Topical Encyclopedia Overview:Zambri, also known as Zimri, is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament. He is primarily known for his brief reign as king of Israel and his dramatic demise. Zambri's account is a cautionary tale of ambition, treachery, and divine judgment, illustrating the tumultuous period of the divided monarchy in Israel. Biblical Account: Zambri's account is found in 1 Kings 16:9-20. He was a commander of half the chariots under King Elah of Israel. During a military campaign, Zambri conspired against Elah and assassinated him while he was in a drunken stupor at the house of Arza, the palace administrator in Tirzah. Following the assassination, Zambri declared himself king. Reign: Zambri's reign was notably short, lasting only seven days. His usurpation of the throne was met with resistance from the people and the army, who were encamped at Gibbethon, a Philistine city. Upon hearing of Zambri's actions, the army proclaimed Omri, the commander of the army, as king over Israel. Demise: Faced with the overwhelming support for Omri, Zambri retreated to the citadel of the royal palace in Tirzah. In a final act of defiance and despair, he set the palace on fire around himself, perishing in the flames. The Bible records this event in 1 Kings 16:18: "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: Zambri's brief and tumultuous reign is often remembered for its abrupt end and the divine judgment that followed his violent rise to power. His actions fulfilled the prophecy against the house of Baasha, as Zambri exterminated all the male descendants of Baasha, as recorded in 1 Kings 16:11: "As soon as he 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 relative or friend." Theological Significance: Zambri's account serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and rebellion against God's established order. His rise to power through treachery and his subsequent downfall highlight the instability and moral decline during the period of the divided kingdom. The narrative underscores the theme of divine retribution and the fulfillment of prophetic words, as seen in the judgment pronounced against the house of Baasha. Historical Context: Zambri's reign occurred during a time of political instability in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The kingdom was plagued by frequent changes in leadership, often through violent means. This period was marked by idolatry and a departure from the worship of Yahweh, leading to a series of judgments upon the nation. References in Scripture: · 1 Kings 16:9-20: The primary account of Zambri's conspiracy, reign, and death. · 2 Kings 9:31: A reference to Zambri's treachery used as a comparison by Jezebel when Jehu approached Jezreel. Zambri's account is a vivid illustration of the perils of ambition unchecked by righteousness and the inevitable downfall that follows those who defy God's will. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ZAMBRIzam'-bri (Codex Vaticanus Zambrei, Codex Alexandrinus Zambris; the King James Version Zambis, from Aldine Zambis): Library In his Room Abiud his Son Held the Kingdom at Jerusalem for Six ... Whether Judgment is Rendered Perverse by Being Usurped? Manuscripts of the Septuagint. Thesaurus Zambri... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ZAMBRI. zam'-bri (Codex Vaticanus Zambrei, Codex Alexandrinus Zambris; the King James Version Zambis ... /z/zambri.htm - 6k Zambis Zimri (16 Occurrences) Zamoth Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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