Topical Encyclopedia 1. Zimri, King of IsraelZimri was the fifth king of the northern kingdom of Israel, known for his brief and tumultuous reign. His account is recorded in 1 Kings 16:9-20. Zimri was originally a commander of half the chariots under King Elah, the son of Baasha. In a conspiracy against Elah, Zimri assassinated him while he was in a drunken stupor at the house of Arza, the palace administrator in Tirzah (1 Kings 16:9-10). Upon Elah's death, Zimri declared himself king. His reign, however, lasted only seven days. During his short rule, Zimri executed all the male descendants of Baasha, fulfilling the prophecy of Jehu the prophet against the house of Baasha (1 Kings 16:11-12). This act was in accordance with the divine judgment pronounced due to Baasha's sins and idolatry. Zimri's claim to the throne was quickly challenged by Omri, the commander of the army, who was supported by the troops stationed at Gibbethon. When the army heard of Zimri's treachery, they proclaimed Omri as king. Omri and his forces besieged Tirzah, where Zimri was located. Seeing that the city was taken, Zimri set the royal palace on fire around himself and perished in the flames (1 Kings 16:15-18). Zimri's reign is often remembered for its brevity and the chaos it brought to the kingdom. His actions and subsequent demise are seen as a continuation of the instability and idolatry that plagued the northern kingdom. The biblical narrative highlights the consequences of rebellion and the fulfillment of prophetic words against those who lead Israel into sin. 2. Zimri, Son of Salu Another notable figure named Zimri is found in the Book of Numbers. Zimri, the son of Salu, was a leader of a Simeonite family during the Israelites' wilderness wanderings. His account is recounted in Numbers 25:1-15. Zimri is infamous for his involvement in the incident at Peor, where the Israelites engaged in idolatry and immorality with Moabite women, leading to a divine plague. Zimri openly brought a Midianite woman, Cozbi, into the Israelite camp, defying Moses and the assembly who were weeping at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. This act of defiance and immorality provoked the wrath of God. Phinehas, the grandson of Aaron, took immediate action by spearing both Zimri and Cozbi, halting the plague that had already claimed 24,000 lives (Numbers 25:6-9). Zimri's actions and the subsequent judgment serve as a stark warning against idolatry and unfaithfulness to God's covenant. The incident underscores the importance of holiness and the severe consequences of leading others into sin. Phinehas' zealous response is commended by God, who grants him a covenant of peace and a lasting priesthood (Numbers 25:10-13). 3. Zimri, Descendant of Judah A third individual named Zimri is mentioned in the genealogies of the tribe of Judah. In 1 Chronicles 2:6, Zimri is listed as one of the sons of Zerah, a descendant of Judah. This Zimri is part of the lineage that includes notable figures such as Achan, who brought trouble upon Israel by taking forbidden items during the conquest of Jericho (Joshua 7:1). The mention of Zimri in the genealogical records highlights the importance of family lineage in the biblical narrative, tracing the heritage and legacy of the tribes of Israel. While this Zimri is not associated with any specific actions or events, his inclusion in the genealogies serves to connect the broader narrative of Israel's history and the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs. Library Concerning Balaam the Prophet and what Kind of Man He Was. Thesaurus Zimri's (2 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Zimri's (2 Occurrences). 1 Kings 16:18 And it cometh to pass, at Zimri's seeing that the city hath been ... /z/zimri's.htm - 7k Zimri (16 Occurrences) Zin (9 Occurrences) Tibni (2 Occurrences) Burneth (67 Occurrences) Captured (143 Occurrences) Resources Who was King Zimri in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was King Omri in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was King Elah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Zimri's (2 Occurrences)1 Kings 16:18 1 Kings 16:20 Subtopics Related Terms |