Omri עׇמְרִי
King of Israel; father of Ahab
Who is Omri in the Bible?
Omri was the sixth king of Israel who reigned for twelve years and established Samaria as the nation's capital, transforming it into a powerful political and economic center (1 Kings 16:23-24). He expanded Israel's territory and forged strategic alliances with neighboring kingdoms, notably arranging the marriage of his son Ahab to Jezebel of Phoenicia (1 Kings 16:31). Despite his political success, Omri "did evil in the eyes of the Lord" and perpetuated the idolatrous practices of Jeroboam (1 Kings 16:25-26). The dynasty he founded, called the "house of Omri," became synonymous with wickedness and apostasy, particularly through his son Ahab's reign, making Omri's legacy a cautionary example of political power exercised in rebellion against God (Micah 6:16).
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.
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In Scripture
4 biblical books ; 1 with study content1 Kings 5 verses
- 1 Kings 16:16
"and the people in the camp heard that Zimri had conspired against the king and struck him down. So there in the camp that very day, all Israel proclaimed Omri, the commander of the army, king over Israel."
- 1 Kings 16:17
"Then Omri and all the Israelites marched up from Gibbethon and besieged Tirzah."
- 1 Kings 16:21
"At that time the people of Israel were divided: Half of the people supported Tibni son of Ginath as king, and half supported Omri."
- 1 Kings 16:22
"But the followers of Omri proved stronger than those of Tibni son of Ginath. So Tibni died and Omri became king."
- 1 Kings 16:23
"In the thirty-first year of Asa’s reign over Judah, Omri became king of Israel, and he reigned twelve years, six of them in Tirzah."
2 Kings 1 verse
- 2 Kings 8:26
"Ahaziah was twenty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem one year. His mother’s name was Athaliah, the granddaughter of Omri king of Israel."
2 Chronicles 1 verse
- 2 Chronicles 22:2
"Ahaziah was twenty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem one year. His mother’s name was Athaliah, the granddaughter of Omri."
Micah 1 verse
- Micah 6:16
"You have kept the statutes of Omri and all the practices of Ahab’s house; you have followed their counsel. Therefore I will make you a desolation, and your inhabitants an object of contempt; you will bear the scorn of the nations.”"
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Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | עׇמְרִי |