1 Kings 16:21

KJV

Then were the people of Israel divided into two parts: half of the people followed Tibni the son of Ginath, to make him king; and half followed Omri.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then were the people {H5971} of Israel {H3478} divided {H2505} into two parts {H2677}: half {H2677} of the people {H5971} followed {H1961}{H310} Tibni {H8402} the son {H1121} of Ginath {H1527}, to make him king {H4427}; and half {H2677} followed {H310} Omri {H6018}.

Complete Jewish Bible

At this point the people of Isra'el divided into two factions. Half of the people went after Tivni the son of Ginat to make him king, while the other half followed 'Omri.

Berean Standard Bible

At that time the people of Israel were divided: Half of the people supported Tibni son of Ginath as king, and half supported Omri.

American Standard Version

Then were the people of Israel divided into two parts: half of the people followed Tibni the son of Ginath, to make him king; and half followed Omri.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Kings 16:21 marks a pivotal moment of profound political fragmentation in the northern kingdom of Israel, immediately following the brief and tumultuous reign of Zimri. Instead of coalescing around a single leader after Zimri's self-immolation, the nation fractured into two distinct and opposing factions, one pledging allegiance to Tibni and the other to Omri. This verse vividly portrays the deep-seated instability and disunity plaguing Israel during this period, setting the stage for a bitter civil conflict over the throne.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the book of 1 Kings, following the dramatic and ignominious end of Zimri's seven-day reign, where he perished in the burning palace in Tirzah, fulfilling the prophecy against the house of Baasha ([1 Kings 16:18](/1_kings/16-18 "1 Kings 16:18 - Zimri's Self-Immolation")). The immediate narrative flow transitions from the demise of one short-lived monarch to the emergence of a power vacuum, which the people of Israel fail to fill with a unified choice. Instead, the narrative immediately introduces a direct schism, highlighting the ongoing cycle of instability and violence that characterizes the northern kingdom's succession of kings, contrasting sharply with the more stable (though not perfect) Davidic line in Judah. The subsequent verses detail the ensuing civil war and Omri's eventual triumph ([1 Kings 16:22](/1_kings/16-22 "1 Kings 16:22 - Omri's Victory Over Tibni")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period described in 1 Kings 16 is one of intense political turmoil and moral decline in Israel. Since the division of the united monarchy after Solomon's death ([1 Kings 12](/1_kings/12 "1 Kings 12 - The Division of the Kingdom")), the northern kingdom had experienced a rapid succession of dynasties, often established through violent coups rather than orderly succession. Kings like Jeroboam, Nadab, Baasha, Elah, Zimri, and now Tibni and Omri, illustrate a pattern of regicide and instability. The people's inability to unite behind a single leader reflects not only the ambition of rival claimants but also a deeper societal breakdown and lack of cohesive national identity rooted in faithfulness to Yahweh. The capital, Tirzah, had just been destroyed, further contributing to the chaos and the need for a new, stable center of power, which Omri would later establish in Samaria ([1 Kings 16:24](/1_kings/16-24 "1 Kings 16:24 - Omri Founds Samaria")).

