The King Who Was Remembered as a Traitor
The life and reign of King Zimri.
How do you want to be remembered?
Not many of us would respond, “As a murderer and traitor,” and yet, that’s exactly how Scripture remembers Zimri.
How Zimri Came to the Throne.
Zimri becomes Israel’s king after conspiring against Elah and murdering him in his own home. He secured (or so he thought) his power by eliminating the rest of the male heirs from Baasha and Elah’s family - even killing all their friends (1 Kings 16:9-11).
It would seem this military commander was in a good position to remain as Israel’s next king - but he lacked the support of the people.
Zimri’s Downfall.
Zimri’s reign lasted all of seven days. The reason it was so short was that no one wanted him to be king.
When the soldiers encamped near Gibbethon heard what Zimri had done, they made Omri, the commander of the army, king over Israel in the military’s camp. It speaks volumes about Zimri’s character that he - as a military commander - did not have the support of his troops (1 Kings 16:15-16).
Once Omri has the support of the military behind him, he marches to Tirzah - where Zimri is - and besieges it. Once the city falls, Zimri sees the hopelessness of his situation and burns the king’s palace down with himself inside it (1 Kings 16:17-18).
Why did Zimri come to such a quick, fiery end as king?
…because of the sins which he had committed in doing evil in the sight of the LORD, in walking in the way of Jeroboam, and in his sin which he had committed to make Israel sin. (1 Kings 16:19)
Zimri was a wicked man, a traitor, and an idol worshipper like Jeroboam. Not a recipe for success.
The Overview of Zimri’s Reign.
In Israel’s history, Zimri is remembered for one thing: He was a traitor.
Now the rest of the acts of Zimri, and the treason he committed, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel? (1 Kings 16:20)
Later, Queen Jezebel refers to Jehu as “Zimri, murderer of your master” (2 Kings 9:31). Not many people aspire to be remembered as a murderer and a traitor - and yet, that’s exactly how history and Scripture remember Zimri.
Crowning Principles.
Treachery always ends up destroying the traitor.
When Zimri made his plans to kill Elah, he probably never imagined how that decision would come back to haunt him. But, this is what happens to people like Zimri.
Solomon reminded his son that sinners who lie in wait to shed the blood of others will ultimately be caught in their own trap. Their greed for money, fame, power, etc. takes away their life (Proverbs 1:8-19).
Selfish ambition is a fatal flaw.
Omri was the commander of Israel’s army. While Zimri was a commander of half of Israel’s chariots, he would have been under the command of Omri. In making his move to become king, Zimri’s selfish ambition for power is exposed.
Omri, his superior, didn’t take too kindly to Zimri’s reckless attempt to seize power - and Zimri paid the ultimate price for his greed and selfish ambition.
Where selfish ambition exists, there can be no peace or unity (Ephesians 4:1-3). Thus, Paul reminded Christians of Jesus’ example of selflessness.
Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. (Philippians 2:1-4)
A cautionary tale that would be illustrative to many - but many won’t either read nor heed these warnings. This is very evident in the politics of today.