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.
Here is, I. The ruin of the family of Baasha foretold. He was a man likely enough to have raised and established his family - active, politic, and daring; but he was an idolater, and this brought destruction upon his family. 1. God sent him warning of it before.
Commenting on 1 Kings 16:1-14
And Zimri went in and smote him, and killed him,.... When in his drunken fit: and this was in the twenty seventh year of Asa; when Elah had not reigned two full years: and reigned in his stead; that is, Zimri; his reign was short indeed, but seven days, Kg1 16:15.
began Elah the son of Baasha to reign--(compare Kg1 15:33). From this it will appear that Baasha died in the twenty-third year of his reign (see on Kg1 15:2), and Elah, who was a prince of dissolute habits, reigned not fully two years.