Topical Bible: Servants: Bad: Zimri

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Zimri is a biblical figure whose actions are recorded in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of 1 Kings. He is known for his brief and tumultuous reign as king of Israel, which lasted only seven days. Zimri's account is a cautionary tale of betrayal, ambition, and the consequences of wickedness.

Background and Rise to Power

Zimri served as a commander of half the chariots under King Elah of Israel. His account is set during a period of political instability and moral decline in the Northern Kingdom. The Bible describes Zimri's rise to power through treachery and murder. 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 assassination of King Elah was a calculated move to seize the throne. However, his actions were not motivated by a desire to lead the people in righteousness but rather by personal ambition and a lust for power.

Reign and Downfall

Zimri's reign was marked by violence and bloodshed. Upon taking the throne, he immediately executed the entire house of Baasha, fulfilling a prophecy against Baasha's lineage. 1 Kings 16:11-12 states: "As soon as Zimri began to reign and was seated on the throne, he struck down the entire household of Baasha. He did not leave a single male, whether a relative or a friend. So Zimri destroyed the entire house of Baasha, according to the word of the LORD spoken against Baasha through Jehu the prophet."

Despite his initial success, Zimri's rule was short-lived. His actions incited the wrath of the people and the military, who quickly turned against him. The army, led by Omri, besieged Tirzah, where Zimri had taken refuge. Realizing his defeat was imminent, Zimri set the royal palace on fire and perished in the flames. 1 Kings 16:18 recounts: "When Zimri saw that the city was taken, he went into the citadel of the royal palace and set it on fire around him. So he died."

Legacy

Zimri's legacy is one of infamy and serves as a stark example of the destructive nature of sin and rebellion against God. His brief reign is a testament to the chaos and instability that can arise from ungodly leadership. The Bible condemns Zimri's actions, highlighting his betrayal and the fulfillment of divine judgment against the house of Baasha.

In the broader biblical narrative, Zimri's account underscores the importance of righteous leadership and the consequences of turning away from God's commandments. His life and actions are a reminder of the moral and spiritual decay that can result from unchecked ambition and disobedience to God's will.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

CHAP. I. -II. 3 (II. 1).
... and the blood of all the servants of the ... mayest not experience the same punishment
as Zimri;" Zechariah 5 ... Jehu was actuated by motives so bad, is sufficiently ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/chap i -ii 3 ii 1.htm

Appendices
... 22 years) 932 Nadab 910 Baasha 908 Elah 884 Zimri, for 7 ... servants, and those who
are with him and with his servants. ... thou payest it as the price of a bad rag. ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/appendices.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... jars of wine which represented their tribute, a messenger of bad tidings appeared ...
to mention El himself, Besheph, Hadad, and the Cabin, the servants of Besheph ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm