1 Kings 16:15

KJV

¶ In the twenty and seventh year of Asa king of Judah did Zimri reign seven days in Tirzah. And the people [were] encamped against Gibbethon, which [belonged] to the Philistines.

KJV (with Strong's)

In the twenty {H6242}{H8141} and seventh {H7651} year {H8141} of Asa {H609} king {H4428} of Judah {H3063} did Zimri {H2174} reign {H4427} seven {H7651} days {H3117} in Tirzah {H8656}. And the people {H5971} were encamped {H2583} against Gibbethon {H1405}, which belonged to the Philistines {H6430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

It was in the twenty-seventh year of Asa king of Y'hudah that Zimri ruled for seven days in Tirtzah. At that time, the army was besieging Gib'ton, which belonged to the P'lishtim.

Berean Standard Bible

In the twenty-seventh year of Asa’s reign over Judah, Zimri reigned in Tirzah for seven days. Now the troops were encamped against Gibbethon of the Philistines,

American Standard Version

In the twenty and seventh year of Asa king of Judah did Zimri reign seven days in Tirzah. Now the people were encamped against Gibbethon, which belonged to the Philistines.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 16:15 offers a stark and concise snapshot of extreme political volatility in the Northern Kingdom of Israel, documenting the exceptionally brief, seven-day reign of Zimri. This verse chronologically anchors Zimri's usurpation within the twenty-seventh year of King Asa of Judah, highlighting the concurrent military engagement of the Israelite army, which was encamped against the Philistine city of Gibbethon. This detail is crucial, as the army's absence from the capital, Tirzah, created the immediate opportunity for Zimri's coup, while simultaneously setting the stage for his swift downfall.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the dramatic account of Zimri's assassination of King Elah while Elah was in Tirzah, drinking himself drunk (compare [1 Kings 16:9](/1-kings/16-9 "1 Kings 16:9 - Zimri's Treachery Against King Elah")). Zimri, a chariot commander, seized the throne through this violent act, fulfilling a prophecy of judgment against Baasha's house (Elah's father), delivered by the prophet Jehu son of Hanani (see [1 Kings 16:1-4](/1-kings/16-1 "1 Kings 16:1-4 - Prophecy Against Baasha's House")). The brevity of Zimri's reign, explicitly stated here, serves as a direct setup for the immediate counter-coup by Omri, the commander of the army, detailed in the very next verses ([1 Kings 16:16-18](/1-kings/16-16 "1 Kings 16:16-18 - Omri's Ascent and Zimri's End")). The rapid succession of kings and violent ends underscores the chaotic nature of Israel's monarchy during this period.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting of Tirzah as the capital of the Northern Kingdom is significant; it served as the primary seat of power for Israel from Jeroboam I until Omri established Samaria (see [1 Kings 14:17](/1-kings/14-17 "1 Kings 14:17 - Tirzah as Israel's Capital") and [1 Kings 16:23-24](/1-kings/16-23 "1 Kings 16:23-24 - Omri Founds Samaria")). The mention of "the twenty and seventh year of Asa king of Judah" provides a precise chronological marker, aligning the tumultuous events in Israel with the more stable, albeit imperfect, reign in the Southern Kingdom. The detail that "the people [were] encamped against Gibbethon, which [belonged] to the Philistines," reveals a critical strategic situation. Gibbethon was a Levitical city in Dan (see [Joshua 21:23](/joshua/21-23 "Joshua 21:23 - Gibbethon as a Levitical City")) that had fallen under Philistine control. Israel's ongoing efforts to reclaim it (previously seen in [1 Kings 15:27](/1-kings/15-27 "1 Kings 15:27 - Nadab's Siege of Gibbethon")) indicate a persistent military struggle against the Philistines, a common feature of the ancient Near East. The army's absence from the capital during this siege created the power vacuum Zimri exploited.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several recurring themes in the book of [1 Kings](/1-kings/1 "The Book of 1 Kings - A Chronicle of Kings and Kingdoms"). Foremost is the **political instability and rapid succession** that plagued the Northern Kingdom, a stark contrast to the enduring Davidic dynasty in Judah. Zimri's incredibly brief reign epitomizes the **fleeting nature of earthly power** when it is seized through unrighteous means and lacks divine sanction. The narrative implicitly underscores **divine sovereignty**; even amidst human ambition, violence, and chaos, God's purposes are at work, often bringing swift judgment upon those who defy His will. Furthermore, the constant cycle of coups and assassinations in Israel is frequently presented as a consequence of the nation's persistent **idolatry and departure from God's covenant**, initiated by Jeroboam's sin (e.g., [1 Kings 14:16](/1-kings/14-16 "1 Kings 14:16 - Jeroboam's Sin and Israel's Departure")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Zimri (Hebrew, _Zimri'_):** This name, meaning "my music" or "my song," stands in profound **ironic** contrast to the violent and discordant nature of his reign. His brief, bloody tenure was anything but harmonious, highlighting the deceptive nature of appearances and the ultimate futility of power gained through treachery.
* **Tirzah (Hebrew, _Tirtzah'_):** The capital city's name, meaning "pleasantness" or "delight," also presents a stark **irony** against the backdrop of the bloodshed and political turmoil that occurred within its walls during this period. It was a place of regicide and immediate counter-revolution, far from delightful for its inhabitants or rulers.
