1 Kings 16:10

KJV

And Zimri went in and smote him, and killed him, in the twenty and seventh year of Asa king of Judah, and reigned in his stead.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Zimri {H2174} went in {H935} and smote {H5221} him, and killed {H4191} him, in the twenty {H6242} and seventh {H7651} year {H8141} of Asa {H609} king {H4428} of Judah {H3063}, and reigned {H4427} in his stead.

Complete Jewish Bible

Zimri entered, struck him down and killed him. This was in the twenty-seventh year of Asa king of Y'hudah; Zimri then took Elah's place as king.

Berean Standard Bible

So in the twenty-seventh year of Asa’s reign over Judah, Zimri went in, struck Elah down, and killed him. And Zimri reigned in his place.

American Standard Version

and Zimri went in and smote him, and killed him, in the twenty and seventh year of Asa king of Judah, and reigned in his stead.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 16:10 meticulously records the swift and brutal assassination of King Elah of Israel by Zimri, his chariot commander, an act of regicide that instantly elevated Zimri to the throne. This pivotal and violent transfer of power in the Northern Kingdom transpired during the twenty-seventh year of King Asa’s reign in Judah, serving as a stark and immediate fulfillment of divine judgment pronounced against the house of Baasha for their persistent idolatry and profound wickedness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within a particularly tumultuous and morally compromised period of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, as chronicled in [1 Kings 15-16](/1_kings/15 "1 Kings 15-16 - Reigns of Asa, Nadab, Baasha, Elah, Zimri, Omri, Ahab"). It immediately follows the brief and ignominious two-year reign of King Elah, who is depicted in [1 Kings 16:9](/1_kings/16-9 "1 Kings 16:9 - Elah's Drunkenness and Vulnerability") as "drinking himself drunk in the house of Arza, steward of his house in Tirzah." Elah's assassination by Zimri is explicitly presented as the direct and swift fulfillment of the prophetic word delivered by Jehu against the house of Baasha, Elah's father. Baasha himself had seized the throne through the assassination of Nadab, son of Jeroboam, as recounted in [1 Kings 15:27-28](/1_kings/15-27-28 "1 Kings 15:27-28 - Baasha's Coup Against Nadab"). The narrative consistently highlights a disturbing pattern of regicide, short-lived dynasties, and political instability in Israel, standing in stark contrast to the relatively more stable, though not perfect, Davidic line in Judah. This cyclical violence underscores the consequences of Israel's spiritual rebellion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The era of the divided monarchy was characterized by chronic political instability in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Unlike Judah, which maintained the divinely sanctioned Davidic dynasty, Israel experienced frequent coups, assassinations, and rapid changes of leadership. Kings often ascended to power through violent means, and their reigns were frequently cut short by similar acts of treachery. Tirzah served as the capital of the Northern Kingdom prior to Omri's establishment of Samaria, and its royal palace would have been the focal point of political power and intrigue. Elah's drunkenness, as mentioned in the preceding verse, points to a cultural vulnerability and moral laxity that often accompanied the spiritual decline of these kings, rendering them susceptible to plots and betrayals. The precise chronological anchor, "in the twenty and seventh year of Asa king of Judah," serves to synchronize the chaotic events in Israel with the more stable, albeit not without its own challenges, reign of King Asa in the Southern Kingdom. This synchronism provides a crucial historical reference point, allowing readers to place Israel's internal turmoil within the broader biblical timeline.
* **Key Themes:** The assassination of Elah and Zimri's subsequent usurpation powerfully illustrate several recurring and crucial themes within [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "1 Kings - The Divided Monarchy"). Foremost among these is **Divine Judgment**, as the event is explicitly framed as the fulfillment of God's prophecy against the house of Baasha, delivered through the prophet Jehu in [1 Kings 16:3-4](/1_kings/16-3-4 "1 Kings 16:3-4 - Jehu's Prophecy Against Baasha's House"). This underscores God's absolute sovereignty over human affairs, demonstrating His ability to use even wicked individuals to accomplish His righteous purposes and execute His justice. Another prominent theme is the **Cycles of Violence and Instability** that relentlessly plagued the Northern Kingdom. Each new dynasty, established through bloodshed and treachery, often met a similar end, reflecting the profound spiritual and moral chaos that stemmed from their abandonment of the Mosaic covenant. This pervasive instability stands in stark contrast to the enduring and unconditional promise given to the Davidic line in Judah, as recorded in [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - God's Enduring Covenant with David"). Finally, the **Consequences of Idolatry and Sin** are vividly portrayed. The kings of Israel, following the pattern set by Jeroboam's establishment of golden calves in [1 Kings 12:28-30](/1_kings/12-28-30 "1 Kings 12:28-30 - Jeroboam's Idolatry"), consistently led the people into idolatry and disobedience, which inevitably brought about divine wrath, societal breakdown, and manifested in relentless political upheaval and bloodshed.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Zimri (Hebrew, _Zimrîy_):** (H2174) This proper noun refers to the individual who carried out the assassination of King Elah and subsequently usurped the throne. His name, derived from a root meaning "musical," ironically precedes a reign marked not by harmony but by extreme violence and brevity, lasting only seven days. His actions in this verse initiate a new, albeit short-lived, dynasty born of treachery.
