A son of Baasha who was king of the northern kingdom of Israel during the divided kingdom. He was assassinated by Zimri, one of his military officials.
About Elah
3. Baasha’s son and fourth king of Israel. Elah reigned for only two years (886–885 BC). While in a drunken stupor, he was murdered by one of his generals (1 Kgs 16:8–14).
Family Relationships
- Parents
- Baasha
Key References
And Baasha rested with his fathers and was buried in Tirzah, and his son Elah reigned in his place.
In the twenty-sixth year of Asa’s reign over Judah, Elah son of Baasha became king of Israel, and he reigned in Tirzah two years.
However, while Elah was in Tirzah getting drunk in the house of Arza the steward of his household there, Elah’s servant Zimri, the commander of half his chariots, conspired against him.
So in the twenty-seventh year of Asa’s reign over Judah, Zimri went in, struck Elah down, and killed him. And Zimri reigned in his place.
As soon as Zimri began to reign and was seated on the throne, he struck down the entire household of Baasha. He did not leave a single male, whether a kinsman or friend.
All Scripture References (4)
1 Kings (4)
And Baasha rested with his fathers and was buried in Tirzah, and his son Elah reigned in his place.
In the twenty-sixth year of Asa’s reign over Judah, Elah son of Baasha became king of Israel, and he reigned in Tirzah two years.
This happened because of all the sins Baasha and his son Elah had committed and had caused Israel to commit, provoking the LORD, the God of Israel, to anger with their worthless idols.
As for the rest of the acts of Elah, along with all his accomplishments, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel?