Omri

Technical Profile

  • Name Meaning: From Hebrew עָמְרִי (ʿOmrî), likely “my sheaf” or “sheaf-bearer,” a name of uncertain nuance in context.
  • Period/Era: Divided Kingdom (Northern Kingdom, 9th century BC)
  • Main References: 1 Kings 16:15–28; Micah 6:16
  • Key Connections: Ahab (son and successor); Tibni (rival claimant); Samaria (capital city he established)

Who was Omri?

Omri was a military commander who became king of Israel after a period of instability and competing claims to the throne.
He secured his rule by defeating a rival king and established a new political center by building Samaria.
Biblical evaluation presents his reign as continuing Israel’s pattern of sin in the Northern Kingdom.

Key Events & Achievements

  • Accession to the throne: Proclaimed king by Israel’s army and prevailed over Tibni to unify his claim (1 Kings 16:16–22).
  • Founding of Samaria: Purchased the hill of Samaria from Shemer and built it as Israel’s capital (1 Kings 16:24).
  • Religious assessment: Described as doing evil and surpassing prior kings in wrongdoing (1 Kings 16:25–26).

Life Lesson & Legacy

Omri’s reign illustrates how political consolidation and urban development can coexist with covenant unfaithfulness in Israel’s historical narrative.

Key Verse

"Omri did evil in the eyes of the LORD and sinned more than all those before him." — 1 Kings 16:25, NIV

Quizzes

Answer the questions below. When you choose an option, you will see the result and an explanation.

1. How did Omri first become king of Israel according to the account summarized here?

2. What did Omri do to establish Samaria as Israel’s capital?