In brief
Omri is a king of Israel, the northern kingdom, in the time of Asa, king of Judah. As army commander, he is proclaimed king by the troops after Zimri murders King Elah. He overcomes his rival Tibni and reigns twelve years. He buys the hill of Samaria and builds the city where his son Ahab will reign. But he does worse than all who were before him. Political success is worth nothing without faithfulness to God.
What does the name Omri mean?
The Bible does not give the meaning of Omri's name, and its origin is debated. The text does not specify his family or tribe either: he first appears as commander of the army of Israel (1 Kings 16:16).
The story of Omri
The murder of King Elah
1 Kings 16:8-14In the twenty-sixth year of Asa, king of Judah, Elah, son of Baasha, reigns over Israel at Tirzah. While he is getting drunk, Zimri, commander of half his chariots, conspires against him and kills him. Zimri then wipes out the whole house of Baasha, according to the word Yahweh had spoken by the prophet Jehu.
Proclaimed king in the camp
1 Kings 16:15-18Zimri reigns only seven days. The army of Israel is then besieging Gibbethon, a Philistine town. Hearing of the conspiracy, all Israel makes Omri, the army commander, king in the camp. Omri besieges Tirzah. Seeing the city taken, Zimri goes into the king's palace, sets it on fire and dies.
Victor over Tibni
1 Kings 16:21-23The people of Israel divide into two parties: half want to make Tibni, son of Ginath, king, and the other half follow Omri. Omri's followers prevail, Tibni dies and Omri reigns. His reign begins in the thirty-first year of Asa, king of Judah, and lasts twelve years, six of them at Tirzah.
The founder of Samaria
1 Kings 16:24Omri buys the hill of Samaria from Shemer for two talents of silver. He builds a city on the hill and names it Samaria, after Shemer, the owner of the hill. He will be buried there, and it is in Samaria that his son Ahab will reign.
Worse than his predecessors
1 Kings 16:25-28The Bible's judgment is severe: Omri does what is evil in the sight of Yahweh and acts worse than all who were before him. He walks in the way of Jeroboam and provokes Yahweh with idols. His deeds are written in the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel. He dies, is buried in Samaria, and Ahab reigns in his place.
The statutes of Omri
Micah 6:16The prophet Micah still reproaches the people for keeping the statutes of Omri and all the practices of the house of Ahab. The king's name becomes the symbol of conduct contrary to God's will. The prophet announces that those who walk in their counsels will be given up to desolation and will bear reproach.
What Omri teaches us
- Political and military success does not replace faithfulness to God: the Bible judges Omri by his walk before Yahweh.
- A father's choices mark his children: Ahab followed his father's evil and did even worse.
- A sin tolerated by a leader can become a custom for a whole people, as Micah recalls.
- God asks for justice, mercy and a humble walk with him, the opposite of the statutes of Omri.
Key verses
God's verdict on Omri. Despite his victories and the founding of Samaria, the essential is said: he did what was evil in Yahweh's sight, worse than all who were before him.
Micah recalls the statutes of Omri and the house of Ahab as a model not to follow. An unfaithful king's influence lasts long after his death in the life of the people.
The contrast in the same chapter: what Yahweh requires is to act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with God, and not to follow the statutes of Omri.
Bible verses to meditate on
Frequently asked questions
Why is Omri known?
Omri is best known for founding Samaria, by buying the hill from Shemer for two talents of silver (1 Kings 16:24). He is also the father of Ahab, the king who married Jezebel. After Ahab, his sons Ahaziah and Joram reigned in turn over Israel (1 Kings 22:40; 2 Kings 3:1).
Was Omri a good king?
According to the Bible, no. It mentions his exploits, but declares that he did what was evil in Yahweh's sight and acted worse than all who were before him (1 Kings 16:25-26). He walked in the way of Jeroboam and provoked Yahweh, the God of Israel, with idols.
Where is the story of Omri in the Bible?
His story is told in the first book of Kings, chapter 16, verses 15 to 28. The prophet Micah mentions him in Micah 6:16. Athaliah, queen of Judah, is also called a daughter of Omri, king of Israel, in 2 Kings 8:26.