Topical Bible: Conspiracy of Zimri

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Conspiracy of Zimri is a significant event recorded in the Old Testament, specifically in the First Book of Kings. This event marks a pivotal moment in the history of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, illustrating the turbulent and often violent transitions of power that characterized the era of the divided monarchy.

Historical Context

The conspiracy took place during the reign of Elah, the son of Baasha, who was the king of Israel. Baasha had come to power by assassinating Nadab, the son of Jeroboam, and subsequently exterminating the entire house of Jeroboam, fulfilling the prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite (1 Kings 15:27-30). Baasha's reign was marked by continued idolatry and evil in the sight of the LORD, leading to a prophetic judgment against his own house (1 Kings 16:1-4).

The Conspiracy

Zimri, who was a commander of half of Elah's chariots, conspired against King Elah. The opportunity for Zimri's conspiracy arose when Elah was in Tirzah, indulging in drunkenness at the house of Arza, the palace steward (1 Kings 16:8-9). Seizing the moment, Zimri entered and struck down Elah, killing him and assuming the throne in his place (1 Kings 16:10).

Fulfillment of Prophecy

Zimri's actions were not merely a personal power grab but also served as the fulfillment of the divine judgment pronounced against the house of Baasha. Upon taking the throne, Zimri immediately executed all the household of Baasha, leaving no male survivors, whether relatives or friends. This act was in accordance with the word of the LORD spoken through the prophet Jehu (1 Kings 16:11-12).

Zimri's Short Reign

Zimri's reign was notably brief, lasting only seven days. His usurpation of the throne was met with resistance from the army of Israel, which was encamped at Gibbethon, a Philistine city. Upon hearing of Zimri's treachery, the troops proclaimed Omri, the commander of the army, as king over Israel (1 Kings 16:15-16).

The Siege and Zimri's Death

Omri led the army to besiege Tirzah, where Zimri had taken refuge. Realizing that his position was untenable and that the city was about to fall, Zimri chose to end his life rather than face capture. He set the royal palace on fire around him and perished in the flames (1 Kings 16:18).

Theological Implications

The conspiracy and subsequent death of Zimri underscore the themes of divine justice and the consequences of sin that permeate the narrative of the Kings. Zimri's brief and tumultuous reign serves as a reminder of the instability that accompanies leadership founded on treachery and murder. The swift judgment upon Zimri also highlights the sovereignty of God in the affairs of nations, as He executes His will through the rise and fall of kings.

Biblical References

· 1 Kings 16:8-20: The primary account of Zimri's conspiracy, reign, and death.
· 1 Kings 15:27-30: Background on Baasha's rise to power and the prophecy against his house.
· 1 Kings 16:1-4: The prophecy of Jehu against the house of Baasha.

The Conspiracy of Zimri remains a poignant episode in the biblical narrative, illustrating the moral and spiritual decline of Israel's leadership and the inevitable divine retribution that follows.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 16:9
And his servant Zimri, captain of half his chariots, conspired against him, as he was in Tirzah, drinking himself drunk in the house of Arza steward of his house in Tirzah.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

National Apostasy
... His career of evil was suddenly stopped by a conspiracy headed by Baasha, one of
his ... of Heaven; and yet the rulers who followed"Baasha, Elah, Zimri, and Omri ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 8 national apostasy.htm

The Antiquities of the Jews
... To Assist Him; And How, On The Destruction Of The House Of Baasha Zimri Got The ... 8.
How Ten Men Of The Citizens [Of Jerusalem] Made A Conspiracy Against Herod ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... of dynasty: Omri had been shar zaba when he mutinied against Zimri, the assassin ...
the part taken by Nathan in the conspiracy which raised Solomon to the throne ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

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

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7. <. ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm