Topical Bible: Murder: Zimri

◄ Murder: Zimri ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Zimri is a biblical figure whose actions are recorded in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Numbers. He is most notably recognized for his involvement in an incident that led to a significant act of violence, which is often discussed in the context of murder and divine judgment.

Biblical Account

Zimri was an Israelite man, a prince of the Simeonite family, during the time when the Israelites were encamped in the plains of Moab, near the Jordan River, opposite Jericho. His account is recounted in Numbers 25, where he is identified as the son of Salu. The narrative describes a period when the Israelites began to engage in idolatry and immorality with the Moabite women, which led them to worship the Moabite gods, particularly Baal of Peor.

The Lord's anger was kindled against Israel due to these transgressions, and a plague began to afflict the people. In the midst of this crisis, Zimri committed a brazen act that exacerbated the situation. He brought a Midianite woman named Cozbi into the camp, in the sight of Moses and the entire assembly of Israel, who were weeping at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.

Phinehas, the grandson of Aaron the priest, witnessed this act and was filled with righteous indignation. He took a spear in his hand, followed Zimri into the tent, and drove the spear through both Zimri and Cozbi, effectively executing them. This act of zeal stopped the plague that had already claimed the lives of 24,000 Israelites. The Lord commended Phinehas for his zeal, stating that he had turned back His wrath from the Israelites (Numbers 25:11-13).

Theological Implications

The account of Zimri is often examined in discussions of divine justice and the seriousness of idolatry and immorality. Zimri's actions are seen as a direct challenge to the covenantal relationship between God and Israel. His murder by Phinehas is interpreted as an act of divine retribution, sanctioned by God to restore holiness among the people.

Phinehas's intervention is viewed as a necessary and divinely approved act to halt the spread of sin and its consequences. The narrative underscores the importance of zeal for God's holiness and the severe repercussions of leading others into sin. It also highlights the role of leadership and responsibility within the community of faith, as Zimri's status as a leader among the Simeonites made his sin particularly egregious.

Moral and Ethical Considerations

From a moral and ethical standpoint, the account of Zimri raises questions about the nature of justice and the use of violence in the pursuit of righteousness. While the act of Phinehas is portrayed positively within the biblical text, it challenges readers to consider the balance between justice, mercy, and the means by which divine standards are upheld.

The narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of compromising one's faith and the potential for individual actions to impact the broader community. It also emphasizes the need for vigilance and commitment to God's commandments, as well as the consequences of failing to uphold them.

Conclusion

The account of Zimri is a complex and multifaceted account that continues to provoke discussion and reflection on the themes of sin, judgment, and divine justice. It serves as a reminder of the seriousness with which God views idolatry and immorality, and the lengths to which He will go to preserve the sanctity of His people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 16:10
And Zimri went in and smote him, and killed him, in the twenty and seventh year of Asa king of Judah, and reigned in his stead.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Sixth Commandment
... bearer, Ahithophel, Zimri and Judas Iscariot are the five cases. Look at the references
in the Bible to see what kind of men they were. OTHER KINDS OF MURDER. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/sixth commandment.htm

Hebrews xii. 14
... also in this case, his words were not those of repentance, and the murder afterwards
proved ... Which Moses also did in the case of Zimri and the daughter of Cosbi ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxxi hebrews xii 14.htm

Appendix iv. An Abstract of Jewish History from the Reign of ...
... After the murder of his brother by Trypho, he took part of the Syrian claimant ... intrigue:
Be not afraid of the Pharisees, nor of those of Zimri, and seek the ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix iv an abstract of.htm

The Story of the Baptist, from his Last Testimony to Jesus to his ...
... to avoid being involved in the popular movements consequent on the murder of the ...
painted ones, who are like the Pharisees, and who act like Zimri, but expect ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxviii the story of.htm

Teaching in the Temple on the Octave of the Feast of Tabernacles.
... But they entertained purposes of murder, and that, because the Word of Christ ... Thus,
neither Saul, nor Ahitophel, nor Zimri, are regarded as suicides, because ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter viii teaching in the.htm

CHAP. I. -II. 3 (II. 1).
... to desist, that thou mayest not experience the same punishment as Zimri;" Zechariah
5:11 ... vengeance; but, as far as Jehu is concerned, it is open murder." But yet ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/chap i -ii 3 ii 1.htm

Appendices
... Jeroboam (22 years) 932 Nadab 910 Baasha 908 Elah 884 Zimri, for 7 days 882 ... great
king of the Hittites, his brother Khata-sir, after his murder, placed himself ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/appendices.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