1 Kings 16:23

KJV

In the thirty and first year of Asa king of Judah began Omri to reign over Israel, twelve years: six years reigned he in Tirzah.

KJV (with Strong's)

In the thirty {H7970}{H8141} and first {H259} year {H8141} of Asa {H609} king {H4428} of Judah {H3063} began Omri {H6018} to reign {H4427} over Israel {H3478}, twelve {H8147}{H6240} years {H8141}: six {H8337} years {H8141} reigned {H4427} he in Tirzah {H8656}.

Complete Jewish Bible

It was in the thirty-first year of Asa king of Y'hudah that 'Omri began his reign over Isra'el, and he ruled for twelve years, six of them in Tirtzah.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

In the thirty and first year of Asa king of Judah began Omri to reign over Israel, and reigned twelve years: six years reigned he in Tirzah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Kings 16:23 serves as a pivotal chronological marker, introducing Omri's ascension to the throne of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. This verse precisely dates the beginning of Omri's twelve-year reign by synchronizing it with the thirty-first year of King Asa's rule in Judah, noting that Omri initially governed from Tirzah for six of those years before establishing Samaria as his new capital. It sets the stage for a significant shift in Israelite history, marking the beginning of a powerful, albeit idolatrous, dynasty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a section of 1 Kings that meticulously chronicles the rapid succession and political instability of the Northern Kingdom of Israel following its division from Judah. Specifically, [1 Kings 16](/1_kings/16 "1 Kings 16 - Wicked Kings of Israel") details the reigns of several short-lived and wicked kings, including Baasha, Elah, and Zimri. Omri's rise to power, as described in [1 Kings 16:15-22](/1_kings/16-15 "1 Kings 16:15-22 - Zimri's Brief Reign and Omri's Ascent"), is presented as the culmination of a civil war, where he, as commander of the army, overthrows Zimri, who had reigned for only seven days. Verse 23, therefore, marks the formal beginning of Omri's established reign after consolidating power, contrasting sharply with the chaotic transitions that immediately preceded it. The subsequent verse, [1 Kings 16:24](/1_kings/16-24 "1 Kings 16:24 - Omri Founds Samaria"), immediately highlights his most significant administrative act: the founding of Samaria.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the divided monarchy (Israel in the North, Judah in the South) was characterized by distinct political and religious trajectories. The Northern Kingdom, lacking the stability of the Davidic covenant in Jerusalem, was plagued by frequent coups, assassinations, and dynastic changes. Kings often rose from military ranks, like Omri, rather than through established succession. The mention of "the thirty and first year of Asa king of Judah" is a crucial synchronism, a common biblical practice that allows historians to align the chronologies of the two kingdoms and, by extension, with broader ancient Near Eastern history. Tirzah, the initial capital mentioned, had served as a royal city for previous Israelite kings (e.g., Baasha, Elah) and was known for its beauty. However, its defensibility was limited, prompting Omri's strategic decision to build a new capital at Samaria, a move of significant geopolitical importance.
* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Kings. Firstly, it underscores the **dynastic instability** of the Northern Kingdom, contrasting it with the relative continuity of the Davidic line in Judah, even amidst their own challenges (e.g., [1 Kings 15:9-24](/1_kings/15-9 "1 Kings 15:9-24 - Asa's Reign in Judah")). Omri's establishment of a new, powerful dynasty, though marked by unrighteousness ([1 Kings 16:25](/1_kings/16-25 "1 Kings 16:25 - Omri's Wickedness")), temporarily halts the rapid succession of kings. Secondly, the precise chronological detail highlights the biblical writers' emphasis on **historical accuracy and divine sovereignty** over human affairs. Even the rise of powerful, ungodly rulers like Omri is recorded within God's unfolding plan. Thirdly, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **transition and transformation**, as Omri's initial reign in Tirzah foreshadows the strategic shift to Samaria, which would become a major center of Israelite power and, unfortunately, idolatry for centuries.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Omri (Hebrew, _‘Omri_):** The name's etymology is uncertain, possibly meaning "my sheaf" or "servant of Yah." Regardless of its literal meaning, Omri represents a significant turning point in Israelite history. Though the biblical account of his reign is remarkably brief (just six verses), extrabiblical sources, particularly Assyrian inscriptions, attest to his considerable power and influence. The "House of Omri" (Bit-Humri) became the Assyrian designation for the Northern Kingdom for over a century, indicating his profound impact on the geopolitical landscape.
* **Tirzah (Hebrew, _Tirtzah_):** Meaning "pleasantness" or "delight," Tirzah served as the capital of the Northern Kingdom for several earlier kings, including Jeroboam (briefly), Baasha, Elah, and Zimri. Its beauty is even noted in the Song of Solomon ([Song of Solomon 6:4](/song_of_solomon/6-4 "Song of Solomon 6:4 - Beautiful as Tirzah")). However, its strategic location was vulnerable, as evidenced by Omri's siege against Zimri there ([1 Kings 16:17](/1_kings/16-17 "1 Kings 16:17 - Omri Besieges Tirzah")). Omri's decision to move the capital from Tirzah to Samaria, described in the very next verse, was a strategic masterstroke, establishing a more defensible and economically advantageous center for his kingdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In the thirty and first year of Asa king of Judah":** This opening clause provides a crucial synchronism, anchoring Omri's reign within the established timeline of the Southern Kingdom. King Asa was a relatively righteous king of Judah, whose long reign (41 years) is detailed in [1 Kings 15:9-24](/1_kings/15-9 "1 Kings 15:9-24 - Asa's Reign") and [2 Chronicles 14-16](/2_chronicles/14 "2 Chronicles 14-16 - Asa's Reign"). This cross-referencing between the two kingdoms' chronologies is a hallmark of the Deuteronomistic History, emphasizing the interconnectedness of their fates under God's sovereignty.
* **"began Omri to reign over Israel, twelve years":** This declares the official commencement and total duration of Omri's rule over the Northern Kingdom. His reign of twelve years was relatively long for an Israelite king of this period, especially given the preceding instability. This duration allowed him to consolidate power, establish a dynasty, and make significant administrative changes, most notably the founding of Samaria.
* **"six years reigned he in Tirzah":** This specifies the initial phase of Omri's reign. After overthrowing Zimri and defeating Tibni's rival claim, Omri initially ruled from the existing capital of Tirzah. This six-year period served as a transitional phase, during which he solidified his control before embarking on the ambitious project of building a new, more secure capital at Samaria, a move that would define his legacy and the future of the Northern Kingdom.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary devices at play in this verse are **Chronology** and **Synchronism**. The precise dating of Omri's reign by reference to Asa's reign in Judah is a classic example of **Synchronism**, a technique used throughout the books of Kings to interweave the histories of the two divided kingdoms. This not only provides historical precision but also underscores the biblical authors' view of history as a unified narrative under God's sovereign hand, even when dealing with disparate and often antagonistic kingdoms. The brevity of the description of Omri's reign, despite his significant historical impact (as known from extrabiblical sources), also serves as a subtle form of **Juxtaposition**. It implicitly contrasts the world's measure of success (political power, military might, administrative prowess) with the biblical author's primary concern: faithfulness to the covenant with Yahweh. Omri's success is noted, but his spiritual failings are highlighted in subsequent verses, demonstrating that earthly achievements are secondary to divine approval in the biblical narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
First Kings 16:23, while seemingly a simple chronological note, is deeply embedded in the theological narrative of the Deuteronomistic History. It highlights God's sovereign control over the rise and fall of nations and rulers, even those who do not acknowledge Him. Omri's ascent, though marked by political maneuvering and violence, is ultimately part of God's overarching plan, serving as an instrument in the unfolding judgment upon the Northern Kingdom for its persistent idolatry and rejection of the Davidic covenant. His reign, and the powerful dynasty he established, would later become a significant force against which God's prophets, like Elijah and Elisha, would contend, demonstrating that even the most formidable earthly powers are subject to divine scrutiny and judgment. The meticulous dating also underscores the reality of God's engagement with human history, demonstrating that these events are not mythical but grounded in specific times and places.

* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons")
* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalm/75-6 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God Exalts and Brings Low")
* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Authority from God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The brief account of Omri's rise, marked by political acumen and strategic foresight, yet overshadowed by his spiritual failings (as revealed in subsequent verses), offers profound lessons for contemporary reflection. It challenges us to consider what truly constitutes a "successful" life or leadership in the eyes of God. Omri built a powerful kingdom, established a new capital, and left a significant mark on the geopolitical map of his time, yet the biblical narrative quickly dismisses his achievements to highlight his unrighteousness. This prompts us to examine our own ambitions and priorities: Are we pursuing earthly recognition and power at the expense of spiritual integrity and faithfulness to God? Do we recognize God's hand in the seemingly chaotic ebb and flow of world events, trusting that He is sovereign over all rulers and nations? Ultimately, Omri's story reminds us that true lasting legacy is not built on political might or material success, but on a life lived in obedience and devotion to the Creator.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the biblical emphasis on Omri's spiritual failings, despite his political success, challenge our modern definitions of "success" and "leadership"?**
* **In what ways might we, like Omri, prioritize worldly achievements over our spiritual walk with God?**
* **How does the concept of God's sovereignty over the rise and fall of rulers (even wicked ones) provide comfort or challenge to us in our current political climate?**
* **What does Omri's strategic move from Tirzah to Samaria teach us about the importance of wise decision-making, even in secular matters, and how might our spiritual decisions impact our "foundations"?**

### FAQ

**Why is Omri's reign so briefly described in the Bible despite his historical significance?**

Answer: The biblical narrative, particularly in the Deuteronomistic History (Joshua through 2 Kings), is not primarily a secular historical record but a theological one. Its main concern is Israel's faithfulness to Yahweh and the consequences of obedience or disobedience to the covenant. While Omri was a powerful and historically significant king, even mentioned in Assyrian inscriptions as the founder of the "House of Omri" (which referred to the Northern Kingdom for over a century), the Bible focuses on his spiritual failings. [1 Kings 16:25](/1_kings/16-25 "1 Kings 16:25 - Omri's Evil Deeds") states, "But Omri wrought evil in the eyes of the Lord, and did worse than all that were before him." His political and military achievements, though real, were secondary to his spiritual rebellion from the perspective of the biblical author. The brevity underscores that worldly success, without righteousness, holds little ultimate value in God's eyes.

**What was the significance of Tirzah, and why did Omri move the capital to Samaria?**

Answer: Tirzah was an ancient Canaanite city that had served as the capital of the Northern Kingdom for several kings, including Baasha, Elah, and Zimri, before Omri. It was known for its beauty, as referenced in [Song of Solomon 6:4](/song_of_solomon/6-4 "Song of Solomon 6:4 - Beautiful as Tirzah"). However, Tirzah had strategic vulnerabilities, as demonstrated by Omri's own successful siege against Zimri there ([1 Kings 16:17](/1_kings/16-17 "1 Kings 16:17 - Omri Besieges Tirzah")). Omri's decision to move the capital to Samaria, detailed in [1 Kings 16:24](/1_kings/16-24 "1 Kings 16:24 - Omri Founds Samaria"), was a brilliant strategic move. Samaria was built on a defensible hill, offering superior protection and control over trade routes. This move solidified Omri's power and provided a more secure and central administrative hub for his dynasty, demonstrating his political and military acumen.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The instability and ultimate failure of the earthly kings of Israel, exemplified by figures like Omri who sought to establish their own power and legacy apart from God, powerfully foreshadow the necessity of a perfect and eternal King. Omri's reign, though marked by political strength and the founding of a new capital, was ultimately "evil in the eyes of the Lord" ([1 Kings 16:25](/1_kings/16-25 "1 Kings 16:25 - Omri's Wickedness")), leading to further spiritual decay in Israel. This constant cycle of flawed human leadership, marked by sin and idolatry, highlights the deep human need for a different kind of ruler—one who is not merely politically adept but perfectly righteous and eternally sovereign. This longing is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the true King of Israel and the world. Unlike Omri, whose reign was limited by time and tainted by sin, Jesus' kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and His dominion endures throughout all generations ([Psalm 145:13](/psalm/145-13 "Psalm 145:13 - God's Eternal Kingdom")). He does not merely establish a temporary earthly capital but builds an eternal spiritual kingdom, the Church, over which He reigns with perfect justice and grace ([Ephesians 1:20-23](/ephesians/1-20 "Ephesians 1:20-23 - Christ's Authority Over All Things")). The rise and fall of human kings like Omri serve as a stark reminder that true security and lasting peace are found not in earthly power or strategic locations, but in the unwavering, righteous reign of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), who is King of kings and Lord of lords ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")).

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 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 15:21

And it came to pass, when Baasha heard [thereof], that he left off building of Ramah, and dwelt in Tirzah.

2 Chronicles 22:2

Forty and two years old [was] Ahaziah when he began to reign, and he reigned one year in Jerusalem. His mother's name also [was] Athaliah the daughter of Omri.

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.