BIBLE PEOPLE | ZIMRI, KING OF ISRAEL

1. Bible People

a) The Bible is an historic record of real people and places. 

b) Here is a brief biography of such a person during Bible times.

2. Zimri, King of Israel

a) Zimri was the fifth king of the northern kingdom of Israel. He killed Elah, the son of Baasha, and declared himself king. He tried to protect his hold on the throne by killing the male heirs of Elah.

b) This fulfilled a prophecy of Jehu about the destruction of the family of Baasha (1 Kings 16:3). King Zimri reigned for only seven days. When members of the army had learned of what had Zimri had done, they appointed Omri as their commander. After a successful attack by Omri and the army, Zimri went into the palace and set fire to it. He died in the flames. 

c) The name Zimri is featured in 2 Kings 9:31 as an example of someone who has killed his master. 

d) The story of King Zimri is found in 1 kings 16:8-20.