1 Kings 16:9

And his servant Zimri, captain of half [his] chariots, conspired against him, as he was in Tirzah, drinking himself drunk in the house of Arza steward of [his] house in Tirzah.

And his servant {H5650} Zimri {H2174}, captain {H8269} of half {H4276} his chariots {H7393}, conspired {H7194} against him, as he was in Tirzah {H8656}, drinking {H8354} himself drunk {H7910} in the house {H1004} of Arza {H777} steward of his house {H1004} in Tirzah {H8656}.

His servant Zimri, commander of half of his chariots, plotted against him. Finally, one time when Elah was in Tirtzah, drinking himself senseless in the house of Artza, administrator of the palace in Tirtzah,

However, while Elah was in Tirzah getting drunk in the house of Arza the steward of his household there, Elah’s servant Zimri, the commander of half his chariots, conspired against him.

And his servant Zimri, captain of half his chariots, conspired against him. Now he was in Tirzah, drinking himself drunk in the house of Arza, who was over the household in Tirzah:

Commentary

Commentary on 1 Kings 16:9 (KJV)

1 Kings 16:9 describes a pivotal moment in the tumultuous history of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, detailing the conspiracy that ended King Elah's brief reign. This verse sets the stage for yet another swift change of power, characteristic of this period.

Historical and Cultural Context

King Elah was the son of Baasha, who himself had seized the throne by force. Elah ruled for only two years (1 Kings 16:8). The capital of the Northern Kingdom at this time was Tirzah, a city known for its beauty and strategic location. The political landscape of Israel during the reigns of kings like Elah was marked by instability, idolatry, and frequent coups, often seen as divine judgment for the kings' disobedience and the nation's turning away from God. Zimri, as "captain of half his chariots," held a significant military position, placing him close to power and giving him the means to execute his plot.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Treachery and Usurpation: The verse vividly portrays a classic act of betrayal. Zimri, a trusted servant, exploits his king's vulnerability to seize power. This highlights the constant threat of internal strife and the precarious nature of authority in ancient monarchies, especially those not grounded in divine appointment or obedience.
  • Consequences of Indulgence: King Elah's state of "drinking himself drunk" rendered him oblivious and defenseless, making him an easy target. This serves as a stark warning about the dangers of excessive indulgence and the vulnerability it creates, particularly for those in positions of leadership. Proverbs 20:1 warns against wine being a mocker and strong drink being raging, highlighting the loss of discretion and control.
  • Divine Sovereignty (Implied): While not explicitly stated in this verse, the preceding chapters in 1 Kings often frame such events as part of God's judgment against wicked kings and their dynasties. The rapid downfall of Baasha's house, as prophesied, begins to unfold here. For a deeper understanding of God's judgment against Baasha's house, see 1 Kings 16:1-4.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "conspired" is qashar (קָשַׁר), which literally means "to bind" or "to tie," implying a secret agreement or plot. This term is frequently used in the Old Testament to describe political conspiracies and rebellions against a king. The phrase "drinking himself drunk" emphasizes Elah's state of complete intoxication, leaving him utterly exposed and incapable of defending himself.

Practical Application

This verse offers timeless lessons applicable to all. It underscores the importance of vigilance and self-control, especially for those in positions of responsibility. Leaders, whether in a family, business, or nation, must maintain integrity and sobriety to avoid becoming vulnerable to external threats or internal corruption. Furthermore, it reminds us that unchecked personal indulgence can have far-reaching consequences, not just for the individual but for those they lead. The swift, violent end of Elah's reign and Zimri's equally brief rule (as seen in 1 Kings 16:15) illustrate the transient nature of power attained through unrighteous means.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Daniel 5:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and drank wine before the thousand.

  • Daniel 5:4 (3 votes)

    They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone.

  • 1 Kings 18:3 (3 votes)

    And Ahab called Obadiah, which [was] the governor of [his] house. (Now Obadiah feared the LORD greatly:

  • Genesis 24:2 (3 votes)

    And Abraham said unto his eldest servant of his house, that ruled over all that he had, Put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh:

  • Genesis 39:4 (3 votes)

    And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all [that] he had he put into his hand.

  • Genesis 39:9 (2 votes)

    [There is] none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou [art] his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?

  • Luke 21:34 (2 votes)

    And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and [so] that day come upon you unawares.