* **Key Themes:** The division described in [1 Kings 16:21](/1_kings/16-21 "1 Kings 16:21 - Israel Divided") powerfully underscores several pervasive themes in the book of Kings. **Political Instability** is paramount, as the verse explicitly details the fracturing of the kingdom into rival factions, a direct consequence of Israel's persistent idolatry and disobedience to the Mosaic covenant. This disunity is a recurring motif, contrasting with the ideal of a unified people under God's chosen king. **Disunity and Factionalism** are highlighted as destructive forces, preventing national cohesion and inviting further internal conflict, demonstrating the dangers of a kingdom divided against itself. Furthermore, the verse introduces the theme of **Human Ambition and Power Struggles**, as Tibni and Omri vie for control, illustrating how the pursuit of earthly power often overrides the welfare of the nation and God's divine order. This struggle ultimately sets the stage for the rise of the Omride dynasty, which, despite its political strength, would lead Israel into deeper spiritual apostasy, particularly under Ahab and Jezebel ([1 Kings 16:30-33](/1_kings/16-30 "1 Kings 16:30-33 - Ahab's Wickedness")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Divided (Hebrew, _ḥāṣâ_):** The Hebrew verb חָצָה (_ḥāṣâ_) means "to divide, to split, to halve." Its use here emphasizes a complete and decisive schism within the Israelite population, not merely a disagreement or a minor faction, but a fundamental splitting into two distinct and opposing entities. This word conveys the severity of the internal rupture, indicating a deep-seated disunity that would lead to open conflict.
* **Followed (Hebrew, _hāyâ 'aḥărê_):** The phrase "followed" (literally "was after" or "went after") signifies allegiance, loyalty, and active support for a particular leader or cause. In this context, it denotes a deliberate choice by segments of the population to align themselves with either Tibni or Omri, indicating a conscious commitment to their respective claims to the throne. This choice was not passive but an active endorsement, leading to a direct confrontation for kingship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then were the people of Israel divided into two parts:"** This opening clause immediately establishes the central conflict and the state of the nation. The vacuum left by Zimri's death did not lead to consensus but to a stark polarization. The "people of Israel" here refers specifically to the northern kingdom, indicating a national crisis of leadership and unity. The division into "two parts" is absolute, setting the stage for civil war.
* **"half of the people followed Tibni the son of Ginath, to make him king;"** This clause identifies the first faction and its chosen leader, Tibni, whose lineage is given as "the son of Ginath." The phrase "to make him king" clarifies the explicit purpose of this faction's allegiance: to install Tibni on the throne, indicating a direct challenge to any other claimant.
* **"and half followed Omri."** This final clause introduces the opposing faction and its leader, Omri. The parallel structure ("half of the people followed... and half followed") underscores the symmetrical nature of the division and the direct rivalry. Omri, as the commander of the army, represented a powerful military contender for the throne, setting up an inevitable clash with Tibni's civilian-backed claim.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey the depth of Israel's crisis. **Antithesis** is evident in the stark contrast between the two halves of the people, each following a different leader. This creates a sense of immediate conflict and opposition. **Parallelism** is used effectively through the repetition of "half of the people followed," which emphasizes the symmetrical and direct nature of the factions, highlighting the national schism. Furthermore, the verse serves as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the intense civil war that is about to unfold and the eventual triumph of Omri, who would go on to establish a significant, albeit wicked, dynasty in Israel. The simple, direct language used to describe such a profound national division underscores the severity and immediacy of the political upheaval.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The division of Israel into two factions in 1 Kings 16:21 serves as a potent theological commentary on the consequences of a nation's departure from God's covenant and its pursuit of its own ways. This internal strife is not merely a political accident but a manifestation of deeper spiritual disunity and moral decay. When a people reject the divine order and fail to seek God's guidance in leadership, they become susceptible to the destructive forces of human ambition, factionalism, and internal conflict. The inability to unite under a single, God-ordained authority reflects a broader spiritual fragmentation, where self-interest and power struggles eclipse the collective good and divine purpose. This narrative warns against the perils of disunity, illustrating how it weakens a nation and makes it vulnerable to both internal collapse and external threats.

* [Proverbs 28:2](/proverbs/28-2 "Proverbs 28:2 - Instability from Transgression")
* [Matthew 12:25](/matthew/12-25 "Matthew 12:25 - A House Divided Cannot Stand")
* [Galatians 5:19-21](/galatians/5-19 "Galatians 5:19-21 - Works of the Flesh, Including Dissensions")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Israel's division into two warring factions offers a timeless and sobering lesson for all communities, whether national, ecclesiastical, or familial. It vividly illustrates the destructive power of disunity, highlighting how internal strife can cripple an entity from within, making it vulnerable and ineffective. When personal ambition, partisan loyalties, or a lack of shared vision override the pursuit of common good and divine principles, the result is often fragmentation, conflict, and a deviation from purpose. This passage challenges us to examine the sources of division in our own lives and communities, urging us to prioritize unity, humility, and a shared commitment to God's will above personal preferences or power struggles. True strength and flourishing are found not in fractured allegiances but in harmonious cooperation, guided by wisdom and a spirit of reconciliation, always seeking the peace that comes from God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I see "two parts" or divisions emerging in my own community, church, or even family, and what might be the underlying causes?**
* **How does the pursuit of personal ambition or power contribute to disunity, and what steps can I take to foster humility and service instead?**
* **What role does a shared spiritual foundation play in promoting unity, and how can I contribute to strengthening that foundation?**
* **In what ways does this historical account warn against the dangers of ungodly leadership and the importance of discerning true authority?**