* **Gibbethon (Hebrew, _Gibbeton'_):** Meaning "a high place" or "a mound," this city was strategically important. Its mention here signifies the ongoing military conflict with the Philistines and, more critically, the **absence of Israel's main army** from the capital. This absence was the crucial factor enabling Zimri's coup, and the army's immediate return from Gibbethon directly led to his demise.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In the twenty and seventh year of Asa king of Judah":** This clause provides a precise chronological anchor for the events in Israel, linking them to the reign of the more stable Southern Kingdom. It underscores the contemporaneous nature of the two kingdoms' histories, often contrasting Judah's relative continuity with Israel's chronic instability.
* **"did Zimri reign seven days in Tirzah":** This is the central, most striking detail of the verse. "Seven days" marks the shortest reign of any king recorded in the Bible, a powerful testament to the extreme fragility and transience of power acquired through violence and lacking divine legitimacy. Tirzah is identified as the capital where this brief reign occurred.
* **"And the people [were] encamped against Gibbethon, which [belonged] to the Philistines":** This crucial detail explains the circumstances that allowed Zimri's coup. "The people" refers to the Israelite army. Their encampment at Gibbethon, a Philistine stronghold, meant the bulk of Israel's military force, led by Omri, was away from the capital, creating a power vacuum and an opportunity for Zimri's swift takeover. It also sets the stage for the army's swift response upon hearing of the coup.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, particularly in the names "Zimri" ("my music") and "Tirzah" ("pleasantness"), which starkly contrast with the violent, discordant events they describe. This highlights the deceptive nature of appearances and the tragic reality of human sin. **Foreshadowing** is also present; the mention of the army at Gibbethon not only explains Zimri's opportunity but also subtly predicts his swift downfall, as it is this very army, led by Omri, that will immediately move against him. Furthermore, the verse uses **Conciseness** to deliver a powerful message; the brevity of the description of Zimri's reign mirrors the brevity of his time on the throne, making the point about fleeting power even more impactful. There is also a clear **Contrast** drawn between the stability implied by dating the event to Asa's reign in Judah and the extreme instability demonstrated by Zimri's seven-day rule in Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zimri's seven-day reign serves as a profound biblical illustration of the transience of earthly power and the futility of human ambition when it operates outside of God's will. It underscores the principle that true authority and lasting dominion do not come from human machinations, violence, or usurpation, but are ultimately granted and withdrawn by the sovereign hand of God. The chaos and rapid succession of kings in the Northern Kingdom, epitomized by Zimri, are consistently presented in Scripture as a consequence of Israel's systemic idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness, demonstrating that departure from God's ways inevitably leads to societal and political instability. Even in moments of intense human depravity and political upheaval, God remains in control, orchestrating events to fulfill His divine purposes and execute His righteous judgments.

* [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God Rules in the Kingdom of Men")
* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalm/75-6 "Psalm 75:6-7 - Exaltation Comes from God")
* [Proverbs 29:2](/proverbs/29-2 "Proverbs 29:2 - When the Righteous Rule vs. When the Wicked Rule")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zimri's astonishingly brief reign offers a timeless cautionary tale for all who seek power or are entrusted with it. It compels us to reflect on the nature of authority and where true stability is found. In a world often characterized by political upheaval, ambition, and the pursuit of fleeting influence, this narrative reminds us that human power, especially when gained through unrighteous means, is ultimately fragile and ephemeral. It challenges us to examine our own ambitions: are we seeking to build our own kingdoms, or are we striving to serve the eternal Kingdom of God? The instability in Israel, rooted in their spiritual rebellion, also serves as a poignant reminder that societal chaos often stems from a departure from divine principles. For believers, this verse encourages trust in God's ultimate sovereignty, even when circumstances appear chaotic or unjust, knowing that His purposes will prevail and His justice will be meted out.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Zimri's seven-day reign challenge our perception of power and success in the world today?**
* **What does this account teach us about the consequences of seeking authority through violence or unrighteous means?**
* **In what ways can we, as individuals and communities, contribute to stability and righteousness, rather than perpetuating cycles of chaos?**
* **How does understanding God's sovereignty, even over brief and violent reigns, bring comfort or challenge to our faith?**

