He bought the hill of Samaria from Shemer for two talents of silver and built a city there, calling it Samaria after the name of Shemer, who had owned the hill. He bought the hill of SamariaThis phrase introduces us to the significant action of King Omri, who is purchasing a strategic location. The Hebrew word for "bought" is "קָנָה" (qanah), which implies a transaction of ownership, indicating a deliberate and purposeful acquisition. The "hill of Samaria" is geographically significant, offering a defensible position and a central location in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. This purchase marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history, as Samaria becomes the capital and a symbol of Omri's reign. from Shemer
The name "Shemer" is crucial as it connects the land to its previous owner. In Hebrew, "שֶׁמֶר" (Shemer) can mean "preserved" or "guarded," which may reflect the nature of the land or its previous use. The mention of Shemer personalizes the transaction and roots the narrative in a real historical context, emphasizing the continuity and change in the land's ownership. for two talents of silver
The "two talents of silver" represent a significant sum, indicating the value and importance of the land. In ancient times, silver was a common medium of exchange, and a talent was a large unit of weight, approximately 75 pounds or 34 kilograms. This detail underscores the economic and strategic investment Omri made in securing this location, reflecting his ambition and foresight as a ruler. and built a city there
The act of building a city signifies the establishment of a new center of power and governance. The Hebrew word "בָּנָה" (banah) means to build or establish, suggesting not just physical construction but also the creation of a new political and cultural hub. This city would become the heart of the Northern Kingdom, influencing its history and identity. calling it Samaria
Naming the city "Samaria" after the hill and its previous owner, Shemer, reflects a common ancient practice of naming places after prominent individuals or features. The name "Samaria" (שֹׁמְרוֹן, Shomron) would become synonymous with the Northern Kingdom itself, representing its political and religious identity. This act of naming signifies authority and the beginning of a new era under Omri's leadership. after the name of Shemer, the owner of the hill
This phrase ties the new city to its historical roots, acknowledging the previous ownership and perhaps honoring Shemer's legacy. It highlights the continuity between past and present, as well as the transformation brought about by Omri's reign. The acknowledgment of Shemer's name in the city's identity suggests a respect for history and the significance of land ownership in Israel's narrative. Persons / Places / Events 1. OmriThe sixth king of Israel, who reigned after Zimri and established a new capital for the Northern Kingdom. 2. ShemerThe original owner of the hill that Omri purchased to build the city of Samaria. 3. SamariaThe city built by Omri, which became the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. 4. Two Talents of SilverThe price paid by Omri for the hill, indicating a significant investment in establishing a new capital. 5. The Hill of SamariaThe strategic location chosen by Omri for its defensibility and central position in the Northern Kingdom. Teaching Points The Importance of FoundationsOmri's decision to establish Samaria as the capital shows the importance of laying strong foundations. In our lives, we must ensure that our spiritual and moral foundations are built on Christ, the solid rock. Strategic Decisions and Their ConsequencesOmri's choice of Samaria was strategic, but it also became a center of idolatry and rebellion against God. Our decisions should be guided by wisdom and aligned with God's will to avoid negative consequences. Legacy and InfluenceOmri's legacy was marked by the city he built, which influenced Israel's history. We should consider the legacy we are building and strive to leave a positive, godly influence on those around us. The Cost of LeadershipOmri's investment in Samaria reflects the cost of leadership. As leaders in our families, churches, or communities, we must be willing to invest time, resources, and effort to build and nurture those we lead. God's Sovereignty Over NationsDespite human plans and constructions, God remains sovereign over nations and their destinies. We should trust in His ultimate plan and purpose for our lives and the world. Bible Study Questions 1. What can we learn from Omri's decision to establish Samaria as the capital, and how does this apply to the foundations we lay in our own lives? 2. How does the history of Samaria illustrate the consequences of strategic decisions, and what can we do to ensure our decisions align with God's will? 3. In what ways can we build a positive legacy that influences others for Christ, considering Omri's legacy with Samaria? 4. What are some practical ways we can invest in our leadership roles, following Omri's example of investing in Samaria? 5. How does the account of Samaria remind us of God's sovereignty, and how can this understanding impact our trust in His plans for our lives? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Kings 17:5-6This passage describes the fall of Samaria to the Assyrians, highlighting the city's significance and eventual downfall. Amos 3:9-12The prophet Amos speaks against the injustices in Samaria, showing the city's moral and spiritual decline. John 4:4-42Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well, illustrating the long-lasting cultural and religious impact of Samaria. People Abiram, Ahab, Arza, Asa, Baasha, Elah, Ethbaal, Ginath, Hanani, Hiel, Israelites, Jehu, Jeroboam, Jezebel, Joram, Joshua, Nebat, Nun, Omri, Segub, Shemer, Sidonians, Tibni, Tirzah, Zidon, Zidonians, ZimriPlaces Bethel, Gibbethon, Jericho, Samaria, TirzahTopics Bought, Buildeth, Building, Built, Buyeth, Calleth, Calling, Former, Fortified, Got, Hill, Mount, Named, Naming, Owner, Price, Samaria, Sama'ria, Shemer, Silver, Talents, TownDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 16:24 4363 silver
5240 building
5260 coinage
5615 weights Library Whether the Mode of virtue Falls under the Precept of the Law?
