Omri
(pupil of Jehovah). Originally “captain of the host” to Elah, was afterward himself king of Israel, and founder of the third dynasty. (B.C. 926.) Omri was engaged in the siege of Gibbethon situated in the tribe of Dan, which had been occupied by the Philistines. As soon as the army heard of Elah’s death they proclaimed Omri king. Thereupon he broke up the siege of Gibbethon and attacked Tirzah, where Zimri was holding his court as king of Israel. The city was taken, and Zimri perished in the flames of the palace, after a reign of seven days. Omri, however, was not allowed to establish his dynasty without a struggle against Tibni, whom “half the people,” ( 1 Kings 16:21 ) desired to raise to the throne. The civil war lasted four years. Comp. ( 1 Kings 16:15 ) with 1Kin 16:23 After the defeat sad death of Tibni, Omri reigned for six years in Tirzah. At Samaria Omri reigned for six years more. He seems to have been a vigorous and unscrupulous ruler, anxious to strengthen his dynasty by intercourse and alliances with foreign states. One of the sons of Becher the son of Benjamin. ( 1 Chronicles 7:8 ) A descendant of Pharez the son of Judah, ( 1 Chronicles 9:4 ) Son of Michael, and chief of the tribe of Issachar in the reign of David. ( 1 Chronicles 27:18 ) (B.C. 1030.)