab was killed by the sword, so was Elah. Thus remarkable was the similitude between Jeroboam and Baasha in their lives and in their deaths, in their sons and in their families! See Bishop Patrick.
REFLECTIONS.—Let not Baasha expect peace in his sin, nor hope to secure to his posterity that kingdom of which his idolatry rendered him so unworthy.
1. God sends a prophet to reprove and threaten him. Greatly had God exalted him; for, though his ambition plotted the conspiracy, it was God's over-ruling providence that gave it success. He had been raised to reign over God's people, who were not yet utterly abandoned by him; but, instead of being warned by the judgments on his predecessors, he had made their images his own by his adherence to them; had, like them, led the people into idolatry, and stood chargeable with the blood of the house of Jeroboam, whose destruction, though just respecting God, did not exculpate him from the treason and murder. Therefore, the judgments of which he had been the executioner, should for the like sins return on his own house. Note; (1.) God warns before he strikes. (2.) Those who harden their hearts, bring their blood upon their own heads.
2. The sentence pronounced is executed; but not during Baasha's reign: like Jeroboam, though in continual wars, and unsuccessful too, yet he came to his grave by a natural death: but the iniquity is laid up for his children. His son Elah was scarcely settled on his throne, before one of his own officers, as Baasha had done, formed a conspiracy; and while the king was drunk, carousing at the house of Arza his steward, Zimri slew him; and, to pave the way to the throne, cut off not only all his family, but his friends, who might attempt to avenge his murder. Thus was the prophesy of Jehu fulfilled. Note; (1.) A drunkard lays himself open to the stroke of death by a thousand accidents; and how terrible must it be to be hurried drunk to the tribunal of God! (2.) God's word never falls to the ground; his threatenings are no bugbears.