Regicide of Elah
Jump to: Nave'sSubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
The regicide of Elah, the fifth king of the northern kingdom of Israel, is a significant event recorded in the biblical narrative, specifically in 1 Kings 16:8-10. Elah's reign, though brief, ended violently, marking a turbulent period in Israel's history characterized by political instability and moral decline.

Historical Context

Elah was the son of Baasha, who had established his dynasty by overthrowing the previous king, Nadab, and exterminating the house of Jeroboam (1 Kings 15:27-29). Baasha's reign was marked by idolatry and opposition to the prophetic word, which ultimately led to divine judgment pronounced by the prophet Jehu (1 Kings 16:1-4). Upon Baasha's death, Elah ascended to the throne in the twenty-sixth year of Asa, king of Judah (1 Kings 16:8).

Reign and Downfall

Elah's reign lasted only two years, from 886 to 885 BC. The biblical account provides limited details about his rule, but it is clear that he continued in the sinful practices of his father, perpetuating the idolatry that plagued Israel. The Berean Standard Bible states, "In the twenty-sixth year of Asa’s reign over Judah, Elah son of Baasha became king of Israel, and he reigned in Tirzah two years" (1 Kings 16:8).

Elah's downfall came swiftly and unexpectedly. While he was in Tirzah, the capital of the northern kingdom, he was assassinated by Zimri, one of his military commanders. The Bible describes the circumstances of his death: "While Elah was drinking himself drunk in the house of Arza, who was in charge of the palace at Tirzah, Zimri came in, struck him down, and killed him in the twenty-seventh year of Asa king of Judah, and succeeded him as king" (1 Kings 16:9-10).

Significance

The regicide of Elah is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it underscores the fulfillment of divine judgment against the house of Baasha. Just as Baasha had eradicated the house of Jeroboam, so too was his own lineage cut off, as prophesied by Jehu (1 Kings 16:3-4). This cycle of violence and retribution highlights the consequences of disobedience to God's commandments and the rejection of His covenant.

Secondly, Elah's assassination by Zimri initiated a period of chaos and rapid succession of rulers in Israel. Zimri's reign lasted only seven days before he was overthrown by Omri, leading to further instability (1 Kings 16:15-18). This period of turmoil reflects the broader spiritual and moral decline of the northern kingdom, which was characterized by idolatry, political intrigue, and disregard for the prophetic voice.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the regicide of Elah serves as a sobering reminder of the sovereignty of God over the affairs of nations. Despite human attempts to establish power and control, God's purposes ultimately prevail. The narrative also illustrates the principle that sin and rebellion against God lead to destruction and chaos, both on a personal and national level.

In conclusion, the regicide of Elah is a pivotal event that highlights the consequences of idolatry and disobedience in the history of Israel. It serves as a testament to the fulfillment of divine prophecy and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, even amidst human failure and political upheaval.
Nave's Topical Index
1 Kings 16:9-11
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

Resources
Old Testament Individuals ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org

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

Who were the kings of Israel and Judah? | GotQuestions.org

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Elah

Elah: A Benjamite Chief

Elah: A Valley where David Killed Goliath

Elah: An Edomite Duke

Elah: Father of Hoshea

Elah: Father of Shimei

Elah: Son and Successor of Baasha, King of Israel

Elah: Son of Caleb

Regicide of Elah

Related Terms

Baptismal (1 Occurrence)

Restoration (4 Occurrences)

Conversion (1 Occurrence)

Adoption (5 Occurrences)

Man (26072 Occurrences)

Renewal (6 Occurrences)

Baptist (16 Occurrences)

Born (228 Occurrences)

Interpretation (45 Occurrences)

Bear (425 Occurrences)

Lutheran

Doctrine (52 Occurrences)

Sanctification (13 Occurrences)

Kindness (295 Occurrences)

View (86 Occurrences)

Natures (12 Occurrences)

Nonimmersionist

Non-immersionist

Nicodemus (5 Occurrences)

Judging (141 Occurrences)

Johannine

Followed (201 Occurrences)

Twelve (176 Occurrences)

Thrones (19 Occurrences)

Tribes (141 Occurrences)

Reg'em-mel'ech (1 Occurrence)

Renewing (2 Occurrences)

Regiment (3 Occurrences)

Rebirth (1 Occurrence)

Election (6 Occurrences)

Death (1610 Occurrences)

Member (20 Occurrences)

Basis (21 Occurrences)

Astonied (12 Occurrences)

Again (5924 Occurrences)

Astonished (92 Occurrences)

Salvation (386 Occurrences)

Seed (337 Occurrences)

Sit (216 Occurrences)

Sits (52 Occurrences)

Sinlessness

Messenger (235 Occurrences)

Assurance (16 Occurrences)

Sin (782 Occurrences)

Brotherly (8 Occurrences)

Parable (52 Occurrences)

Laver (13 Occurrences)

Virtue (21 Occurrences)

Throne (181 Occurrences)

Follow (267 Occurrences)

Verily (146 Occurrences)

Bathing (9 Occurrences)

Principle (32 Occurrences)

Certainly (415 Occurrences)

Love (703 Occurrences)

Evolution

Baptism (76 Occurrences)

Result (73 Occurrences)

Father (11359 Occurrences)

King (25505 Occurrences)

Deeds (309 Occurrences)

Heavens (548 Occurrences)

Earth (10501 Occurrences)

Bath (13 Occurrences)

Birth (357 Occurrences)

Ourselves (129 Occurrences)

Malefactor (2 Occurrences)

Psychology

Body (562 Occurrences)

Saved (183 Occurrences)

Epistles (2 Occurrences)

Washing (56 Occurrences)

Mercy (467 Occurrences)

Righteous (407 Occurrences)

Ghost (123 Occurrences)

Justification (6 Occurrences)

Save (375 Occurrences)

God (45911 Occurrences)

Regicide of Ehud
Top of Page
Top of Page