Bible Dictionary
Arza
Arza was a steward or official associated with Elah, king of Israel, at Tirzah. Zimri killed Elah while the king was drinking in Arza’s house.
Definition
Arza was a steward or palace official associated with Elah, king of Israel, at Tirzah. His house became the setting for the king’s assassination by Zimri.
Biblical Usage
Arza is mentioned in the account of Zimri’s murder of Elah while the king was drinking. The text leaves some uncertainty about whether Arza served Elah or was connected with Zimri.
Historical Background
Arza’s house was at Tirzah, the royal location associated with Elah’s reign.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Smith's Bible Dictionary
prefect of the palace at Tirzah to Elah king of Israel, who was assassinated at a banquet in his house by Zimri. (1 Kings 16:9)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>ar'-za ('artsa'): A steward of King Elah, in whose house at Tirzah Zimri murdered the king at a drinking debauch. The text is not quite clear, and Arza might have been a servant of Zimri (1Ki 16:9).</p>