### FAQ
**Why was Zimri's reign so incredibly short?**
Answer: Zimri's reign was exceptionally brief because he seized the throne through a violent coup while the main Israelite army, led by Omri, was away besieging Gibbethon. Upon hearing of Elah's assassination and Zimri's usurpation, the army immediately proclaimed Omri king and marched on Tirzah. Zimri, realizing his position was indefensible, chose to commit suicide by setting the palace on fire around himself rather than be captured, thus ending his reign after only seven days ([1 Kings 16:16-19](/1-kings/16-16 "1 Kings 16:16-19 - Zimri's End")). His lack of popular or military support outside of his initial treacherous act made his rule unsustainable.

**What was the significance of the army being "encamped against Gibbethon"?**
Answer: The army's encampment against Gibbethon was strategically significant for two main reasons. First, it highlighted an ongoing conflict with the Philistines, indicating a persistent threat to Israel's borders and control over its territory. Second, and more immediately relevant to Zimri's story, it meant that the bulk of Israel's military force and its commander, Omri, were absent from the capital city of Tirzah. This absence created the power vacuum that Zimri exploited to stage his coup against King Elah. However, it also meant that the army was a cohesive unit, capable of a swift and unified response once news of Zimri's treachery reached them, leading directly to his downfall.

**How does Zimri's reign fit into the broader pattern of kingship in the Northern Kingdom of Israel?**
Answer: Zimri's reign is a quintessential example of the chronic political instability that plagued the Northern Kingdom of Israel, particularly in contrast to the relatively more stable Davidic dynasty in Judah. From its inception under Jeroboam I, Israel experienced repeated coups, assassinations, and rapid changes in ruling families, often marked by violence and short reigns. This instability is frequently presented in 1 and 2 Kings as a direct consequence of Israel's persistent idolatry and departure from the covenant with God, initiated by Jeroboam's golden calves ([1 Kings 12:28-30](/1-kings/12-28 "1 Kings 12:28-30 - Jeroboam's Idolatry")). Zimri's seven-day rule is the most extreme manifestation of this pattern, demonstrating the ultimate futility and divine judgment upon a kingdom that had largely forsaken its God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The chaotic and fleeting reign of Zimri, a mere seven days of violent usurpation and swift demise, stands in stark contrast to the eternal and unshakable reign of Jesus Christ. The instability, treachery, and bloodshed that characterized the Northern Kingdom's monarchy, exemplified by figures like Zimri, underscore the brokenness of human systems and the ultimate futility of power gained through unrighteous means. While earthly kings rise and fall, often through violence and ambition, Jesus' kingdom is "not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")), established not by force but by self-sacrificial love and divine authority. He is the true King, whose throne is established forever ([Psalm 45:6](/psalm/45-6 "Psalm 45:6 - Your Throne, O God, is Forever")), whose kingdom "shall never be destroyed" ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Eternal Kingdom")), and of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end ([Isaiah 9:7](/isaiah/9-7 "Isaiah 9:7 - The Everlasting King")). Zimri's brief, fiery end serves as a powerful negative example, highlighting the desperate need for the perfect, eternal, and righteous King whose reign brings true peace and stability, not just for seven days, but for all eternity. We are called to seek first His kingdom, which cannot be shaken ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "An Unshakable Kingdom")), finding true security and purpose in His enduring sovereignty.

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

1 Kings 15:27

And Baasha the son of Ahijah, of the house of Issachar, conspired against him; and Baasha smote him at Gibbethon, which [belonged] to the Philistines; for Nadab and all Israel laid siege to Gibbethon.

Joshua 19:44

And Eltekeh, and Gibbethon, and Baalath,

1 Kings 16:8

In the twenty and sixth year of Asa king of Judah began Elah the son of Baasha to reign over Israel in Tirzah, two years.

Psalms 37:35

I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree.

Joshua 21:23

And out of the tribe of Dan, Eltekeh with her suburbs, Gibbethon with her suburbs,

2 Kings 9:31

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

Job 20:5

That the triumphing of the wicked [is] short, and the joy of the hypocrite [but] for a moment?