Omri
Omri was an army general who became king of the ancient Kingdom of Israel c. 880 BCE (sources differ on approximate dates) following King Zimri. He was the father of Ahab. (1 Kings 16:15-27). His name is mentioned on a stele where Mesha, king of Moab, records his victory over a son of Omri.His full name "Omriyah" meant "Yahweh is my life". Omri was Elah's captain of the host before becoming king himself. See 1 Kings 16:16-29 for a Biblical account of Omri's reign. Excerpts follow:
- 16:16 And the people [that were] encamped heard say, Zimri hath conspired, and hath also slain the king: wherefore all Israel made Omri, the captain of the host, king over Israel that day in the camp.
- 16:23 In the thirty and first year of Asa king of Judah began Omri to reign over Israel, twelve years: six years reigned he in Tirzah.
- 16:28 So Omri slept with his fathers, and was buried in Samaria: and Ahab his son reigned in his stead.
- 16:29 And in the thirty and eighth year of Asa king of Judah began Ahab the son of Omri to reign over Israel: and Ahab the son of Omri reigned over Israel in Samaria twenty and two years.