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1 Kings 16:9

1 Kings 16:9 in Multiple Translations

However, while Elah was in Tirzah getting drunk in the house of Arza the steward of his household there, Elah’s servant Zimri, the commander of half his chariots, conspired against him.

And his servant Zimri, captain of half his chariots, conspired against him, as he was in Tirzah, drinking himself drunk in the house of Arza steward of his house in Tirzah.

And his servant Zimri, captain of half his chariots, conspired against him. Now he was in Tirzah, drinking himself drunk in the house of Arza, who was over the household in Tirzah:

And his servant Zimri, captain of half his war-carriages, made secret designs against him: now he was in Tirzah, drinking hard in the house of Arza, controller of the king's house in Tirzah.

One of Elah's officials called Zimri who was in charge of half his chariots plotted a rebellion against him. One time Elah was in Tirzah, getting himself drunk at the home of Arza, the palace manager at Tirzah.

And his seruant Zimri, captaine of halfe his charets, conspired against him, as he was in Tirzah drinking, til he was drunken in the house of Arza steward of his house in Tirzah.

and conspire against him doth his servant Zimri (head of the half of the chariots) and he [is] in Tirzah drinking — a drunkard in the house of Arza, who [is] over the house in Tirzah.

His servant Zimri, captain of half his chariots, conspired against him. Now he was in Tirzah, drinking himself drunk in the house of Arza, who was over the household in Tirzah;

And his servant Zimri, captain of half his chariots, conspired against him, as he was in Tirzah, drinking himself drunk in the house of Arza steward of his house in Tirzah.

And his servant Zambri, who was captain of half the horsemen, rebelled against him: now Ela was drinking in Thersa, and drunk in the house of Arsa the governor of Thersa.

A man named Zimri was one of Elah’s army officers. He commanded the drivers of half of Elah’s army’s ◄chariots/two-wheeled vehicles pulled by horses►. He made plans to kill Elah while Elah was in Tirzah, getting drunk at the house of a man named Arza. Arza was the man who took care of the things in the king’s palace.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 16:9

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 16:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יִּקְשֹׁ֤ר עָלָי/ו֙ עַבְדּ֣/וֹ זִמְרִ֔י שַׂ֖ר מַחֲצִ֣ית הָ/רָ֑כֶב וְ/ה֤וּא בְ/תִרְצָה֙ שֹׁתֶ֣ה שִׁכּ֔וֹר בֵּ֣ית אַרְצָ֔א אֲשֶׁ֥ר עַל הַ/בַּ֖יִת בְּ/תִרְצָֽה
וַ/יִּקְשֹׁ֤ר qâshar H7194 to conspire Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
עָלָי/ו֙ ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff
עַבְדּ֣/וֹ ʻebed H5650 servant/slave N-ms | Suff
זִמְרִ֔י Zimrîy H2174 Zimri N-proper
שַׂ֖ר sar H8269 ruler N-ms
מַחֲצִ֣ית machătsîyth H4276 half N-fs
הָ/רָ֑כֶב rekeb H7393 chariot Art | N-ms
וְ/ה֤וּא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Conj | Pron
בְ/תִרְצָה֙ Tirtsâh H8656 Tirzah Prep | N-proper
שֹׁתֶ֣ה shâthâh H8354 to drink V-Qal
שִׁכּ֔וֹר shikkôwr H7910 drunken Adj
בֵּ֣ית bayith H1004 place N-ms
אַרְצָ֔א ʼartsâʼ H777 Arza N-proper
אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep
הַ/בַּ֖יִת bayith H1004 place Art | N-ms
בְּ/תִרְצָֽה Tirtsâh H8656 Tirzah Prep | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 16:9

