1 Kings 16:23

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

1 Kings 16:23 introduces Omri, a significant figure in the history of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, providing a chronological marker for his ascension to the throne.

Context

This verse places Omri's reign within the broader narrative of the divided monarchy. The Northern Kingdom of Israel, after its split from Judah (see 1 Kings 12:19), experienced considerable political instability, marked by frequent coups and short-lived dynasties. Omri's ascent follows a period of turmoil, including the brief reign of Zimri who overthrew Elah, only to be challenged by Omri himself. The mention of "the thirty and first year of Asa king of Judah" provides a crucial synchronism, allowing biblical historians to align the timelines of the two kingdoms. King Asa was one of Judah's more righteous kings, whose reign is detailed in 1 Kings 15 and 2 Chronicles 14-16. Omri initially reigned from Tirzah, which had served as a capital for previous Israelite kings, before he established a new, more defensible capital, Samaria, as mentioned in the very next verse (1 Kings 16:24).

Key Themes

  • Dynastic Instability in Israel: The rapid succession of kings and violent overthrows characterize the Northern Kingdom, contrasting with the relatively stable Davidic line in Judah. Omri's reign marks a temporary halt to this chaos, establishing a powerful new dynasty.
  • Chronological Precision: The verse highlights the biblical writers' attention to historical detail, using the reign of the Judean king Asa to precisely date events in Israel. This synchronism is vital for understanding the broader biblical timeline.
  • Transition of Power: Omri's coming to power signifies a major shift, not just in leadership but in the political landscape of Israel. His initial six years in Tirzah set the stage for the strategic move to Samaria, which would become the heart of the Northern Kingdom for centuries.

Linguistic Insights

This verse is primarily historical and chronological, and as such, does not contain significant linguistic nuances from the original Hebrew that would alter its core meaning for a general audience. The names "Omri," "Asa," and "Tirzah" are transliterated directly from the Hebrew, serving their function as proper nouns within the historical record.

Historical Significance and Application

Though Omri's reign is described concisely in the Bible, his impact was profound. He founded the Omride dynasty, which included his son King Ahab, notorious for his wickedness and promotion of Baal worship. Omri himself was a skilled military leader and administrator, whose influence extended beyond Israel's borders, even being mentioned in Assyrian inscriptions. The Bible's brevity regarding his achievements, yet its condemnation of his spiritual failings (1 Kings 16:25), underscores a key biblical perspective: earthly power and political success are secondary to faithfulness to God. For us today, this verse reminds us that God is sovereign over all human history, even the rise and fall of powerful rulers and empires. It challenges us to consider what truly defines a "successful" reign or life in God's eyes.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 16:8 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • 2 Chronicles 22:2 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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.