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Omri

Meaning: servant of Jehovah

He was an evil ruler of the Kingdom of Israel.

When King Elah was murdered by Zimri at Tirzah (1 Kings 16:15-27), Omri, his captain, was made king (B.C. 931).

For 4 years, there was continued opposition to his reign, Tibni, another claimant to the throne, leading the opposing party, but, at the close of that period, all his rivals were defeated, and he became king of the Kingdom of Israel, “Tibni died and Omri reigned” (927 BC).

By his vigor and power, he gained great eminence and consolidated his kingdom. He established his dynasty on the throne so firmly that it continued during 4 succeeding reigns.

For 6 years the seat of his government was Tirza. He then moved the capital to Samaria, where he died, and was succeeded by his evil son King Ahab.

“He wrought evil in the eyes of the Lord, and did worse than all that were before him.”

“Omri, king of Israel, oppressed Moab many days, for Chemosh was angry with his land.

The “Moabite stone” also records that “Omri took the land of Medeba, and occupied it in his day and in the days of his son 40 years.”

His son succeeded him, and he also said, I will oppress Moab” (compare 2 Kings 1:1; 3:4-5).

Beth-Omri, “the House of Omri” or “City of Omri,” is the name usually found on Assyrian inscriptions for Samaria.

In the stele of Mesha (the “Moabite stone”), which was erected in Moab about 20 or 30 years after Omri’s death, it is recorded that Omri oppressed Moab till Mesha delivered the land.

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Article Version: June 28, 2024