### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **ʻOmrîy**, represented by `{{H6018}}`, is defined as **heaping; Omri, an Israelite**. It appears **18 times** across **16 unique verses** in the Bible. While the name is given to several individuals in various genealogies, it most famously refers to the sixth king of the northern kingdom of Israel, who founded a powerful and influential dynasty.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **ʻOmrîy** `{{H6018}}` is primarily documented as a military and political figure. He was the **captain** `{{H8269}}` of the **host** `{{H6635}}` of Israel who was made **king** `{{H4427}}` by the army after the assassination of King Elah by Zimri [[1 Kings 16:16]]. His claim to the throne was contested, leading to a civil war where the **people** `{{H5971}}` of Israel were **divided** `{{H2505}}`, with half following **ʻOmrîy** and half following Tibni the son of Ginath [[1 Kings 16:21]]. **ʻOmrîy**'s faction **prevailed** `{{H2388}}`, and after Tibni's death, he reigned over Israel for twelve years [[1 Kings 16:22-23]]. His reign is characterized as profoundly wicked; he **wrought** `{{H6213}}` **evil** `{{H7451}}` in the **eyes** `{{H5869}}` of the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` and **did worse** `{{H7489}}` than all the kings before him [[1 Kings 16:25]]. He fathered King Ahab, whose evil acts continued his father's legacy [[1 Kings 16:28-30]]. The name also appears in genealogies for a son of Becher [[1 Chronicles 7:8]], a descendant of Judah [[1 Chronicles 9:4]], and a leader of Issachar [[1 Chronicles 27:18]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context of Omri's life and reign:
* `{{H256}}` **ʼAchʼâb** (Ahab): Omri's son and successor, whose wickedness is directly linked to his father's legacy. The "house of Ahab" is condemned alongside the "statutes of Omri" [[Micah 6:16]], and he is repeatedly identified as the **son** `{{H1121}}` of **Omri** `{{H6018}}` [[1 Kings 16:30]].
* `{{H4427}}` **mâlak** (to reign): This verb is central to Omri's story, describing his rise to power [[1 Kings 16:16]], the duration of his rule [[1 Kings 16:23]], and the succession of his son Ahab [[1 Kings 16:28]].
* `{{H7451}}` **raʻ** (evil): This term defines the moral character of Omri's rule. The declaration that **Omri** `{{H6018}}` **wrought** `{{H6213}}` **evil** `{{H7451}}` in the **eyes** `{{H5869}}` of the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` establishes the spiritual failure of his dynasty [[1 Kings 16:25]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative weight of **ʻOmrîy** `{{H6018}}` is significant, establishing a pattern of systemic ungodliness in Israel's monarchy.
* **Founder of a Wicked Dynasty:** Omri's reign set a new low for evil among Israel's kings, as he **did worse** `{{H7489}}` than all who were before him [[1 Kings 16:25]]. He fathered Ahab, ensuring this legacy of sin would continue and intensify ([[1 Kings 16:28]], 16:30).
* **A Contentious Ascension:** His path to the throne was marked by turmoil. He was first declared **king** `{{H4427}}` by the army in the **camp** `{{H4264}}` [[1 Kings 16:16]]. He then had to overcome a rival, Tibni, in a national schism where the **people** `{{H5971}}` of Israel were **divided** `{{H2505}}` [[1 Kings 16:21-22]].
* **A Lasting Negative Legacy:** Omri's influence endured long after his death. The prophet Micah later condemned the people for keeping "the statutes of Omri" and following the "works of the house of Ahab," which would lead to their **desolation** `{{H8047}}` and becoming a **hissing** `{{H8322}}` [[Micah 6:16]]. The record of his **might** `{{H1369}}` and **acts** `{{H1697}}` were **written** `{{H3789}}` in the **book** `{{H5612}}` of the chronicles of Israel's kings [[1 Kings 16:27]].
### Summary
In summary, **ʻOmrîy** `{{H6018}}` is a name primarily associated with the sixth king of Israel, a military leader who ascended to the throne through conflict and civil division. His reign was not only marked by his own evil deeds, which surpassed those of his predecessors, but also by the founding of a dynasty through his son Ahab that plunged Israel further into apostasy. The lasting condemnation of "the statutes of Omri" [[Micah 6:16]] solidifies his historical and theological importance as a benchmark for wicked leadership and institutionalized sin in the nation of Israel.
TRV