1 Kings 16:24

1 Kings 16:24 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

He bought the hill of Samaria from Shemer for two talents of silver and built a city there, calling it Samaria after the name of Shemer, who had owned the hill.

King James Version KJV

And he bought the hill Samaria of Shemer for two talents of silver, and built on the hill, and called the name of the city which he built, after the name of Shemer, owner of the hill, Samaria.

American Standard Version ASV

And he bought the hill Samaria of Shemer for two talents of silver; and he built on the hill, and called the name of the city which he built, after the name of Shemer, the owner of the hill, Samaria.

Bible in Basic English BBE

He got the hill Samaria from Shemer for the price of two talents of silver, and he made a town there, building it on the hill and naming it Samaria, after Shemer the owner of the hill.

Free Bible Version FBV

He purchased the hill of Samaria from Shemer for two talents of silver. He fortified the hill, and named the city that he built Samaria, after Shemer, the previous owner of the hill.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And he bought the mountaine Samaria of one Shemer for two talents of siluer, and buylt in the mountaine, and called the name of the citie, which he buylt, after the name of Shemer lord of the mountaine, Samaria.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and he buyeth the mount Samaria from Shemer, with two talents of silver, and buildeth [on] the mount, and calleth the name of the city that he hath built by the name of Shemer, lord of the hill — Samaria.

World English Bible WEB

He bought the hill Samaria of Shemer for two talents of silver; and he built on the hill, and called the name of the city which he built, Samaria, after the name of Shemer, the owner of the hill.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And he bought the hill Samaria of Shemer for two talents of silver, and built on the hill, and called the name of the city which he built, after the name of Shemer, owner of the hill, Samaria.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And he bought the hill of Samaria of Semer for two talents of silver: and he built upon it, and he called the city which he built Samaria, after the name of Semer the owner of the hill.

Translation for Translators T4T

Then he bought a hill from a man named Shemer and paid him about ◄150 pounds/70 kg.► of silver for it. Then Omri ordered his men to build a city on that hill, and he called it Samaria, to honor Shemer, the man who owned it previously.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 16:24

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

1 Kings 16:24 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יִּ֜קֶן אֶת הָ/הָ֥ר שֹׁמְר֛וֹן מֵ֥/אֶת שֶׁ֖מֶר בְּ/כִכְּרַ֣יִם כָּ֑סֶף וַ/יִּ֨בֶן֙ אֶת הָ/הָ֔ר וַ/יִּקְרָ֗א אֶת שֵׁ֤ם הָ/עִיר֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר בָּנָ֔ה עַ֣ל שֶׁם שֶׁ֔מֶר אֲדֹנֵ֖י הָ/הָ֥ר שֹׁמְרֽוֹן

וַ/יִּ֜קֶן qânâh H7069 to buy Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

הָ/הָ֥ר har H2022 mountain Art | N-ms

שֹׁמְר֛וֹן Shômᵉrôwn H8111 Samaria N-proper

מֵ֥/אֶת ʼêth H854 with Prep | Prep

שֶׁ֖מֶר Shemer H8106 Shemer N-proper

בְּ/כִכְּרַ֣יִם kikkâr H3603 talent Prep | N-cd

כָּ֑סֶף keçeph H3701 silver N-ms

וַ/יִּ֨בֶן֙ bânâh H1129 to build Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

הָ/הָ֔ר har H2022 mountain Art | N-ms

וַ/יִּקְרָ֗א qârâʼ H7121 to call Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

שֵׁ֤ם shêm H8034 name N-ms

הָ/עִיר֙ ʻîyr H5892 excitement Art | N-fs

אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

בָּנָ֔ה bânâh H1129 to build V-Qal-Perf-3ms

עַ֣ל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

שֶׁם shêm H8034 name N-ms

שֶׁ֔מֶר Shemer H8106 Shemer N-proper

אֲדֹנֵ֖י ʼâdôwn H113 lord N-mp

הָ/הָ֥ר har H2022 mountain Art | N-ms

שֹׁמְרֽוֹן Shômᵉrôwn H8111 Samaria N-proper

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 16:24

וַ/יִּ֜קֶן qânâh H7069 "to buy" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This verb means to buy or acquire something, and is used to describe God's redemption of His people. It emphasizes ownership and possession, as seen in the stories of God's creation and redemption.

