1 Kings 16:23-28

Israel's King Omri

23 In the thirty-first year of Judah's King Asa, Omri became king over Israel; [he reigned] 12 years. He reigned six years in Tirzah,

24 then he bought the hill of Samaria from Shemer for 150 pounds of silver,^[a] and he built up the hill. He named the city he built Samaria^[b] based on the name Shemer, the owner of the hill.

25 Omri did what was evil in the Lord's sight; he did more evil than all who were before him.

26 He followed the example of Jeroboam son of Nebat and the sins he caused Israel to commit, provoking the Lord God of Israel with their worthless idols.

27 The rest of the events of Omri's [reign], along with his accomplishments and the might he exercised, are written about in the Historical Record of Israel's Kings.

28 Omri rested with his fathers and was buried in Samaria. His son Ahab became king in his place.

1 Kings 16:23-28 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO 1 KINGS 16

This chapter contains a prophecy of the ruin of the family of Baasha, and an account of his death, 1Ki 16:1-7, and of his son's reigning in his stead two years, who was slain by Zimri one of his captains, 1Ki 16:8-14, and who reigned but seven days, 1Ki 16:15-20, and the people being divided between Tibni and Omri, the party for the latter prevailed, and he was made king, and reigned twelve years, 1Ki 16:21-28, and was succeeded by his son Ahab, a very wicked prince, 1Ki 16:29-33, and the chapter is concluded with the rebuilding of Jericho, 1Ki 16:34.

Footnotes

• [a]. Lit for two talents
• [b]. Belonging to Shemer's Clan