Topical Bible: Citizens: Wicked: Zimri

◄ Citizens: Wicked: Zimri ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Zimri is a notable figure in the Old Testament, recognized for his brief and tumultuous reign as king of Israel. His account is primarily found in the First Book of Kings, where he is depicted as a wicked and treacherous individual whose actions led to his downfall.

Background and Rise to Power

Zimri served as a commander of half the chariots under King Elah, the son of Baasha, who ruled over the northern kingdom of Israel. His ambition and discontent with the ruling authority led him to commit regicide. In a calculated move, Zimri assassinated King Elah while he was in a state of drunkenness at the house of Arza, the palace administrator in Tirzah. This act of treachery is recorded in 1 Kings 16:9-10 : "But while Elah was drinking himself drunk in the house of Arza, who was in charge of the palace at Tirzah, Zimri came in, struck him down, and killed him in the twenty-seventh year of Asa king of Judah. Then Zimri succeeded him as king."

Reign and Downfall

Zimri's reign was short-lived, lasting only seven days. Upon seizing the throne, he immediately executed the entire house of Baasha, fulfilling the prophecy spoken by the prophet Jehu against Baasha's lineage. This act of violence is detailed in 1 Kings 16:11-12 : "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 swift consolidation of power, Zimri's rule was met with immediate opposition. The army of Israel, stationed at Gibbethon, heard of Zimri's treachery and proclaimed Omri, the commander of the army, as king. In response, Omri led his forces to besiege Tirzah. Realizing his untenable position, Zimri chose to end his life rather than face capture. He set the royal palace on fire and perished in the flames, as described 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

Zimri's legacy is one of infamy and serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences of wickedness and betrayal. His brief reign is often cited as an example of the instability and moral decline that plagued the northern kingdom of Israel during this period. His actions fulfilled the divine judgment pronounced against the house of Baasha, yet his own demise was swift and ignominious. The account of Zimri underscores the biblical theme that those who sow treachery and violence will ultimately reap destruction.

Nave's Topical Index

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.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Antiquities of the Jews
... On The Destruction Of The House Of Baasha Zimri Got The ... Also What He Did For The
Punishment Of The Wicked. ... Nation Of The Jews And Made Them Citizens Of Those ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/