Omri עׇמְרִי
King of Israel; father of Ahab
Biography
Omri was the sixth king of Israel, who reigned for 12 years (1Ki.16.23). He came to power after a period of political instability and established Samaria as the new capital of Israel (1Ki.16.24). Omri was a powerful ruler who expanded Israel's territory and made alliances with neighboring kingdoms, including Phoenicia through the marriage of his son Ahab to Jezebel (1Ki.16.31). However, Omri did evil in the eyes of the Lord and followed the sins of Jeroboam (1Ki.16.25-26). The dynasty he founded, known as the "house of Omri," became notorious for its wickedness, particularly during the reign of his son Ahab (1Ki.16.30; Mic.6.16). Omri's reign was significant in the history of Israel, as he strengthened the kingdom politically and economically, but also led the nation further into idolatry and disobedience to God.
Family
In Scripture
4 biblical books ; 1 with study content1 Kings 5 verses
- 1 Kings 16:16
"The people who were encamped heard that Zimri had conspired, and had also killed the king. Therefore all Israel made Omri, the captain of the army, king over Israel that day in the camp."
- 1 Kings 16:17
"Omri went up from Gibbethon, and all Israel with him, and they besieged Tirzah."
- 1 Kings 16:21
"Then the people of Israel were divided into two parts: half of the people followed Tibni the son of Ginath, to make him king; and half followed Omri."
- 1 Kings 16:22
"But the people who followed Omri prevailed against the people who followed Tibni the son of Ginath; so Tibni died, and Omri reigned."
- 1 Kings 16:23
"In the thirty-first year of Asa king of Judah, Omri began to reign over Israel for twelve years. He reigned six years in Tirzah."
2 Kings 1 verse
- 2 Kings 8:26
"Ahaziah was twenty-two years old when he began to reign; and he reigned one year in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Athaliah the daughter of Omri king of Israel."
2 Chronicles 1 verse
- 2 Chronicles 22:2
"Ahaziah was forty-two years old when he began to reign, and he reigned one year in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Athaliah the daughter of Omri."
Micah 1 verse Study available
- Micah 6:16
"For the statutes of Omri are kept, and all the works of Ahab’s house. You walk in their counsels, that I may make you a ruin, and her inhabitants a hissing; And you will bear the reproach of my people.”"
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Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Strong's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | עׇמְרִי | H6018G |