### FAQ
**What was the immediate cause of the division described in 1 Kings 16:21?**

Answer: The immediate cause was the power vacuum created by the dramatic and sudden death of King Zimri, who had reigned for only seven days before burning himself to death in the royal palace in Tirzah ([1 Kings 16:18](/1_kings/16-18 "1 Kings 16:18 - Zimri's Fiery End")). Instead of a clear successor emerging, the people of Israel were unable to agree on a single king, leading to a direct split in allegiance between Tibni and Omri.

**Who were Tibni and Omri, and what were their backgrounds?**

Answer: Tibni the son of Ginath was one of the two rival claimants to the throne of Israel. The text does not provide extensive details about his background beyond his father's name, suggesting he may have represented a more civilian or popular choice. Omri, on the other hand, is explicitly identified as the commander of the army ([1 Kings 16:16](/1_kings/16-16 "1 Kings 16:16 - Omri Made King by the Army")). His military leadership likely gave him a significant advantage in the ensuing power struggle, which he ultimately won ([1 Kings 16:22](/1_kings/16-22 "1 Kings 16:22 - Omri's Victory")).

**How long did this period of division and civil war last?**

Answer: The civil war between Tibni and Omri lasted for approximately four years. First Kings 16:21-22 indicates that "half of the people followed Tibni... and half followed Omri," and then states, "But the people that followed Omri prevailed against the people that followed Tibni the son of Ginath: so Tibni died, and Omri reigned." While the exact timeline is debated, Omri's reign is stated to have begun in the 31st year of Asa of Judah, and Tibni's death is mentioned within that context, suggesting a period of contested rule before Omri's sole reign began.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The political fragmentation and bitter civil strife depicted in [1 Kings 16:21](/1_kings/16-21 "1 Kings 16:21 - Israel Divided") stand in stark contrast to the perfect unity and ultimate kingship found in Jesus Christ. While Israel was torn by human ambition and divided allegiances, the New Testament presents Jesus as the true and undisputed King, not chosen by factions but appointed by God Himself ([John 18:37](/john/18-37 "John 18:37 - Jesus' Kingship")). His kingdom is "not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")), transcending earthly power struggles and offering a spiritual unity that no human ruler could provide. Unlike the divided people who followed Tibni or Omri, believers are called to a singular allegiance to Christ, who prayed for the perfect unity of His followers, "that they may be one, just as we are one" ([John 17:21](/john/17-21 "John 17:21 - Jesus Prays for Unity")). In Him, the dividing wall of hostility is broken down ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")), and His body, the Church, is called to be a unified expression of His reign, where there is "one Lord, one faith, one baptism" ([Ephesians 4:5](/ephesians/4-5 "Ephesians 4:5 - One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism")). Thus, the chaos of 1 Kings 16:21 foreshadows the desperate need for a King who brings not division, but eternal peace and perfect, unifying rule.

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

Matthew 12:25

And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:

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.

1 Kings 15:28

Even in the third year of Asa king of Judah did Baasha slay him, and reigned in his stead.

1 Kings 15:25

¶ And Nadab the son of Jeroboam began to reign over Israel in the second year of Asa king of Judah, and reigned over Israel two years.

Isaiah 19:2

And I will set the Egyptians against the Egyptians: and they shall fight every one against his brother, and every one against his neighbour; city against city, [and] kingdom against kingdom.

1 Kings 16:29

¶ And in the thirty and eighth year of Asa king of Judah began Ahab the son of Omri to reign over Israel: and Ahab the son of Omri reigned over Israel in Samaria twenty and two years.

Ephesians 4:3

Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.