Scripture

Moreover, the word of the Lord came through the prophet Jehu son of Hanani to Baasha and his house, because of all the evil he had done in the eyes of the Lord, arousing his anger by the things he did, becoming like the house of Jeroboam—and also because he destroyed it.

1 Kings 16:7 (NIV)

Observation

Why did God punish Baasha for destroying Jeroboam’s family when it was God’s will that Jeroboam’s family be destroyed?

Although it was God’s will that Jeroboam’s family be destroyed, Baasha didn’t kill them because he wanted to do the Lord’s will. Indeed, Baasha did it for selfish motives, as seen in 1 Kings 16:2.

I lifted you up from the dust and appointed you ruler over my people Israel, but you followed the ways of Jeroboam and caused my people Israel to sin and to arouse my anger by their sins.

1 Kings 16:2 (NIV)

Furthermore, God didn’t appoint Baasha to wipe out Jeroboam’s house. Matthew Poole gives an excellent explanation of how Baasha’s actions led to his downfall.

The very act of Baasha, to wit, the killing of his master Nadab, was an act of Divine justice, foretold and appointed by God, (1 Kings 14:10). And if Baasha had done this in obedience to God’s command, and with a single design to execute God’s vengeance threatened against him, it had been no more a sin than Jehu’s act in killing his master king Jehoram, upon the same account, (2 Kings 9), but that Baasha did this merely to gratify his own pride, or covetousness, or malice, this was not from God, but from himself, and therefore is charged upon him as murder here.

Matthew Poole’s Commentary

We could think we’re doing God’s will, and maybe we are, but how we do it and what motivates us to do “God’s will” matters. For example, if we only seem to do the Lord’s will when it’s convenient and will benefit us while deciding to go our way when it doesn’t suit us, such behavior doesn’t please God, and it certainly doesn’t fool him. It might fool other people, but God knows our hearts.

Application

When we do God’s will, we do it because it’s God’s will, not because it’s “easy” or “convenient.” If we’re in doubt, ask the Lord, per Psalm 139.

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV)

Prayer

Father, I praise and exalt you for who you are. Thank you for this insight today. Lord, I pray that you would “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Thank you for doing this. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.