Zimri
“My music or my praise”
Summary
A name borne by several biblical figures, most notably the Israelite prince slain by Phinehas and the military commander who briefly usurped the throne of Israel.
☩Zimri Son of Salu
This Zimri was a prince of the tribe of Simeon who brought a Midianite woman named Cozbi into the Israelite camp at Shittim during the plague of Baal-peor. Phinehas, the grandson of Aaron, was so zealous for the Lord that he followed them into the tent and killed both of them with a single thrust of his spear, ending the plague that had already killed 24,000 Israelites.
☩Zimri King of Israel
This Zimri was a military commander over half of King Elah's chariots who conspired against his master. While Elah was drinking himself drunk in the house of his steward Arza in Tirzah, Zimri killed him and seized the throne. His reign lasted only seven days before Omri, commander of the army, besieged Tirzah. When Zimri saw the city was taken, he went into the citadel of the royal palace and burned it down upon himself.
Related Verses14 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Zimri," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. X (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Zimri," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. V (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).