Who was Omri?

King of Israel

The story of Omri

Omri - King of Israel
Omri - King of Israel
Died: -873King of Israel

Omri was the sixth king of Israel who ruled from 876 BC to 869 BC. He is mentioned in the Hebrew Bible in the books of Kings and Chronicles. Omri is famous for being one of the most significant kings of Israel in terms of establishing the northern kingdom as a major political and military power. He expanded the territory of Israel and founded the city of Samaria, which became the capital of the northern kingdom during his reign. Omri was the father of Ahab, who was one of the most controversial and notable figures in the history of Israel. Ahab married the famous Queen Jezebel and introduced the worship of the Canaanite god Baal into Israel, leading to a conflict between the followers of Yahweh and the followers of Baal. Omri was born in Tirzah and died in Samaria. The cause of his death is not specified in the biblical text. Although Omri's reign was marked by controversy and conflict, he is considered a significant figure in the history of Israel, and his legacy continues to be studied and remembered today.

Name meaning

"My sheaf" or "heaping" or "sheaf of grain"

Name origin

Hebrew

Role

King of Israel

First mention

1 Kings 16:16

Appearances in the Bible

16 mentions

Omri in the Bible

Explore all 7 chapters where Omri appears

1 Kings

Chapter 16

The Reign of Baasha in Israel

Baasha becomes king of Israel and continues in the sins of Jeroboam.

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2 Kings

Chapter 8

Jehoram's Reign and Death in Israel

Jehoram becomes king of Israel and leads the people into idolatry, eventually dying a painful death.

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1 Chronicles

Chapter 7

Genealogy of the Tribes of Israel

A genealogy of each of the twelve tribes of Israel, detailing their family lineages and populations.

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1 Chronicles

Chapter 9

Genealogies and Roles of Returning Exiles

A genealogy of each of the twelve tribes of Israel, detailing their family lineages and populations.

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1 Chronicles

Chapter 27

Leaders of Military Divisions and Civil Administrations

The division of the priests and Levites into groups for the service of the temple, including the organization of musicia...

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2 Chronicles

Chapter 22

Athaliah's Usurpation

The narrative unfolds the turbulent period of Athaliah's usurpation, highlighting the struggles faced by the legitimate ...

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Micah

Chapter 6

The Lord's Case Against Israel

The Lord brings a case against Israel, accusing them of disobedience and rebellion, and calls on them to turn back to Hi...

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Showing all 7 chapter appearances