The Bravest King who commited suicide

Those who live by the sword die by the sword. This is an adage that has survived and has been witnessed over the years. The practicality of this saying is further well exhibited in the life of the late King Zimri: One of the bravest Kings to ever rule in Israel.

King Elah, who succeeded his father, King Baasha, had only been on the throne for two years. One evening while in a town known as Tirzah, King Elah was getting drunk, in the home of Arza; an officer who was in-charge of the palace. Zimri, who was by then an officer in charge of half the King’s Chariots, had long desired and made necessary plans to assassinate the King. On a tip off that the King was very drunk at Arza’s home, Zimri did not hesitate to take the golden opportunity. He went straight to Arza’s house and murdered the King. Immediately, he took over as the new King. All these however, were Gods’ plan; Since King Elah had led Israel into further sin through idolatry.

Unfortunately, King Zimri only enjoyed the privileges of the throne for just even days. There was a man named Omri; who was a commander of the Israel troops. He attacked the town of Tirzah upon hearing that King Zimri had killed King Elah and was seated at the throne. When King Zimri saw that Tirzah had been besieged, he ran inside the palace. Straight to the inner fortress, he locked himself and set everything on fire. The bible records that he died in the flames and was burnt beyond recognition. 

He was the bravest Israel King who only ruled for seven days and committed suicide. He may not have died by the sword, but he opted to take his life on suspecting his life being taken by Omri’s sword.