Omri was a significant figure in the history of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, serving as its sixth king. His reign is noted for its political and military achievements, as well as its spiritual and moral challenges. Omri's account is primarily found in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles.

Background and Rise to Power

Omri was originally the commander of the army under King Elah. Following Elah's assassination by Zimri, a rival for the throne, Omri was proclaimed king by the Israelite army. The biblical account in 1 Kings 16:16-17 states, "When the troops who were encamped heard it said, 'Zimri has conspired and has also struck down the king,' all Israel made Omri, the commander of the army, king over Israel that very day in the camp." Omri's rise to power was marked by a civil war against Zimri and another rival, Tibni. After a struggle that lasted several years, Omri emerged victorious and established his rule over Israel.

Reign and Achievements

Omri reigned for twelve years, from approximately 885 to 874 BC. His reign is noted for its political stability and economic prosperity. Omri is credited with establishing the city of Samaria as the new capital of the Northern Kingdom, a strategic move that strengthened the kingdom's political and military position. 1 Kings 16:24 records, "He bought the hill of Samaria from Shemer for two talents of silver and built a city on the hill, naming it Samaria after Shemer, the owner of the hill."

Omri's reign also saw the expansion of Israel's influence and the establishment of alliances with neighboring nations. He is mentioned in extrabiblical sources, such as the Moabite Stone, which refers to the "House of Omri," indicating his lasting impact on the region.

Religious and Moral Challenges

Despite his political successes, Omri's reign is criticized in the biblical narrative for its spiritual failings. 1 Kings 16:25-26 states, "But Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD and acted more wickedly than all who were before him. For he walked in all the ways of Jeroboam son of Nebat and in his sin, which he had caused Israel to commit, provoking the LORD, the God of Israel, to anger with their worthless idols."

Omri's establishment of Samaria as the capital also marked the beginning of a period of increased idolatry and syncretism in Israel. His policies laid the groundwork for the religious practices that would later be expanded under his son, Ahab, and his infamous daughter-in-law, Jezebel.

Legacy

Omri's legacy is a complex one. While he is recognized for his political acumen and the establishment of a powerful dynasty, his reign is also seen as a turning point in Israel's spiritual decline. The "House of Omri" continued to influence Israel for several generations, but the spiritual compromises made during his reign had long-lasting consequences for the nation.

Kings
... Omri, the father of Ahab, was, we know, a much more important person than the few
verses devoted to him in I Kings xvi.21-28 would lead us to suppose. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/kings.htm

The Record of Two Kings
... 'In the thirty and first year of Asa king of Judah began Omri to reign over
Israel, twelve years: six years reigned he in Tirzah.24. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the record of two kings.htm

How Zerah, King of the Ethiopians, was Beaten by Asa; and How Asa ...
... Gibbethon, when they heard what had befallen the king, and that when Zimri had killed
him, he had gained the kingdom, they made Omri their general king, who ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 12 how zerah king.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... and the repeated changes of dynasty in Israel"Asa and Baasha"The kingdom of Damascus
and its origin"Bezon, Tabrimmon, Benhadad I.--- Omri and the ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Omri's (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Omri's (1 Occurrence). 1 Kings 16:27 Now the
rest of the acts of Omri which he did, and his might that ...
/o/omri's.htm - 6k

Omri (16 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Servant of Jehovah. When Elah was murdered by Zimri at
Tirzah (1 Kings 16:15-27), Omri, his captain, was made king (BC 931). ...
/o/omri.htm - 20k

On (40792 Occurrences)

/o/on.htm - 17k

Tirzah (17 Occurrences)
... Zimri perished in the flames of his palace, rather than fall into Omri's hands.
In Tirzah Menahem matured his rebellion against Shallum (2 Kings 15:14). ...
/t/tirzah.htm - 14k

Samaria (123 Occurrences)
...Omri, the king of Israel, purchased this hill from Shemer its owner for two talents
of silver, and built on its broad summit the city to which he gave the name ...
/s/samaria.htm - 63k

Kingdom (409 Occurrences)
... But the kingship was always elective, and the army chose Omri, the commander-in-
chief, who besieged and took Tirzah, Zimri setting the palace on fire by his ...
/k/kingdom.htm - 101k

Fortified (79 Occurrences)
... With Omri there arose in Israel a powerful ruler whose name is mentioned with respect
in the Assyrian monuments, which designate the kingdom of Israel Mat Bit ...
/f/fortified.htm - 63k

Fort (8 Occurrences)
... With Omri there arose in Israel a powerful ruler whose name is mentioned with respect
in the Assyrian monuments, which designate the kingdom of Israel Mat Bit ...
/f/fort.htm - 41k

Fortress (75 Occurrences)
... With Omri there arose in Israel a powerful ruler whose name is mentioned with respect
in the Assyrian monuments, which designate the kingdom of Israel Mat Bit ...
/f/fortress.htm - 60k

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

What is the importance of Samaria in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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