וַ/יִּקְשֹׁ֤ר qâshar H7194 "to conspire" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this verb means to tie or bind something, like when God bound Isaac in Genesis 22:9. It can also mean to conspire or make an alliance, as in 2 Samuel 15:31. The KJV translates it as bind or conspire.
Definition: 1) to bind, tie, bind together, league together, conspire 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bind, confine 1a2) to league together, conspire 1b) (Niphal) to be bound, be bound up 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to bind on 1c2) to bind fast 1c3) to bind, tie 1c4) to bind to oneself 1d) (Pual) robust, vigorous (participle) 1e) (Hithpael) to conspire
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: bind (up), (make a) conspire(-acy, -ator), join together, knit, stronger, work (treason). See also: Genesis 30:41; 2 Kings 15:25; Proverbs 3:3.
עָלָי/ו֙ ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Suff
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.
עַבְדּ֣/וֹ ʻebed H5650 "servant/slave" N-ms | Suff
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
זִמְרִ֔י Zimrîy H2174 "Zimri" N-proper
Zimri was the name of several Israelites, including a man in the tribe of Judah mentioned in 1 Chronicles 2. The name means 'my music' and is also associated with an Arabian tribe. In the Bible, it's simply translated as 'Zimri'.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jos.7.1; son of: Zerah (H2226I); brother of: Ethan (H0387H), Heman (H1968H), Calcol (H3633H) and Dara (H1873); father of: Carmi (H3756H); also called Zimri at 1Ch.2.6; Another name of zav.di (זַבְדִּי "Zabdi" H2067G) § Zimri = "my music" an obscure name mentioned in connection with 'the mingled people' in Jeremiah; may be same as 'Zimran'
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: Zimri. See also: Numbers 25:14; 1 Kings 16:18; Jeremiah 25:25.
שַׂ֖ר sar H8269 "ruler" N-ms
A leader or person in charge, like a prince or captain, as seen in the Bible with King David and other rulers.
Definition: 1) prince, ruler, leader, chief, chieftain, official, captain 1a) chieftain, leader 1b) vassal, noble, official (under king) 1c) captain, general, commander (military) 1d) chief, head, overseer (of other official classes) 1e) heads, princes (of religious office) 1f) elders (of representative leaders of people) 1g) merchant-princes (of rank and dignity) 1h) patron-angel 1i) Ruler of rulers (of God) 1j) warden
Usage: Occurs in 368 OT verses. KJV: captain (that had rule), chief (captain), general, governor, keeper, lord,(-task-)master, prince(-ipal), ruler, steward. See also: Genesis 12:15; 1 Kings 22:32; 2 Chronicles 32:21.
מַחֲצִ֣ית machătsîyth H4276 "half" N-fs
This word refers to something that is divided in half or the middle of something, like in 1 Kings 16:21 where the kingdom is divided. It can also refer to the middle of the day or noon, as in Acts 22:6.
Definition: 1) half, middle 1a) half 1b) middle, midday, noon
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: half (so much), mid(-day). See also: Exodus 30:13; Numbers 31:42; Nehemiah 8:3.
הָ/רָ֑כֶב rekeb H7393 "chariot" Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word for chariot refers to a vehicle, team of horses, or cavalry. It is also used to describe the upper millstone in a grinding mill. Chariots were important in biblical times for transportation and war.
Definition: : chariot 1) a team, chariot, chariotry, mill-stone, riders 1a) chariotry, chariots 1b) chariot (single) 1c) upper millstone (as riding on lower millstone) 1d) riders, troop (of riders), horsemen, pair of horsemen, men riding, ass-riders, camel-riders Also means: re.khev (רֶ֫כֶב ": millstone" H7393H)
Usage: Occurs in 104 OT verses. KJV: chariot, (upper) millstone, multitude (from the margin), wagon. See also: Genesis 50:9; 2 Kings 8:21; Psalms 20:8.
וְ/ה֤וּא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Conj | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
בְ/תִרְצָה֙ Tirtsâh H8656 "Tirzah" Prep | N-proper
Tirzah was a city in ancient Palestine, one of the kingdoms conquered by Joshua and the Israelites, and later the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel.
Definition: § Tirzah = "favourable" one of the kingdoms on the west of the Jordan conquered by Joshua and the Israelites a Canaanite city, later capital of the northern kingdom of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: Tirzah. See also: Numbers 26:33; 1 Kings 16:6; Song of Solomon 6:4.
שֹׁתֶ֣ה shâthâh H8354 "to drink" V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to drink, and it's used in many ways, like drinking from a cup or feasting. It's also used to describe being drunk or taking part in a big celebration. We see it in stories like the Last Supper in Matthew 26:27.
Definition: 1) to drink 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to drink 1a1a) of drinking cup of God's wrath, of slaughter, of wicked deeds (fig) 1a2) to feast 1b) (Niphal) to be drunk Aramaic equivalent: she.tah (שְׁתָה "to drink" H8355)
Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] assuredly, banquet, [idiom] certainly, drink(-er, -ing), drunk ([idiom] -ard), surely. (Prop. intensive of H8248 (שָׁקָה).) See also: Genesis 9:21; 2 Kings 19:24; Psalms 50:13.
שִׁכּ֔וֹר shikkôwr H7910 "drunken" Adj
This Hebrew word describes being drunk, either as a one-time event or a habitual behavior. It's used in the Bible to talk about people who are intoxicated. The KJV translates it as 'drunk' or 'drunkard'.
Definition: 1) drunken 1a) drunken 1b) drunkard, drunken one (subst)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: drunk(-ard, -en, -en man). See also: 1 Samuel 1:13; Proverbs 26:9; Psalms 107:27.
בֵּ֣ית bayith H1004 "place" N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
אַרְצָ֔א ʼartsâʼ H777 "Arza" N-proper
Arza was an Israelite who served King Elah of Israel, mentioned in 1 Kings 16:9. His name means earthy or housekeeper. He lived during the Divided Monarchy period.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ki.16.9 § Arza = "earthy" housekeeper of Elah, king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Arza. See also: 1 Kings 16:9.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר 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.
עַל 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.
הַ/בַּ֖יִת bayith H1004 "place" Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
בְּ/תִרְצָֽה Tirtsâh H8656 "Tirzah" Prep | N-proper
Tirzah was a city in ancient Palestine, one of the kingdoms conquered by Joshua and the Israelites, and later the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel.
Definition: § Tirzah = "favourable" one of the kingdoms on the west of the Jordan conquered by Joshua and the Israelites a Canaanite city, later capital of the northern kingdom of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: Tirzah. See also: Numbers 26:33; 1 Kings 16:6; Song of Solomon 6:4.