* **Smote (Hebrew, _nâkâh_):** (H5221) This verb signifies a forceful and decisive strike. In the context of this verse, it denotes the violent, intentional act of assassination carried out by Zimri against Elah. The term emphasizes the suddenness and impact of the attack, indicating a fatal blow rather than a mere injury. It highlights the brutal efficiency of the coup.
* **Killed (Hebrew, _mûwth_):** (H4191) Following "smote," this verb confirms the fatal outcome of Zimri's action. It means "to die" or "to put to death," leaving no ambiguity about Elah's demise. Its inclusion underscores the finality and success of the assassination, ensuring the reader understands that Elah's life was definitively ended.
* **Reigned (Hebrew, _mâlak_):** (H4427) This verb means "to reign" or "to ascend the throne." Its use immediately after the description of Elah's death signifies the direct and immediate usurpation of royal authority by Zimri. It confirms that Zimri's act was not merely an assassination but a successful coup d'état, with the swift assumption of the kingship as its objective and outcome.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Zimri went in and smote him, and killed him":** This opening clause describes the core, violent event. The phrase "went in" suggests an invasion of Elah's personal space, likely while he was vulnerable and intoxicated, as indicated in the preceding verse ([1 Kings 16:9](/1_kings/16-9 "1 Kings 16:9 - Elah's Drunkenness")). The dual verbs "smote" and "killed" emphasize both the violent nature of the attack and its fatal consequence, leaving no doubt about the regicide and the decisive nature of Zimri's action.
* **"in the twenty and seventh year of Asa king of Judah":** This parenthetical clause provides a precise chronological marker, anchoring the event in Israel's tumultuous history by correlating it with the reign of a king in the more stable Southern Kingdom. This synchronism not only aids in historical dating but also subtly highlights the stark contrast between the chronic political turmoil and rapid succession in Israel and the relative, albeit imperfect, continuity of the Davidic dynasty in Judah.
* **"and reigned in his stead":** This final clause immediately states the outcome and primary purpose of Zimri's violent act. It confirms that the assassination was a successful coup, resulting in Zimri's immediate ascension to the throne. This phrase emphasizes the direct replacement of the former king, signaling the establishment of a new, albeit very short-lived, royal authority.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in [1 Kings 16:10](/1_kings/16-10 "1 Kings 16:10 - Zimri's Coup") employs several potent literary devices to convey its powerful message and underscore its theological implications. **Direct Narration** is primary, presenting the brutal facts of the assassination and usurpation with stark simplicity, allowing the event to speak for itself within the broader context of divine prophecy and historical patterns. There is a strong element of **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, as this act directly realizes the judgment pronounced by the prophet Jehu against the house of Baasha, demonstrating God's sovereign control over even the most chaotic human events. The text also uses **Juxtaposition** by mentioning the reign of Asa king of Judah, implicitly contrasting the chronic instability and violent succession in the Northern Kingdom with the more enduring, divinely promised Davidic line in the South. Furthermore, a subtle but powerful **Irony** is present: Elah, the king, is found vulnerable and "drinking himself drunk" ([1 Kings 16:9](/1_kings/16-9 "1 Kings 16:9 - Elah's Debauchery")), a state of moral and physical weakness that directly contributes to his downfall, highlighting the severe consequences of unrighteous and undisciplined leadership.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The assassination of Elah by Zimri serves as a stark testament to God's unwavering sovereignty over human history and His commitment to covenant faithfulness. Even amidst the chaos of human sin, ambition, and violence, God's word, spoken through His prophets, is meticulously fulfilled. This event underscores that no human power, no matter how absolute, can ultimately thwart the divine will or escape divine judgment for persistent unrighteousness and idolatry. The rapid succession of violent coups in the Northern Kingdom illustrates the inherent instability and self-destructive nature of a society that rejects God's established order and embraces idolatry, contrasting sharply with the relative stability promised to the Davidic dynasty in Judah. It is a powerful reminder that true security and lasting peace are found not in human strength or political maneuvering, but in humble obedience to the Lord and adherence to His righteous decrees.

