1 Kings 16

1. Hanani. There was a prophet Hanani about the same time, who was sent to Asa king of Judah (see 2 Chron. xvi. 7). The Jehu mentioned here wrote the history of Jehoshaphat’s reign (2 Chron. xx. 34).

7 the work of his hands. This refers not so much to his general conduct as to the setting up of idols.

because he killed him. Exterminating his family. Although the destruction of Jeroboam’s family had been threatened, it was not, on Baasha’s part, an act of obedience to the will of God, but one of treasonable ambition, for which he was amenable to the Divine justice.

23 twelve years. In these twelve years are included the five in which Omri was at war with Tibni, who reigned as rival king. With the accession of Omri to the throne of Israel, hostilities ceased between the two kingdoms for about a century, till renewed by Amaziah: see 2 Kings xiv. 8.

24 the hill Samaria. The palace at Tirzah having been destroyed (18), Omri founded a new capital. He called it, after his own name, Shomeron (Samaria). It was situated on an oblong hill, rising from the midst of a valley enclosed by hills, save where a narrow opening communicates with the western plain. It thus equalled Jerusalem in the natural strength of its position, but far surpassed it in the fertility and beauty of its surrounding country. This city subsequently gave its name to the central part of Palestine, the inhabitants of which were called Samarians. It was given by the Emperor Augustus to Herod, who rebuilt it, and called it Sehaste, now Sebastiyeh.

25. Omri wrought evil. The prophet Micah (vi. 16) speaks of “the statutes of Omri,” the keeping of which brought Israel to desolation.

34. Abiram . . . Segub. It is generally supposed that Hiel lost all his sons, the eldest when he began the work, and the youngest when he finished. If this were so, his conduct presents a course of foolhardy defiance to the God of Israel. The fulfilment of the prophecy (Josh. vi. 20) was an impressive manifestation of the power of the true God in an idolatrous age.