| Omri Smith's Bible Dictionary
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| Om'ri.
(pupil of Jehovah). 1. Originally, "captain of the host," to Elah, was afterward, himself, king of Israel, and founder of the third dynasty. (B.C. 926). Omri was engaged in the siege of Gibbethon situated in the tribe of Dan, which had been occupied by the Philistines. As soon as the army heard of Elah's death, they proclaimed Omri, king. Thereupon, he broke up the siege of Gibbethon and attacked Tirzah, where Zimri was holding his court as king of Israel. The city was taken, and Zimri perished in the flames of the palace, after a reign of seven days. Omri, however, was not allowed to establish his dynasty, without a struggle against Tibni, whom "half the people," 1Ki_16:21, desired to raise to the throne. The civil war lasted four years. Compare 1Ki_16:15 with 1Ki_16:23. After the defeat and death of Tibni, Omri reigned for six years in Tirzah. At Samaria, Omri reigned for six years more. He seems to have been a vigorous and unscrupulous ruler, anxious to strengthen his dynasty, by intercourse and alliances, with foreign states.2. One of the sons of Becher, the son of Benjamin. 1Ch_7:8.3. A descendant of Pharez, the son of Judah, 1Ch_9:4.4. Son of Michael, and chief of the tribe of Issachar, in the reign of David. 1Ch_27:18. (B.C. 1030). |
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| Taken from: Smith's Bible Dictionary by Dr. William Smith (1884) | |