Definition: 1) to get, acquire, create, buy, possess 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to get, acquire, obtain 1a1a) of God originating, creating, redeeming His people 1a1a1) possessor 1a1b) of Eve acquiring 1a1c) of acquiring knowledge, wisdom 1a2) to buy 1b) (Niphal) to be bought 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to possess Aramaic equivalent: qe.na (קְנָא "to buy" H7066)

Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: attain, buy(-er), teach to keep cattle, get, provoke to jealousy, possess(-or), purchase, recover, redeem, [idiom] surely, [idiom] verily. See also: Genesis 4:1; 2 Chronicles 34:11; Psalms 74:2.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

הָ/הָ֥ר har H2022 "mountain" Art | N-ms

A mountain or hill, sometimes used to describe a spiritual high point. In the Bible, it can refer to a real mountain or a figurative one. The word is often translated as hill or mount.

Definition: : mount/hill hill, mountain, hill country, mount

Usage: Occurs in 486 OT verses. KJV: hill (country), mount(-ain), [idiom] promotion. See also: Genesis 7:19; Deuteronomy 3:12; Judges 18:13.

שֹׁמְר֛וֹן Shômᵉrôwn H8111 "Samaria" N-proper

Samaria means watch mountain, a region in northern Palestine and the capital city of the northern kingdom of Israel, located near Jerusalem. It was the kingdom of the 10 tribes of Israel after Solomon's death.

Definition: § Samaria = "watch mountain" 1) the region of northern Palestine associated with the northern kingdom of the 10 tribes of Israel which split from the kingdom after the death of Solomon during the reign of his son Rehoboam and were ruled by Jeroboam 2) the capital city of the northern kingdom of Israel located 30 miles (50 km) north of Jerusalem and 6 miles (10 km) northwest of Shechem

Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: Samaria. See also: 1 Kings 13:32; 2 Kings 17:5; Isaiah 7:9.

מֵ֥/אֶת ʼêth H854 "with" Prep | Prep

This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.

Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)

Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.

שֶׁ֖מֶר Shemer H8106 "Shemer" N-proper

Shemer was an Israelite name, appearing in 1 Chronicles 7, belonging to a man from the tribe of Asher and a Benjamite. He was a son of Heber and father of several children. The name is also translated as Shamer in some versions.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Asher living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.7.32; son of: Heber (H2268); brother of: Japhlet (H3310), Hotham (H2369) and Shua (H7774); father of: Ahi (H0277H), Rohgah (H7303), Jehubbah (H3160) and Aram (H0758J); also called Shemer (KJV: Shamer) at 1Ch.7.34; Another name of sho.mer (שֹׁמֵר "Shomer" H7763H) § Shemed or Shamed = "destroyed" a Benjamite, son of Elpaal and builder of the towns of Ono and Lod

Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: Shamer, Shemer. See also: 1 Kings 16:24; 1 Chronicles 7:34; 1 Chronicles 8:12.

בְּ/כִכְּרַ֣יִם kikkâr H3603 "talent" Prep | N-cd

In the Bible, a talent was a unit of weight or currency, like in Matthew 25:15-28, where a master gives his servants talents to invest. It could also refer to a round loaf of bread or a region, such as the Jordan valley.

Definition: 1) round 1a) a round district (environs of the Jordan valley) 1b) a round loaf (of bread) 1c) a round weight, talent (of gold, silver, bronze, iron) Aramaic equivalent: kik.ker (כִּכֵּר "talent" H3604)

Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: loaf, morsel, piece, plain, talent. See also: Genesis 13:10; 2 Kings 5:5; Proverbs 6:26.

