Bible Dictionary
Zimri
A man of Israel who was killed by Phinehas for openly joining himself to a Midianite woman, and an Israelite king who ruled only seven days before dying in a palace fire.
Definition
Zimri was the name of two men. The first was a son of Salu who was killed by Phinehas after bringing a Midianite woman into his tent. The second murdered Elah and became king of Israel.
Biblical Usage
The first Zimri appears in the account of Israel’s sin involving a Midianite woman. The second ruled Israel for seven days before Omri besieged Tirzah, where Zimri burned the palace and died in its ruins.
Historical Background
Zimri’s brief reign followed the murder of Elah. Omri succeeded to the throne only after a prolonged conflict with Tibni, another claimant.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Praise-worthy. (1.) A son of Salu, slain by Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, because of his wickedness in bringing a Midianitish woman into his tent (Num. 25:6-15). (2.) Murdered Elah at Tirzah, and succeeded him on the throne of Israel (1 Kings 16:8-10). He reigned only seven days, for Omri, whom the army elected as king, laid siege to Tirzah, whereupon Zimri set fire to the palace and perished amid its ruins (11-20). Omri succeeded to the throne only after four years of fierce war with Tibni, another claimant to the throne.