Objection 1: It would seem that the mode of virtue falls under the precept of the law. For the mode of virtue is that deeds of justice should be done justly, that deeds of fortitude should be done bravely, and in like manner as to the other virtues. But it is commanded (Dt. 26:20) that "thou shalt follow justly after that which is just." Therefore the mode of virtue falls under the precept. Objection 2: Further, that which belongs to the intention of the lawgiver comes chiefly under the precept. …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa TheologicaWhether a Man Can be Saved Without Baptism?
Objection 1: It seems that no man can be saved without Baptism. For our Lord said (Jn. 3:5): "Unless a man be born again of water and the Holy Ghost, he cannot enter the kingdom of God." But those alone are saved who enter God's kingdom. Therefore none can be saved without Baptism, by which a man is born again of water and the Holy Ghost. Objection 2: Further, in the book De Eccl. Dogm. xli, it is written: "We believe that no catechumen, though he die in his good works, will have eternal life, except …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether There Can be any Suitable Cause for the Sacraments of the Old Law?
Objection 1: It would seem that there can be no suitable cause for the sacraments of the Old Law. Because those things that are done for the purpose of divine worship should not be like the observances of idolaters: since it is written (Dt. 12:31): "Thou shalt not do in like manner to the Lord thy God: for they have done to their gods all the abominations which the Lord abhorreth." Now worshippers of idols used to knive themselves to the shedding of blood: for it is related (3 Kings 18:28) that they …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether a Vow Consists in a Mere Purpose of the Will?
Objection 1: It would seem that a vow consists in nothing but a purpose of the will. According to some [*William of Auxerre, Sum. Aur. III, xxviii, qu. 1; Albertus Magnus, Sent. iv, D, 38], "a vow is a conception of a good purpose after a firm deliberation of the mind, whereby a man binds himself before God to do or not to do a certain thing." But the conception of a good purpose and so forth, may consist in a mere movement of the will. Therefore a vow consists in a mere purpose of the will. Objection …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether Whoever is Perfect is in the State of Perfection?
Objection 1: It would seem that whoever is perfect is in the state of perfection. For, as stated above (A[3], ad 3), just as bodily perfection is reached by bodily growth, so spiritual perfection is acquired by spiritual growth. Now after bodily growth one is said to have reached the state of perfect age. Therefore seemingly also after spiritual growth, when one has already reached spiritual perfection, one is in the state of perfection. Objection 2: Further, according to Phys. v, 2, movement "from …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether after the Resurrection Every one Will Know what Sins He Has Committed?
Objection 1: It seems that after the resurrection everyone will not be able to know all the sins he has committed. For whatever we know, either we receive it anew through the senses, or we draw it from the treasure house of the memory. Now after the resurrection men will be unable to perceive their sins by means of sense, because they will be things of the past, while sense perceives only the present: and many sins will have escaped the sinner's memory, and he will be unable to recall them from the …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Sennacherib (705-681 B. C. )
The struggle of Sennacherib with Judaea and Egypt--Destruction of Babylon. Sennacherib either failed to inherit his father's good fortune, or lacked his ability.* He was not deficient in military genius, nor in the energy necessary to withstand the various enemies who rose against him at widely removed points of his frontier, but he had neither the adaptability of character nor the delicate tact required to manage successfully the heterogeneous elements combined under his sway. * The two principal …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8 The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
Assur-nazir-pal (885-860) and Shalmaneser III. (860-825)--The kingdom of Urartu and its conquering princes: Menuas and Argistis. Assyria was the first to reappear on the scene of action. Less hampered by an ancient past than Egypt and Chaldaea, she was the sooner able to recover her strength after any disastrous crisis, and to assume again the offensive along the whole of her frontier line. Image Drawn by Faucher-Gudin, from a bas-relief at Koyunjik of the time of Sennacherib. The initial cut, …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7 Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Kings 16:24 NIV1 Kings 16:24 NLT1 Kings 16:24 ESV1 Kings 16:24 NASB1 Kings 16:24 KJV
1 Kings 16:24 Commentaries
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