Study Notes — 1 Kings 16:9

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 1 Kings 18:3 and Ahab summoned Obadiah, who was in charge of the palace. (Now Obadiah greatly feared the LORD,
2 Genesis 39:4 Joseph found favor in his sight and became his personal attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household and entrusted him with everything he owned.
3 Daniel 5:1–4 Later, King Belshazzar held a great feast for a thousand of his nobles, and he drank wine with them. Under the influence of the wine, Belshazzar gave orders to bring in the gold and silver vessels that Nebuchadnezzar his father had taken from the temple in Jerusalem, so that the king could drink from them, along with his nobles, his wives, and his concubines. Thus they brought in the gold vessels that had been taken from the temple, the house of God in Jerusalem, and the king drank from them, along with his nobles, his wives, and his concubines. As they drank the wine, they praised their gods of gold and silver, bronze and iron, wood and stone.
4 Genesis 24:2 So Abraham instructed the chief servant of his household, who managed all he owned, “Place your hand under my thigh,
5 Proverbs 23:29–35 Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaints? Who has needless wounds? Who has bloodshot eyes? Those who linger over wine, who go to taste mixed drinks. Do not gaze at wine while it is red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly. In the end it bites like a snake and stings like a viper. Your eyes will see strange things, and your mind will utter perversities. You will be like one sleeping on the high seas or lying on the top of a mast: “They struck me, but I feel no pain! They beat me, but I did not know it! When can I wake up to search for another drink?”
6 Matthew 24:49–51 And he begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards. The master of that servant will come on a day he does not expect and at an hour he does not anticipate. Then he will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
7 Genesis 39:9 No one in this house is greater than I am. He has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. So how could I do such a great evil and sin against God?”
8 Habakkuk 2:15–16 Woe to him who gives drink to his neighbors, pouring it from the wineskin until they are drunk, in order to gaze at their nakedness! You will be filled with shame instead of glory. You too must drink and expose your uncircumcision! The cup in the LORD’s right hand will come around to you, and utter disgrace will cover your glory.
9 Jeremiah 51:57 I will make her princes and wise men drunk, along with her governors, officials, and warriors. Then they will fall asleep forever and not wake up,” declares the King, whose name is the LORD of Hosts.
10 2 Kings 12:20 And the servants of Joash rose up and formed a conspiracy and killed him at Beth-millo, on the road down to Silla.

1 Kings 16:9 Summary

In 1 Kings 16:9, we see that King Elah's love of drinking led to his downfall, as he was killed by his servant Zimri while he was drunk. This teaches us that our actions have consequences, and that we should strive to live sober and godly lives, as seen in 1 Peter 1:13-16. By seeking to follow God's commands and surround ourselves with godly people, we can avoid the pitfalls that King Elah fell into. As it says in Proverbs 22:3, 'The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.'

Frequently Asked Questions

What led to the conspiracy against King Elah in 1 Kings 16:9?

The conspiracy against King Elah was led by his servant Zimri, who took advantage of the king's drunken state in the house of Arza, as seen in 1 Kings 16:9. This act of disobedience and rebellion was a result of the evil that had been done in the sight of the Lord, as mentioned in 1 Kings 16:7.

How does the behavior of King Elah in 1 Kings 16:9 compare to the behavior of other kings in the Bible?

King Elah's behavior in 1 Kings 16:9, getting drunk in the house of Arza, is similar to the behavior of other kings who turned away from God, such as King Solomon in 1 Kings 11:1-8, who was led astray by his many wives and their idolatry.

What can we learn from the fact that Zimri was a servant of King Elah who conspired against him in 1 Kings 16:9?

The fact that Zimri was a servant of King Elah who conspired against him teaches us that our actions and behavior can have consequences, and that those closest to us can sometimes be the ones who bring us down, as seen in the story of David and Absalom in 2 Samuel 18:1-18.

How does the story of King Elah in 1 Kings 16:9 relate to the overall theme of the book of 1 Kings?

