Topical Bible: Judgments: Zimri

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Background and Context

Zimri is a biblical figure whose actions and subsequent judgment are recorded in the Old Testament. He is primarily known for his brief reign as king of Israel and the dramatic events that led to his downfall. Zimri's account is found in 1 Kings 16:8-20, where his rise to power and subsequent demise are detailed.

Zimri's Rise to Power

Zimri was a commander of half the chariots in the army of King Elah of Israel. During a time of political instability and moral decline in the Northern Kingdom, Zimri seized an opportunity to overthrow the reigning monarch. In 1 Kings 16:9-10 , it is recorded: "Now his servant Zimri, commander of half his chariots, conspired against him while Elah was in Tirzah, getting drunk in the house of Arza, who was in charge of the palace at Tirzah. So Zimri went in, struck Elah down, and killed him in the twenty-seventh year of Asa king of Judah, and he reigned in his place."

Zimri's Reign and Judgment

Zimri's reign was notably short, lasting only seven days. His usurpation of the throne was met with immediate resistance from the people and the military. The army, which was encamped against the Philistine city of Gibbethon, heard of Zimri's treachery and proclaimed Omri, the commander of the army, as king over Israel. This swift reaction is recorded in 1 Kings 16:16 : "When the troops who were encamped heard it said, 'Zimri has conspired and has also struck down the king,' all Israel made Omri, the commander of the army, king over Israel that very day in the camp."

Faced with the overwhelming opposition and the inevitability of his defeat, Zimri chose to end his life rather than face capture. In 1 Kings 16:18 , it is written: "When Zimri saw that the city was taken, he went into the citadel of the king’s palace and burned it down over himself. So he died."

Moral and Theological Implications

Zimri's account serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of treachery and the fleeting nature of power gained through violence and deceit. His actions were not only politically motivated but also reflected a deeper moral and spiritual decay that characterized the Northern Kingdom during this period. The judgment upon Zimri was swift and severe, illustrating the biblical principle that those who live by the sword often perish by the sword.

Theologically, Zimri's judgment can be seen as part of the broader narrative of divine justice that runs throughout the Scriptures. His brief and tumultuous reign underscores the sovereignty of God over the affairs of nations and the futility of human schemes that are contrary to His will. The account of Zimri is a reminder of the importance of righteousness and integrity in leadership, as well as the ultimate accountability that all individuals face before God.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 16:18,19
And it came to pass, when Zimri saw that the city was taken, that he went into the palace of the king's house, and burnt the king's house over him with fire, and died.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

National Apostasy
... introduced by him had brought upon the guilty offenders the retributive judgments
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 Record of Two Kings
... Jeroboam's son and successor was killed by Baasha, Baasha's son and successor was
killed by Zimri, who reigned ... How little their judgments matter to the dead men ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the record of two kings.htm

CHAP. I. -II. 3 (II. 1).
... thee to desist, that thou mayest not experience the same punishment as Zimri;"
Zechariah 5:11 ... The [Pg 217] Lord knoweth how to execute His judgments so that His ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/chap i -ii 3 ii 1.htm

The Story of the Baptist, from his Last Testimony to Jesus to his ...
... painted ones, who are like the Pharisees, and who act like Zimri, but expect ... people
ever afterwards cursed the tyrant, and looked for those judgments of God to ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxviii the story of.htm

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