כָּ֑סֶף keçeph H3701 "silver" N-ms

Silver or money, often referring to payment or wealth, like the silver talents in Matthew 25. It can also describe silver as a valuable metal or ornament.

Definition: : money/payment/silver 1) silver, money 1a) silver 1a1) as metal 1a2) as ornament 1a3) as colour 1b) money, shekels, talents

Usage: Occurs in 343 OT verses. KJV: money, price, silver(-ling). See also: Genesis 13:2; Numbers 22:18; 2 Chronicles 1:17.

וַ/יִּ֨בֶן֙ bânâh H1129 "to build" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

The Hebrew word bânâh means to build something, like a house or a family. It can also mean to establish or repair something, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: 1) to build, rebuild, establish, cause to continue 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to build, rebuild 1a2) to build a house (ie, establish a family) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be built 1b2) to be rebuilt 1b3) established (of restored exiles) (fig.) 1b4) established (made permanent) 1b5) to be built up (of childless wife becoming the mother of a family through the children of a concubine) Aramaic equivalent: be.nah (בְּנָה "to build" H1124)

Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: (begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:22; 1 Kings 8:48; 2 Chronicles 20:8.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

הָ/הָ֔ר har H2022 "mountain" Art | N-ms

A mountain or hill, sometimes used to describe a spiritual high point. In the Bible, it can refer to a real mountain or a figurative one. The word is often translated as hill or mount.

Definition: : mount/hill hill, mountain, hill country, mount

Usage: Occurs in 486 OT verses. KJV: hill (country), mount(-ain), [idiom] promotion. See also: Genesis 7:19; Deuteronomy 3:12; Judges 18:13.

וַ/יִּקְרָ֗א qârâʼ H7121 "to call" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.

Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen

Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

שֵׁ֤ם shêm H8034 "name" N-ms

In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.

Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)

Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.

הָ/עִיר֙ ʻîyr H5892 "excitement" Art | N-fs

In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.

Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror

Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.

אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

בָּנָ֔ה bânâh H1129 "to build" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

The Hebrew word bânâh means to build something, like a house or a family. It can also mean to establish or repair something, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.

Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: (begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:22; 1 Kings 8:48; 2 Chronicles 20:8.

עַ֣ל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

שֶׁם shêm H8034 "name" N-ms

Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)

Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.

שֶׁ֔מֶר Shemer H8106 "Shemer" N-proper

Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: Shamer, Shemer. See also: 1 Kings 16:24; 1 Chronicles 7:34; 1 Chronicles 8:12.

אֲדֹנֵ֖י ʼâdôwn H113 "lord" N-mp

The Hebrew word ʼâdôwn refers to a lord or master, and can be used to describe human leaders or God. It emphasizes the person's power and control over others or things, and is often translated as lord or master.

Definition: 1) firm, strong, lord, master 1a) lord, master 1a1) reference to men 1a1a) superintendent of household, of affairs 1a1b) master 1a1c) king 1a2) reference to God 1a2a) the Lord God 1a2b) Lord of the whole earth 1b) lords, kings 1b1) reference to men 1b1a) proprietor of hill of Samaria 1b1b) master 1b1c) husband 1b1d) prophet 1b1e) governor 1b1f) prince 1b1g) king 1b2) reference to God 1b2a) Lord of lords (probably = "thy husband, Yahweh") 1c) my lord, my master 1c1) reference to men 1c1a) master 1c1b) husband 1c1c) prophet 1c1d) prince 1c1e) king 1c1f) father 1c1g) Moses 1c1h) priest 1c1i) theophanic angel 1c1j) captain 1c1k) general recognition of superiority 1c2) reference to God 1c2a) my Lord, my Lord and my God 1c2b) Adonai (parallel with Yahweh)

Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'. See also: Genesis 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:30; 2 Kings 6:5.

