Read & Study the Bible Online - Bible Portal
Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Kings 16:15-28

Solomon observes (Prov. 28:2) that for the transgression of a land many were the princes thereof (so it was here in Israel), but by a man of understanding the state thereof shall be prolonged?so it was with Judah at the same time under Asa. When men forsake God they are out of the way of rest and establishment. Zimri, and Tibni, and Omri, are here striving for the crown. Proud aspiring men ruin one another, and involve others in the ruin. These confusions end in the settlement of Omri; we must... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Kings 16:18

And it came to pass, that when Zimri saw that the city was taken ,.... That Omri, and the army with him, had got into it, being a place not much fortified, and Zimri not having force enough to defend it against such an army: that he went into the palace of the king's house ; into the innermost and most splendid, as well as the strongest part of it: and burnt the king's house over him with fire, and he died ; that he might not fall into the hands of his rival, who he might fear would... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 16:8-20

A Divine judgment and its instrument. I. THE JUDGMENT . 1 . It was delayed in God's long suffering . Baasha had reigned nearly twenty-four years; Elah nearly two. The Lord is swift to bless but slow to strike. He has no delight in a sinner's death. Do we remember that God's long suffering today is not forgetfulness or indifference, but the restraining of infinite love? 2 . It came upon him in his sin . The army was in the field, but he was not there. He was deaf to the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 16:15-22

The Kingdom of Men. Though "the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men," yet is He not responsible for the principles by which such kingdoms are actuated. For these are in shaking contrast to those which shall obtain in the "kingdom of God." In the kingdom of men as represented in the specimen before us we encounter— I. FOLLY . 1 . True religion is pure wisdom . 2 . False religion is supreme folly . 3 . Of such folly was the kingdom of Israel flagrantly guilty . ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 16:18

And it came to pass, when Zimri saw that the city was taken [the meaning is probably that which Josephus gives: "When he saw that the city had none to defend it," or possibly, "when he saw that a breach was made"], that he went into the palace [ אַרְמוֹן citadel, fortress, from אָרַם altus fuit . So Gesen; Keil, Bight, al . The palace, no doubt, consisted of a string of buildings ( 1 Kings 7:2-9 ) of which this was the highest and strongest part. Ewald thinks that the... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Kings 16:18

The palace of the king’s house - The tower of the king’s house. A particular part of the palace - either the “harem,” or, more probably, the keep or citadel, a tower stronger and loftier than the rest of the palace.Zimri’s desperate act has been repeated more than once. That the last king of Assyria, the Sardanapalus of the Greeks, thus destroyed himself, is almost the only “fact” which we know concerning him. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Kings 16:18

1 Kings 16:18. When Zimri saw that the city was taken Tirzah, though a beautiful city, it seems, was not fortified; so that Omri soon made himself master of it, and forced Zimri into the palace; which, as he was unable to defend, and yet unwilling to surrender it, he burned, and himself in it: grudging that his rival should ever enjoy so sumptuous a palace, and fearing that if he fell into the hands of his enemies, either alive or dead, he should be ignominiously treated. See to what... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 1 Kings 16:1-20

After Jeroboam (15:25-16:20)As predicted by Ahijah, Jeroboam’s dynasty soon came to an end. His son Nadab was murdered by Baasha, one of his army generals, who then declared himself king. Baasha quickly removed all possible rivals by destroying Jeroboam’s entire family (25-34; cf. 14:11-14). However, Baasha was no better than Jeroboam. Because he followed Jeroboam’s policies, he would suffer Jeroboam’s fate (16:1-4). Just as Baasha brought Jeroboam’s dynasty to an end by murdering Jeroboam’s... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - 1 Kings 16:18

1 Kings 16:18. And burned the king's house over him with fire— Some interpreters would rather have it, that Omri set the royal palace on fire, in order to burn Zimri in it, who had retired thither. The Hebrew may, indeed, bear that construction, but the other seems the most likely interpretation; nor has prophane history neglected to preserve the memory of some princes who have chosen to die in this manner, rather than fall by the sword; whereof Sardanapalus is one of the most ancient and most... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Kings 16:1-28

A. The First Period of Antagonism 12:1-16:28After the division of the kingdom, their respective kings were hostile to one another for 57 years. read more

Group of Brands