Nadab

Nadab, the son of Jeroboam I, reigned as king of Israel for two years before being assassinated by Baasha.

Nadab was the son of Jeroboam I, the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel after the division of the united monarchy. He succeeded his father as king and reigned over Israel for two years (1Ki 15:25).

Like his father, Nadab did evil in the sight of the Lord, following in the ways of Jeroboam and leading the people of Israel into sin (1Ki 15:26). This likely refers to the continuation of the idolatrous practices instituted by Jeroboam, such as the worship of golden calves at Bethel and Dan (1Ki 12:28-33).

During Nadab's reign, he went to war against the Philistines and besieged the town of Gibbethon (1Ki 15:27). While he was there, Baasha, a man from the tribe of Issachar, conspired against him and assassinated him (1Ki 15:27). Baasha then succeeded Nadab as king of Israel.

After Nadab's death, Baasha killed all the members of Jeroboam's household, fulfilling the prophecy spoken by Ahijah the Shilonite against Jeroboam's dynasty (1Ki.14.10-11; 15.29). This act was a judgment against the house of Jeroboam for the sins they had committed and the idolatry they had promoted in Israel.

Nadab's brief reign and his assassination demonstrate the instability and turmoil that characterized the northern kingdom of Israel, as well as the consequences of disobedience to God and the continuation of idolatrous practices.

The son and successor of Jeroboam, the king of Israel (1 Kings 14:20). While engaged with all Israel in laying siege to Gibbethon, a town of southern Dan (Josh. 19:44), a conspiracy broke out in his army, and he was slain by Baasha (1 Kings 15:25-28), after a reign of two years (B.C. 955-953). The assassination of Nadab was followed by that of his whole house, and thus this great Ephraimite family became extinct (1 Kings 15:29).