Useful Bible Studies > 1 Kings Commentary > chapter 16
At the death of Omri, 58 years had passed since Jeroboam separated northern and central Israel from Judah. During that whole period of time, Judah had constantly been at war with northern and central Israel. However, King Asa of Judah was now old and ill; he too would soon be dead. Then it would be possible for Omri’s son and Asa’s son to establish the first ever peace agreement between their countries. By then, only the oldest people in Judah and Israel would still remember the events that separated their countries.
In the army, in politics, and in construction, Omri showed himself to be a truly great leader. In some ways, we could even compare him to David, who made Solomon’s peaceful rule possible. Like David, Omri did not at first have control over his whole country (2 Samuel 2:8-11; 1 Kings 16:21-22). Both men first united their nations under their rule, and then established a new capital city (2 Samuel 5:1-9; 1 Kings 16:23-24). However, David was a good and holy man – and Omri was very evil.
At the time of Omri’s death, almost everyone in northern and central Israel was following the religion that Jeroboam established. They therefore considered the true God to be their God; but they did not obey his commands. In particular, they prayed and offered gifts at the idols (images) that Jeroboam set up in Dan and Bethel (12:28-30). However, this religion did not satisfy many of the people. The false gods that other nations followed, attracted them. In the opinion of those people, those foreign gods had more power. People wanted their gods to give them whatever they desired. That attitude would soon bring about another great change in northern and central Israel.
Next part: Ahab, his greatness and his evil deeds (1 Kings 16:29-30)
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