Topical Bible: Omri: King of Israel: Wicked Reign and Death of

◄ Omri: King of Israel: Wicked Reign and Death of ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Wicked Reign and Death of

Omri, the sixth king of Israel, is a significant yet often overlooked figure in the history of the Northern Kingdom. His reign marked a pivotal moment in the political and spiritual trajectory of Israel. Omri's account is primarily recorded in the First Book of Kings, where his rise to power and subsequent rule are detailed.

Rise to Power

Omri's ascent to the throne was marked by political turmoil and civil strife. Following the assassination of King Elah by Zimri, a commander of half the chariots, Zimri declared himself king. However, his reign lasted only seven days, as the army, encamped against the Philistines, proclaimed Omri, the commander of the army, as king. Omri led a siege against Tirzah, where Zimri had taken refuge, resulting in Zimri's suicide by fire in the royal palace (1 Kings 16:15-18).

Despite Omri's initial claim to the throne, his rule was contested by Tibni son of Ginath, leading to a division among the people of Israel. This conflict persisted for several years until Tibni's death, after which Omri's kingship was firmly established (1 Kings 16:21-22).

Reign and Achievements

Omri reigned over Israel for twelve years, six of which he ruled from Tirzah before establishing Samaria as the new capital. He purchased the hill of Samaria from Shemer for two talents of silver and fortified it, creating a strategic and enduring center of power (1 Kings 16:23-24). This move not only demonstrated Omri's political acumen but also laid the foundation for the future prominence of Samaria.

Omri's reign is noted for its political stability and economic prosperity. He forged alliances with neighboring nations, including a significant treaty with the Phoenicians, which was solidified through the marriage of his son Ahab to Jezebel, the daughter of Ethbaal, king of the Sidonians. This alliance, however, had profound spiritual implications for Israel, as it introduced and entrenched the worship of Baal and Asherah within the kingdom.

Wickedness and Idolatry

The biblical account of Omri's reign is unequivocal in its condemnation of his actions. The Scriptures state, "But Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD and acted more wickedly than all who were before him" (1 Kings 16:25). Omri's establishment of idolatry and his continuation of the sins of Jeroboam, who led Israel into sin through the worship of golden calves, marked a deepening apostasy in the nation.

Omri's policies and religious practices set a precedent for his successors, particularly his son Ahab, whose reign would further exacerbate Israel's spiritual decline. The legacy of Omri's wickedness is underscored by the prophet Micah, who references the "statutes of Omri" as synonymous with idolatry and corruption (Micah 6:16).

Death and Legacy

Omri's death is recorded succinctly in the biblical narrative: "And Omri rested with his fathers and was buried in Samaria, and his son Ahab reigned in his place" (1 Kings 16:28). Despite his political achievements, Omri's legacy is overshadowed by his spiritual failures and the subsequent judgment that would befall Israel.

Omri's reign, though marked by political success, is a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from the LORD. His establishment of Samaria and the alliances he forged had lasting impacts on the history of Israel, but his promotion of idolatry and wickedness left an indelible stain on the nation.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 16:23-28
In the thirty and first year of Asa king of Judah began Omri to reign over Israel, twelve years: six years reigned he in Tirzah.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Divided Kingdom.
... Reigned 6 years and was slain when Joash became king. ... The removal of the Capital,
by Omri, from Tirzah ... reign of Ahab, who introduced Baal worship into Israel. ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xiii the divided kingdom.htm

How Zerah, King of the Ethiopians, was Beaten by Asa; and How Asa ...
... This Omri also died in Samaria and Ahab his son succeeded ... branch; for many of these
kings of Israel, they and ... and wickedness; but Asa, who was king of Jerusalem ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 12 how zerah king.htm

First and Second Kings.
... and note the character of their message and the king or nation ... (5) Make a list of
the kings of Israel and learn the story of Jeroboam I, Omri, Ahab, Jehu ...
/.../the way of salvation in the lutheran church/chapter ix first and second.htm

Antichrist.
... Many princes were in Edom before there was a king in Israel; and Christ has ... is in
flat opposition to Christ, as Tibni was to Omri; wherefore antichrist must ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xxiii antichrist.htm

Questions.
... 6. What city did Omri make his capital? ... What partial reformation took place in Israel?
14. ... What prophecy was fulfilled by Judea having an Edomite king? "Gen. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/questions.htm

Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
... to their place: and the house of Israel shall possess ... and discern between the righteous
and the wicked; yea, they ... and true are thy ways, thou king of Saints. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of antichrist and his ruin .htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... with their chapmen, and to get into the wicked fellowship of ... when Ezekiel was sent
to the house of Israel, in their ... The word of a king is as the roaring of a ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm