Book of 1 Kings - Chapter 16 - Verse 6

When the verse says "So Baasha slept with his fathers, and was buried in Tirzah: and Elah his son reigned in his stead," it is referring to the death of King Baasha of Israel. The phrase "slept with his fathers" is a common biblical euphemism for death, indicating that Baasha passed away and was buried in Tirzah, a city in Israel. After Baasha's death, his son Elah ascended to the throne. This succession of power from father to son was a common practice in ancient Israelite monarchy. This verse illustrates the cycle of life and power within the royal family, as well as the constant shifts in leadership that occurred in the turbulent political landscape of the region. It also serves as a reminder of the transient nature of human life and power, emphasizing the importance of succession planning and the passing on of legacy to future generations.

In this verse from the Book of Kings, we see the death of Baasha, the king of Israel. The phrase "slept with his fathers" is a common biblical euphemism for death, indicating that Baasha passed away and was laid to rest in Tirzah. The theological interpretation of this verse can be seen in the cycle of rulership and succession within the Israelite monarchy. Baasha's reign came to an end, as all earthly reigns do, and his son Elah took over the throne. This highlights the transient nature of power and the importance of passing on leadership to the next generation. Additionally, the mention of Tirzah as the burial place adds a historical and geographical context to the narrative, as Tirzah was one of the early capitals of the northern kingdom of Israel. The word "reigned" shows the continuation of the royal lineage in Israel, a theme that runs throughout the Old Testament. Overall, this verse provides insight into the politics and succession of power in ancient Israel, as well as larger theological themes of mortality and the succession of generations.