Matthew Poole and continuators on 1 Kings 15:17

17 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 .

Perceiving Asa's great success; of which see 2 Chron. 14▪ and 15. and the defection of many of his own Subjects to him, upon that occasion, 2 Chron. 15. 9. he began to bestir himself, and commenceth a War against him.

i. e. Repaired and Fortified.

A City of Benjamin; which either belonged to the Kingdom of Israel, from the division (as some other places of that Tribe are supposed to have done; of which see on 1 King. 11. 13.) or belonged to Iudah, but was now Invaded and taken by Baasha, and Fortified.

Therefore he chose this place, because it was in the way from his Kingdom to Ierusalem, and, as some add, in, or near the straits of the Mountains, where they could easily discover and hinder all Passengers that way.

Marginal references: 2 Chr. 16. 1.