The story of King Elah in 1 Kings 16:9 is part of the larger theme of the book of 1 Kings, which explores the consequences of disobedience and the importance of following God's commands, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:1-2 and Joshua 1:8.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I can be tempted to turn away from God, like King Elah was, and how can I guard against those temptations?
  2. How can I use my position and influence to serve others, rather than seeking to elevate myself like Zimri did?
  3. What are some areas in my life where I may be 'getting drunk' on worldly things, and how can I seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit instead, as seen in Ephesians 5:18?
  4. What can I learn from the example of King Elah about the importance of accountability and surrounding myself with godly advisors?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 16:9

And his servant Zimri, captain of half his chariots,.... His military chariots; there were two captains of them, and this was one of them; so the Targum, "one of the two masters or captains of the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 16:9

And his servant Zimri, captain of half his chariots, conspired against him, as he was in Tirzah, drinking himself drunk in the house of Arza steward of his house in Tirzah. Zimri ... conspired against him.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 16:9

Captain of half his chariots, i.e. of all his military chariots, and the men belonging to them; the chariots for carriage of necessary things being put into other and meaner hands. As he was in Tirzah; whilst his forces were elsewhere employed, , which gave Zimri advantage to execute his design.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 16:9

1 Kings 16:9 And his servant Zimri, captain of half [his] chariots, conspired against him, as he was in Tirzah, drinking himself drunk in the house of Arza steward of [his] house in Tirzah.Ver. 9. And his servant Zimri.] Perhaps he of Saul’ s posterity. Drinking himself drunk.] Haply to put away the fear of death, like as Tacitus saith, Vitelius trepidus, dein temulentus.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 16:9

(9) Drinking himself drunk.—There seems an emphasis of half-contemptuous condemnation in the description of Elah’s debauchery, evidently public, and in the house of a mere officer of his household, while war was raging at Gibbethon. On the other hand, Zimri—noted emphatically as “his servant”—was apparently the high officer left in special charge of the palace and the king’s person, while the mass of the army was in the field. Hence his name passed into a proverb for unusual treachery. (See 2 Kings 9:31.)

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 16:9

Verse 9. Captain of half his chariots] It is probable that Zimri, and some other who is not here named, were commanders of the cavalry.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 16:9

9. And his servant Zimri] The LXX. omits ‘his servant.’ The expression is used of any officer who served under the king, and has no mean signification. Here ‘the servant’ was a chief commander of the royal troops. as [now R.V.] he was in Tirzah] The strongest stop in the Hebrew occurs immediately before these words. It is therefore well to make them, in the English also, to begin a new clause. Arza steward of his house] R.V. (see also A.V. margin): Arza which was over the household. Cf. for a similar officer over the household of Joseph, Genesis 43:16; Genesis 43:19. It would almost seem that this major domo was mixed up in the plot for the murder of his master. The opportunity of the absence of the troops at Gibbethon would seem very favourable for carrying out such a scheme.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 16:9

The conspiracy of Zimri - Elah’s “servant” (i. e., “subject”) - was favored by his position, which probably gave him military authority in the city, by the absence of a great part of the people and

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 16:9

9. Captain of half his chariots — So, then, this northern kingdom had added to its other sins the transgression of the law forbidding the multiplication of horses, for chariots required their service.

Sermons on 1 Kings 16:9

SermonDescription
Warren Wiersbe Just Before the Battle by Warren Wiersbe In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Joshua and his encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ. Joshua made four important discoveries that night. Firstly, he realized tha
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 40:20-23 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Joseph from the Bible to convey the message that God cares and is working in our lives, even in difficult circumstances. The spe
Willie Mullan (Daniel) the Writing on the Wall by Willie Mullan In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of King Belshazzar from the book of Daniel in the Bible. The sermon begins by describing how Belshazzar and his companions were en
David Davis The Hand Behind History by David Davis This sermon delves into the story of Daniel in Babylon, where a wild party takes place with sacred vessels from the temple in Jerusalem being desecrated. The hand of God writes on
Joseph Balsan Atlantic Lyman conf.1972-02 Studies in Daniel 05 by Joseph Balsan In this sermon, the preacher discusses a biblical story about a king who was terrified by the appearance of a man's hand writing on a wall. The preacher emphasizes the fear and ter
Denis Lyle When God Crashes the Party by Denis Lyle Denis Lyle preaches on the story of Belshazzar in Daniel 5, highlighting the tragic dissipation and revelry at the royal feast, where intemperance, impropriety, impiety, and idolat
Edward Payson Men Tried and Found Defective. by Edward Payson Edward Payson preaches about the story of Belshazzar, warning that though we may not have committed the same sins as Belshazzar, we have all insulted our Creator in various ways. H

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