Lexical Summary Tibni: Tibni Original Word: תִּבְנִי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance chaff, straw, stubble From teben; strawy; Tibni, an Israelite -- Tibni. see HEBREW teben NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as teben Definition a rival of Omri NASB Translation Tibni (3). Brown-Driver-Briggs תִּבְנִי proper name, masculine rival of Omri (WeIsrael u. Jüd. Geschichte., 3rd ed., 70, compare Sidon. Thabnit); — 1 Kings 16:21,22 (twice in verse); Θαμνει, ᵐ5L Θαβεννει. תַּבְנִית see בנה. תַּבְעֵרָה see בער. Topical Lexicon Name and Lineage Tibni is introduced in 1 Kings 16 as “Tibni son of Ginath,” a man whose ancestry places him outside the royal line of Jeroboam, Baasha, or Zimri. Scripture offers no further genealogy, indicating that his bid for the throne rested not on dynastic claim but on popular or military support. Biblical References 1 Kings 16:22 (twice noted because the verse names Tibni in two clauses) Historical Background The northern kingdom had already endured the violent usurpations of Baasha, Elah, and Zimri within roughly two decades after Jeroboam. When Zimri burned the royal palace around himself at Tirzah (1 Kings 16:18), a power vacuum emerged. Israel’s army, encamped at Gibbethon, elevated Omri, their commander, but a sizable faction of the nation preferred Tibni. The result was a civil war that lasted approximately four years (compare the synchronisms in 1 Kings 16:15, 23 with 16:21–22). Duration and Outcome of His Reign Scripture does not grant Tibni the formal title “king of Israel,” yet the narrative implies that he functioned as a rival monarch. The Berean Standard Bible records: “At that time the people of Israel split into two factions: half supported Tibni son of Ginath as king, and the other half supported Omri” (1 Kings 16:21). The contest ended when “those who supported Omri prevailed over those who supported Tibni son of Ginath. So Tibni died and Omri became king” (1 Kings 16:22). The text does not specify whether Tibni fell in battle, was assassinated, or succumbed to natural causes; the critical point is that Omri’s faction proved stronger, and Tibni’s following could not sustain him. Theological and Moral Lessons 1. Divine Sovereignty Amid Human Strife The rapid turnover of rulers in Israel underscores that “the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men” (Daniel 4:17). The prophetic evaluation of each northern king hinges on fidelity to the covenant, not on military success or popular support. Tibni’s brief prominence, like Zimri’s before him, highlights how God can allow political turbulence to accomplish His purposes of judgment and preservation. 2. The Dangers of Factionalism Israel’s division under Tibni and Omri foreshadows later schisms and eventual exile. When covenant identity is subordinated to tribal or personal loyalties, the nation becomes vulnerable. The church, too, must heed Paul’s appeal: “that there may be no divisions among you” (1 Corinthians 1:10). 3. Temporary Power vs. Lasting Legacy Tibni’s name surfaces only within this short narrative. Leadership gained apart from divine endorsement yields little fruit and leaves no enduring legacy. In contrast, faithfulness—seen even in obscurity—receives eternal commendation (Hebrews 11:39–40). Implications for Ministry Today • Leadership Should Be Rooted in Calling, Not Mere Popularity Tibni’s rise through factional support warns against equating majority backing with divine approval. Churches and ministries must prioritize God’s calling and biblical qualifications over charisma or expediency (1 Timothy 3:1–7). • Unity Must Be Pursued Actively Just as Israel fractured after Zimri’s demise, modern congregations can divide when crises arise. Pastors and elders should cultivate reconciliation, guided by Christ’s prayer “that they may all be one” (John 17:21). • Remember the Brevity of Earthly Authority Tibni’s fleeting prominence encourages believers to invest in that which endures—the gospel, discipleship, and the kingdom that cannot be shaken (Hebrews 12:28). Related Themes and Passages • Civil conflict in Israel: Judges 12:1–6; 2 Samuel 2:8–11 Tibni stands as a minor yet instructive figure. His story, though brief, underscores the futility of ambition divorced from covenant faithfulness and the necessity of godly unity among God’s people. Forms and Transliterations תִּבְנִ֔י תִּבְנִ֣י תִבְנִ֤י תבני tiḇ·nî ṯiḇ·nî tiḇnî ṯiḇnî tivNiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Kings 16:21 HEB: הָ֠יָה אַחֲרֵ֨י תִבְנִ֤י בֶן־ גִּינַת֙ NAS: followed Tibni the son KJV: followed Tibni the son INT: become followed Tibni the son of Ginath 1 Kings 16:22 1 Kings 16:22 3 Occurrences |
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