הָ/הָ֥ר har H2022 "mountain" Art | N-ms

A mountain or hill, sometimes used to describe a spiritual high point. In the Bible, it can refer to a real mountain or a figurative one. The word is often translated as hill or mount.

Definition: : mount/hill hill, mountain, hill country, mount

Usage: Occurs in 486 OT verses. KJV: hill (country), mount(-ain), [idiom] promotion. See also: Genesis 7:19; Deuteronomy 3:12; Judges 18:13.

שֹׁמְרֽוֹן Shômᵉrôwn H8111 "Samaria" N-proper

Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: Samaria. See also: 1 Kings 13:32; 2 Kings 17:5; Isaiah 7:9.

Study Notes — 1 Kings 16:24

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Context
Cross References
1 Kings 16:24 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 16:24
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 16:24
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 16:24
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 16:24
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 16:24
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 16:24
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 16:24
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 16:24
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 16:24
Sermons on 1 Kings 16:24

Context — Omri Reigns in Israel

22But the followers of Omri proved stronger than those of Tibni son of Ginath. So Tibni died and Omri became king. 23In the thirty-first year of Asa’s reign over Judah, Omri became king of Israel, and he reigned twelve years, six of them in Tirzah.

24He bought the hill of Samaria from Shemer for two talents of silver and built a city there, calling it Samaria after the name of Shemer, who had owned the hill.

25But Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD and acted more wickedly than all who were before him. 26For he walked in all the ways of Jeroboam son of Nebat and in his sins, which he caused Israel to commit, provoking the LORD, the God of Israel, to anger with their worthless idols.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	1 Kings 13:32	for the message that he cried out by the word of the LORD against the altar in Bethel and against all the shrines on the high places in the cities of Samaria will surely come to pass.”
2	1 Kings 16:32	First, Ahab set up an altar for Baal in the temple of Baal that he had built in Samaria.
3	Acts 8:5–8	Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Christ to them. The crowds gave their undivided attention to Philip’s message and to the signs they saw him perform. With loud shrieks, unclean spirits came out of many who were possessed, and many of the paralyzed and lame were healed. So there was great joy in that city.
4	1 Kings 18:2	So Elijah went to present himself to Ahab. The famine was severe in Samaria,
5	2 Kings 17:24	Then the king of Assyria brought people from Babylon, Cuthah, Avva, Hamath, and Sepharvaim and settled them in the towns of Samaria to replace the Israelites. They took possession of Samaria and lived in its towns.
6	John 4:4–5	Now He had to pass through Samaria. So He came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob had given to his son Joseph.
7	1 Kings 16:28–29	And Omri rested with his fathers and was buried in Samaria, and his son Ahab reigned in his place. In the thirty-eighth year of Asa’s reign over Judah, Ahab son of Omri became king of Israel, and he reigned in Samaria twenty-two years.
8	2 Kings 17:6	In the ninth year of Hoshea, the king of Assyria captured Samaria and carried away the Israelites to Assyria, where he settled them in Halah, in Gozan by the Habor River, and in the cities of the Medes.
9	2 Kings 17:1	In the twelfth year of the reign of Ahaz over Judah, Hoshea son of Elah became king of Israel, and he reigned in Samaria nine years.
10	1 Kings 20:1	Now Ben-hadad king of Aram assembled his entire army. Accompanied by thirty-two kings with their horses and chariots, he marched up, besieged Samaria, and waged war against it.

1 Kings 16:24 Summary

This verse tells us that Omri, the king of Israel, bought a hill from a man named Shemer and built a city there, which he named Samaria. He did this to establish a new capital for his kingdom, similar to how King David established Jerusalem as his capital in 2 Samuel 5:6-12. This shows us that Omri was a strategic leader who made plans for the future, but as we see in 1 Kings 16:25-26, he also failed to follow God's ways, which is an important reminder for us to seek God's guidance in all aspects of our lives, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6. By looking at Omri's example, we can learn the importance of balancing our plans and actions with a humble dependence on God.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Omri buy the hill of Samaria from Shemer?