* [1 Kings 16:3-4](/1_kings/16-3-4 "1 Kings 16:3-4 - Jehu's Prophecy Against Baasha's House")
* [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - God's Enduring Covenant with David")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The historical account of Zimri's coup, while set in a distant past, offers profound and timeless lessons for contemporary believers and societies. It serves as a potent reminder that actions have consequences, especially for those in positions of leadership. Elah's demise, occurring while he was in a state of moral compromise and vulnerability, underscores the critical importance of vigilance, integrity, and sobriety in all aspects of life, particularly for those entrusted with significant responsibility within families, churches, or communities. The recurring cycles of violence and instability in the Northern Kingdom vividly highlight the destructive nature of sin, particularly idolatry and the abandonment of divine principles, which inevitably lead to societal breakdown, political chaos, and personal ruin. Conversely, God's unwavering faithfulness to His prophetic word, even when executed through flawed human agents, reassures us of His ultimate control and perfect justice. This narrative calls us to reflect deeply on the foundations of our own lives and communities: are we building on the shifting sands of human ambition, moral compromise, and self-interest, or on the solid, unshakeable rock of God's eternal truth and righteous ways?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the swift judgment against Elah's house challenge our understanding of God's justice in the face of persistent sin, both individually and corporately?**
* **What are the contemporary implications of a society that disregards divine principles and embraces moral laxity, as seen in the political and moral instability of the Northern Kingdom?**
* **In what ways might we, as individuals or communities, be tempted to compromise our integrity or spiritual vigilance, and how can we actively guard against such vulnerabilities in our daily lives?**

### FAQ
**Why is the reign of Asa king of Judah mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The mention of "the twenty and seventh year of Asa king of Judah" serves primarily as a chronological anchor. It helps to synchronize the timeline of events in the Northern Kingdom of Israel with the more stable and continuous reign of the Davidic kings in the Southern Kingdom of Judah. This practice was common in biblical historical narratives to provide a clear temporal framework for the reader. Additionally, it implicitly highlights the stark contrast between the chronic political instability and rapid succession of kings in Israel (where dynasties were often short-lived and ended by violence) and the relative continuity of the Davidic line in Judah, which enjoyed the promise of an enduring throne as detailed in [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - God's Covenant with David").

**Was Zimri's act of assassination justified in God's eyes, given that it fulfilled prophecy?**

Answer: While Zimri's act of assassinating King Elah directly fulfilled the prophecy of judgment against the house of Baasha, delivered by the prophet Jehu in [1 Kings 16:3-4](/1_kings/16-3-4 "1 Kings 16:3-4 - Jehu's Prophecy Against Baasha"), this does not mean God condoned Zimri's sin or his violent means. God often uses wicked human actions to accomplish His sovereign purposes, but He does not endorse the sin itself. Zimri acted out of personal ambition and treachery, not out of obedience to divine command. Indeed, Zimri himself would reign for only seven days before facing his own violent end and judgment for his sins, including his role in the destruction of Baasha's house and his own walk in the way of Jeroboam, as recorded in [1 Kings 16:18-19](/1_kings/16-18-19 "1 Kings 16:18-19 - Zimri's Short Reign and Death"). This demonstrates that God holds all individuals accountable for their actions, even when those actions unwittingly serve a divine purpose.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tumultuous narrative of [1 Kings 16:10](/1_kings/16-10 "1 Kings 16:10 - Zimri's Coup"), with its depiction of a broken kingship and a kingdom plagued by violence and instability, profoundly underscores the desperate need for a true, righteous, and eternal King. The relentless cycle of sin, judgment, and failed human leadership, so vividly illustrated by Zimri's brief and bloody usurpation, points to the utter futility of seeking lasting peace or security in any earthly ruler or political system. This chaotic backdrop in the Northern Kingdom serves as a powerful contrast, highlighting the profound significance of the promised reign of Jesus Christ. Unlike the temporary, flawed, and often wicked kings of Israel who brought judgment upon themselves and their people, Jesus is the [eternal King](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Christ, the Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace") whose kingdom is not of this world and whose reign is marked by [justice and peace](/isaiah/9-7 "Isaiah 9:7 - The Increase of His Government and Peace") that knows no end. He is the true [Son of David](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus Christ"), inheriting the perpetual throne promised to David, a covenant that stands in stark contrast to the broken dynasties of the Northern Kingdom. Christ, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), did not come to seize power through violence but to offer Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for sin, thereby breaking the cycle of death and judgment. Through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, He established a kingdom that [will never be destroyed](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Kingdom Will Never Be Destroyed"), offering [redemption and eternal life](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Redemption Through Christ's Blood") to all who believe. In Him, the ultimate fulfillment of perfect kingship is realized, bringing true order, righteousness, and everlasting peace to all who submit to His reign.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Kings 9:31

And as Jehu entered in at the gate, she said, [Had] Zimri peace, who slew his master?