Definition: And Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah, and built Ramah, that he might not suffer any to go out or come in to Asa king of Judah.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 1 Kings 15:17. It’s a pretty serious warning about a period of conflict and division within Israel. Here's a simple explanation: What it says: “And Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah, and built Ramah, that he might not suffer any to go out or come in to Asa king of Judah.” In plain English: “Baasha, the king of Israel, challenged Judah. He started building a fortified city called Ramah. The purpose of this was to prevent anyone from leaving or entering Judah, and therefore, preventing Asa, the king of Judah, from being attacked or harassed.” What's happening? This is a historical warning about a period of instability in Israel. It describes a situation where: Conflict started: Baasha challenged Judah, leading to an argument and potentially a fight. Ramah was built: He constructed a fortified city called Ramah – a place designed to be difficult to defend against invaders. The goal was to isolate Judah: The primary reason for building Ramah was to create a barrier that would stop people from moving freely between Judah and Asa's kingdom. Why is this important? This verse points to a time of tension and potential disaster in Israel. It’s a significant warning about the dangers of division, mistrust, and the need for careful leadership. Context & Significance: The Old Testament: This passage comes from the Old Testament. Historical Roots: It's part of a larger narrative of conflict in ancient Israel – a time where the kingdom was struggling with internal divisions and external threats. Prophetic Warning: It’s often interpreted as a prophecy about the future, foretelling a period of instability within Israel. Essentially, this verse highlights a situation that, if left unaddressed, could lead to significant problems for the kingdom of Judah. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the historical context more deeply? Answer any specific questions you have about this passage?