Omri bought the hill of Samaria from Shemer to establish a new capital for the kingdom of Israel, as seen in 1 Kings 16:24, which would help to unify and strengthen his rule, similar to how King David established Jerusalem as his capital in 2 Samuel 5:6-12.

What is the significance of the city being named Samaria after Shemer?

The city was named Samaria after Shemer, who had owned the hill, as a way of acknowledging the previous owner and possibly to show respect or gratitude, similar to how the city of Bethlehem was named after its original inhabitants in 1 Chronicles 4:4.

How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?

This verse is part of the narrative about Omri's reign as king of Israel, which is marked by both strategic decisions like buying the hill of Samaria and spiritual failure, as seen in 1 Kings 16:25-26, where Omri is said to have done evil in the sight of the Lord.

What can we learn from Omri's actions in this verse?

Omri's actions in buying the hill of Samaria and building a city there demonstrate his ability to make strategic decisions as a leader, but his spiritual failure, as mentioned in 1 Kings 16:25-26, serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking God's guidance and wisdom in all aspects of life, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I, like Omri, can make strategic decisions to further God's kingdom, while also seeking His guidance and wisdom?
How can I balance my desire for recognition and achievement with a humble acknowledgment of God's sovereignty, as seen in Omri's decision to name the city after Shemer?
In what ways can I, like the followers of Omri, work together with others to achieve a common goal, while also being mindful of the spiritual implications of our actions?
What are some areas in my life where I need to seek God's guidance and wisdom, rather than relying solely on my own strength and abilities, as seen in 1 Kings 16:25-26?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 16:24

And he bought the hill of Samaria of Shemer, for two talents of silver,.... A talent of silver, according to Brerewood (f), was of our money three hundred and seventy five pounds, so that this hill

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 16:24

And he bought the hill Samaria of Shemer for two talents of silver, and built on the hill, and called the name of the city which he built, after the name of Shemer, owner of the hill, Samaria.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 16:24

Built on the hill, to wit, the city; and especially, a royal palace, because that at Tirzah was burnt, .

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 16:24

1 Kings 16:24 And he bought the hill Samaria of Shemer for two talents of silver, and built on the hill, and called the name of the city which he built, after the name of Shemer, owner of the hill, Samaria.Ver. 24. And built on the hill.] A city, with a palace royal: for Tirzah was burnt by Zimri.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 16:24

(24) Built on the hill.—Omri only followed the usual practice of a new dynasty in the East, of which Jeroboam had set an example at Shechem, and probably Baasha at Tirzah. Possibly the seeds of disaffection may have still lurked in Tirzah, the place of Zimri’s conspiracy, and (as has been conjectured) of Tibni’s rival power. But the site of Samaria must have been chosen by a soldier’s eye. Its Hebrew name (Shomerôn) means a “watch-tower,” and may well have had a double derivation, from its natural position, as well as from its owner’s name. Its position was one of great beauty, and, in the warfare of those days, of singular strength, as is shown by the long sieges which it withstood (1 Kings 20:1; 2 Kings 6:24; 2 Kings 17:5; 2 Kings 18:9-10). It lay north-west of Shechem, on an isolated hill with precipitous sides, rising in the middle of a basin of the hills of Ephraim, not far from the edge of the maritime plain, and commanding a view of the sea. Its history vindicated the sagacity of its founder. Even after its destruction and depopulation by the Assyrians, it seems to have revived, for Alexander took it on his invasion of Palestine, and placed a Greek colony there. Again destroyed by John Hyrcanus, it was rebuilt by Herod, and called Sebaste, in honour of Augustus. In the Assyrian inscriptions it is known as Beth-Khumri (“the house of Omri”).

