1 Kings Chapter 16 · Verse 12
Thus did Zimri destroy all the house of Baasha, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake against Baasha by Jehu the prophet,
Original Language Analysis
זִמְרִ֔י
Thus did Zimri
H2174
זִמְרִ֔י
Thus did Zimri
Strong's:
H2174
Word #:
2 of 15
zimri, the name of five israelites, and of an arabian tribe
אֵ֖ת
H853
אֵ֖ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
4 of 15
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
בֵּ֣ית
all the house
H1004
בֵּ֣ית
all the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
5 of 15
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
כִּדְבַ֤ר
according to the word
H1697
כִּדְבַ֤ר
according to the word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
7 of 15
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
יְהוָה֙
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
8 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
9 of 15
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
דִּבֶּ֣ר
which he spake
H1696
דִּבֶּ֣ר
which he spake
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
10 of 15
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
Historical Context
First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. This period (c. 930-850 BCE) saw rapid succession and instability, especially in the northern kingdom.
Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this passage illustrate the importance of complete obedience to God's word without compromise?
- What does Elijah's ministry reveal about God's character and His commitment to His covenant people?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Analysis & Commentary
Thus did Zimri destroy all the house of Baasha, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake against Baasha by Jehu the prophet,
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of kings of israel: elah, zimri, omri, ahab, within the book's focus on spiritual decline of both kingdoms under various rulers. The temple represents God's dwelling among His people and foreshadows Christ as Immanuel ('God with us'). The prophetic office represents God's faithful witness even in apostasy, calling His people back to covenant faithfulness.
The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.