Baasha was the son of Ahijah, of the tribe of Issachar. He was the third King of the northern kingdom of Israel and he reigned for 24 years at Tirzah. He became king after assassinating King Nadab, who was the son of King Jeroboam. He then tried to strengthen his hold on the throne by killing all of the descendents of Jeroboam, so that none of the royal family remained, thus fulfilling the prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite.
During Baasha's reign, there was continuous warfare between Israel and Judah and he persisted in the sin of Jeroboam worshiping the golden calves in Dan and Bethel. He was told, by the LORD, through Jehu son of Hanani, that because of his sins, he and his family would be destroyed as He did with the house of Jeroboam.[1] When Baasha died, his son Elah became king.[2]