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 16:24

Verse 24. He bought the hill Samaria of Shemer] This should be read, "He bought the hill of Shomeron from Shomer, and called it Shomeron, (i.e., Little Shomer,) after the name of Shomer, owner of the hill." At first the kings of Israel dwelt at Shechem, and then at Tirzah; but this place having suffered much in the civil broils, and the place having been burnt down by Zimri, Omri purposed to found a new city, to which he might transfer the seat of government. He fixed on a hill that belonged to a person of the name of Shomer; and bought it from him for two talents of silver, about £707 3s. 9d. Though this was a large sum in those days, yet we cannot suppose that the hill was very large which was purchased for so little; and probably no other building upon it than Shomer's house, if indeed he had one there. Shomeron, or, as it is corruptly written, Samaria, is situated in the midst of the tribe of Ephraim, not very far from the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, and about midway between Dan and Beer-sheba: thus Samaria became the capital of the ten tribes, the metropolis of the kingdom of Israel, and the residence of its kings. The kings of Israel adorned and fortified it; Ahab built a house of ivory in it, 1Kg 22:39; the kings of Syria had magazines or storehouses in it, for the purpose of commerce; see 1Kg 20:34. And it appears to have been a place of considerable importance and great strength. Samaria endured several sieges; Ben-hadad king of Syria, besieged it twice, 1Kg 20:1, c. and it cost Shalmaneser a siege of three years to reduce it, 2Kg 17:6, c. After the death of Alexander the Great, it became the property of the kings of Egypt but Antiochus the Great took it from the Egyptians; and it continued in the possession of the kings of Syria till the Asmoneans took and razed it to the very foundation. Gabinius, pro-consul of Syria, partially rebuilt it, and called it Gabiniana. Herod the Great restored it to its ancient splendour, and placed in it a colony of six thousand men, and gave it the name of Sebaste, in honour of Augustus. It is now a place of little consequence.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 16:24

24. the hill Samaria] This is the first historic mention of the place which subsequently became famous, as the chief city in Israel, and gave name to a people and a district. Where the word occurs in 1 Kings 13:32, it is a later writer who is using, before its proper date, a name which to him and his readers was perfectly familiar. (See note there.) Samaria is the Greek form of the name, but the derivation from ‘Shemer,’ the former owner, becomes apparent if the word be written in its Hebrew form ‘Shomeron.’ The LXX. inserts ‘the owner of the hill’ after the first mention of Shemer in this verse, as well as after the second; also it reads ‘and he called the name of the mountain where he built’ instead of the exact rendering of the Hebrew as in A. V.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 16:24

“Samaria” represents the Greek form of the name Σαμάρεια Samareia; the original is שׁמרון shômerôn (margin).

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 16:24

24. Samaria — “As Constantine’s sagacity is fixed by his choice of Constantinople, so is that of Omri by his choice of Samaria. It was the only great city of Palestine created by the sovereigns.

Sermons on 1 Kings 16:24

	Sermon	Description
	We Need More Troublemakers in the Church by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a man who reached out for help because his wife claimed to be a prophetess and had a vision of going to heaven and skydiving with
	The Supply of the Spirit by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of trusting the Holy Spirit and allowing Him to be in control of every aspect of our lives. He shares the joy he experiences i
	Breaking the Heart of Obedience by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the resistance to change that many people experience, especially when it involves hardship or loss. The speaker shares a personal experience o
	(Demonology) Wizards Witches Sorcery Spiritism by Willie Mullan	In this sermon, the speaker addresses the audience and informs them that there are books available for purchase. However, these books are specifically made for the audience and not
	Parable of the Sower by Charles E. Fuller	In this sermon, the preacher uses an illustration of a man in a railroad station to emphasize the importance of paying attention to the message of Jesus. He explains that just like
	Partnership of Pentecost by James A. Stewart	In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a young boy who was on the verge of death and desperately wanted to know how to meet God. The headmaster and the boy's father were
	The Witness of Stephen by Les Wheeldon	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of giving away one's possessions and living a life free from sin. He tells the story of a man who was told by Jesus to give a