Zimri (king)

Zimri (Hebrew זמרי; † 876 or 885 or 882 BC) ruled for seven days as king of Israel. His reign is dated differently.

In the Old Testament Simris describes short reign in 1 Kings 16.9 to 20 EU. Zimri was the commander of the chariot of King Elah, he was murdered in Tirzah, to make himself its successor. The Assassination of Elah was considered a fulfillment of a prophecy of Jehu, who had prophesied the downfall of the house of Baasha ( the father of Elah ). According to the biblical narrative, however, Zimri reigned only seven days, as the Israelite army, which he placed at Gebbethon, the captain chose Omri to his king. This went with the army to Tirzah, and besieged the city. In a hopeless situation Zimri put the castle tower of his royal palace on fire and perished in the flames.