Arza is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the First Book of Kings. He is noted for his role during the reign of King Elah of Israel, who was the son of Baasha. Arza's mention in the Scriptures is brief but significant, as it provides insight into the political and social dynamics of the Northern Kingdom of Israel during a tumultuous period.

Biblical Reference:

Arza is mentioned in 1 Kings 16:9, which states: "But while Elah was drinking himself drunk in the house of Arza, who was in charge of the palace at Tirzah, Zimri, one of his officials who had command of half his chariots, conspired against him."

Role and Significance:

Arza held the position of being "in charge of the palace" at Tirzah, which was the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel at the time. This role indicates that Arza was a person of considerable influence and responsibility, overseeing the royal household and its affairs. His position would have required trust and loyalty to the reigning monarch, King Elah.

The context of Arza's mention is critical, as it occurs during a conspiracy led by Zimri, a military commander under King Elah. While Elah was in a vulnerable state, indulging in excessive drinking at Arza's house, Zimri seized the opportunity to assassinate him and usurp the throne. This event marks a significant moment of instability and highlights the internal strife and power struggles within the kingdom.

Historical and Theological Context:

The brief account of Arza in the biblical narrative underscores the moral and spiritual decline of Israel during this period. The Northern Kingdom, under the leadership of kings who often turned away from the worship of Yahweh, experienced frequent coups and assassinations. The account of Arza and the assassination of King Elah is a reflection of the broader theme of divine judgment against the house of Baasha, as prophesied by the prophet Jehu (1 Kings 16:1-4).

Arza's association with the palace at Tirzah also points to the significance of this city as a center of political power before the eventual establishment of Samaria as the capital by King Omri. Tirzah's role as a royal city is highlighted by the presence of influential figures like Arza, who were integral to the administration and governance of the kingdom.

Lessons and Reflections:

The account of Arza serves as a reminder of the consequences of moral laxity and the dangers of political intrigue. It illustrates the vulnerability of leaders who fail to uphold righteousness and the ease with which power can be usurped in times of moral and spiritual weakness. The narrative invites reflection on the importance of integrity and faithfulness in positions of authority, as well as the need for vigilance against the corrupting influences of power and indulgence.Arza

prefect of the palace at Tirzah to Elah king of Israel, who was assassinated at a banquet in his house by Zimri. (1 Kings 16:9)

ARZA

ar'-za ('artsa'): A steward of King Elah, in whose house at Tirzah Zimri murdered the king at a drinking debauch. The text is not quite clear, and Arza might have been a servant of Zimri (1 Kings 16:9).

777. Artsa -- an Israelite
... an Israelite. Transliteration: Artsa Phonetic Spelling: (ar-tsaw') Short Definition:
Arza. Word Origin from erets Definition an Isr. NASB Word Usage Arza (1). ...
/hebrew/777.htm - 6k

Letter P
... Received 1829, Located 1836 * Peyton, William S. "Received 1826, Died 1831 * Peyton,
Yelverton "Received 1818, Died 1831 * Phelps, Arza J. "Received 1835 ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bangs/an alphabetical list of m e preachers/letter p.htm

How Zerah, King of the Ethiopians, was Beaten by Asa; and How Asa ...
... the kingdom, who, when he had reigned two years, died, being treacherously slain
by Zimri, the captain of half his army; for when he was at Arza, his steward's ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 12 how zerah king.htm

Letter B
... Brown, Absalom "Received 1828, Died 1833 * Brown, Archibald "Received 1811, Located
1816 * Brown, Arthur M. "Received 1831 * Brown, Arza "Received 1824 ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bangs/an alphabetical list of m e preachers/letter b.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6. <. ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Arza (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ARZA. ... The text is not quite clear, and Arza might
have been a servant of Zimri (1 Kings 16:9). Multi-Version Concordance ...
/a/arza.htm - 7k

Zimri (16 Occurrences)
... While Elah was in a drunken debauch in the house of his steward Arza, who may have
been an accomplice in the plot, he was foully murdered by Zimri, who ...
/z/zimri.htm - 18k

Aryan

/a/aryan.htm - 9k

Drunkard (15 Occurrences)
... 9 and conspire against him doth his servant Zimri (head of the half of the chariots)
and he 'is' in Tirzah drinking -- a drunkard in the house of Arza, who 'is ...
/d/drunkard.htm - 11k

Plotted (21 Occurrences)
... against him. Now he was in Tirzah, drinking himself drunk in the house of
Arza, who was over the household in Tirzah: (See NIV). 1 ...
/p/plotted.htm - 12k

Controller (10 Occurrences)
... his servant Zimri, captain of half his war-carriages, made secret designs against
him: now he was in Tirzah, drinking hard in the house of Arza, controller of ...
/c/controller.htm - 10k

Conspired (32 Occurrences)
... Now he was in Tirzah, drinking himself drunk in the house of Arza, who was over
the household in Tirzah: (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV). ...
/c/conspired.htm - 16k

Conspire (18 Occurrences)
... Now he was in Tirzah, drinking himself drunk in the house of Arza, who was over
the household in Tirzah: (Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV). ...
/c/conspire.htm - 11k

Arzareth

/a/arzareth.htm - 6k

Tirzah (17 Occurrences)
... Now he was in Tirzah, drinking himself drunk in the house of Arza, who was over
the household in Tirzah: (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/t/tirzah.htm - 14k

Who was King Elah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus