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House of Omri and House of David - 2Kings 9-10
House of Omri and House of David - 2Kings 9-10
God’s faithful promise to David and his throne is to be greatly tested by the lineage of Omri.
It is interesting that so little is written about Omri and his reign … Yet in many ways this was a high-water mark in the political history of the northern kingdom!
From Assyrian records it is evident that Omri must have been an impressive ruler. Generations later Assyrians still spoke of Israel as the “land of Omri.” He was the one who established the capital of the northern kingdom on the site of Samaria. He is mentioned on the Moabite Stone where the king of Moab tells that Omri conquered Moab. He also made a full alliance with the King of Tyre and had his son Ahab marry Jezebel, the daughter of Ethbaal. [from the article on Omri in Baker Ency. Of The Bible, Walter A. Elwell].
Yet, the daughter-in-law of Omri, Jezebel, would pose one of the greatest dangers to ever face the people of Israel and Judah, as well as the very plan and purpose of God to bring the promised Messiah through Abraham, Judah, and David.
Ahab and Jezebel proved an interesting if devastating relationship. She was very strong-willed and devoted not only the worship of Baal but to the destruction of the worship of the LORD. They had a daughter, Athaliah, who became the ‘queen-mother’ and the usurper to the throne of Israel.
In the midst of all this evil within Israel, God’s raised up Elijah and Elisha. Along with them, there were 7,000 (out of the millions of the children of Israel!) that did NOT bow their knee to Baal and follow in the religious footsteps of Jezebel.
Although the dynasty of Omri lasted through three more generations, the house of Omri came to an end! The house of David continued and continues NOW in the greatest king of all – Jesus, the king of kings and lord of lords.
Though the outlook for God’s people is often bleak, with God we are more than conquerors through Him who loves us (Romans 8:37). In the end, God will be God and will sit in judgment upon all. On that day you will either be found faithful unto the Lord or will be condemned. Which will it be for you? Be thou faithful unto death and you shall receive a crown of life (Rev. 2:10).
Hugh DeLong
