1 Kings 16:9

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Kings 16:1-14

Here is, I. The ruin of the family of Baasha foretold. He was a man likely enough to have raised and established his family?active, politic, and daring; but he was an idolater, and this brought destruction upon his family. 1. God sent him warning of it before. (1.) That, if he were thereby wrought upon to repent and reform, the ruin might be prevented; for God threatens, that he may not strike, as one that desires not the death of sinners. (2.) That, if not, it might appear that the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 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 chariots:' conspired against him, as he was in Tirzah drinking himself drunk in the house of Arza, steward of his house in Tirzah ; who had the charge of his wine and other liquors, to which he was addicted beyond measure; and this was a fit opportunity for Zimri to fall upon him, and slay... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Kings 16:9

Captain of half his chariots - It is probable that Zimri, and some other who is not here named, were commanders of the cavalry. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 16:8-14

The House of Baasha. The character of Baasha is drawn in the paragraphs immediately preceding, which also contain an account of his end, which was better than he deserved, and suggests the reality of a future retribution. His family so fully followed in his steps that we have no mention of an Abijah amongst them, "in whom was found some good thing towards the Lord God of Israel" (see 1 Kings 14:18 ). The judgment of God upon this wicked house is written in the words before us. We have to... 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 16:9

And his servant [Not only "subject," as Rawlinson, but officer. The same word is used of Jeroboam; 1 Kings 11:26 , note. We may almost trace here a lex talionis . Baasha was Nadab's "servant," as Jeroboam was Solomon's] Zimri [From the occurrence of this name among those of the descendants of Jonathan ( 1 Chronicles 8:36 ), it has been supposed (Stanley) that this was a last effort of the house of Saul to regain the throne], captain of half his chariots [ רֶכֶב as in 1 Kings... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 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 of the officers who might have checked him, at Gibbethon 1 Kings 16:15, and by the despicable character of Elah, who, instead of going up to the war, was continually reminding men of his low origin by conduct unworthy of royalty.Steward - The office was evidently one of considerable importance. In... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Kings 16:8-10

1 Kings 16:8-10. Began Elah to reign in Tirzah two years One complete and part of another. Zimri, captain, of half his chariots Of all his military chariots, and the men belonging to them; the chariots, or carriages for necessary things being put into meaner hands. Conspired against him as he was in Tirzah While his forces were elsewhere employed, (1 Kings 16:15,) which gave Zimri advantage to execute his design. Zimri went in and smote him Here was a speedy execution of the vengeance... 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

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 1 Kings 16:9

drinking himself drunk. Figure of speech Polyptoton ( App-6 ) for emphasis. read more

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