Daily Devotional

“The people who were encamped heard it said, ‘Zimri has conspired and also has killed the king.’ So, all Israel made Omri, the commander of the army, king over Israel that day in the camp” (1 Kings 16:16). 

Omri’s rise to the throne began when Zimri, a commander in charge of half the king’s chariots, plotted against King Elah, murdered the drunken monarch, and then proclaimed himself king. His reign didn’t last long—only seven days. When it became known that Zimri was guilty of treason, the people chose Omri as their king. 

In acceptance of their decision, Omri marched his army to the city of Tirzah and besieged it. Zimri had barricaded himself in the palace, and when he found out the city had been captured, he went into the citadel, burned down the palace, and died in the fire. 

But there was still a struggle for the kingship. Half the people wanted Tibni, the son of Ginath, to be king. Eventually, Omri’s supporters won out, and Omri ruled as king for twelve years. 

Unfortunately, as Scripture tells us, “Omri did evil in the eyes of the Lord and did worse than all who were before him” (1 Kings 16:25). Not only did Omri embrace the idolatry of his predecessors, but he promoted it throughout his kingdom and even made decrees to compel his subjects to participate in heathen worship. 

Instead of using his God-given position of power and influence to promote righteousness, Omri brought Israel to a new low. His rebellion against the Lord would eventually result in disaster and ruin. Like his son Ahab, he not only did evil in his time but influenced the nation for decades; he is referred to in the book of Micah, written many generations later. 

Although you might not have the position of a monarch, your influence is still important. Anything you do and say can impact your spouse, children, co-workers, friends, and even strangers for good or for evil. What kind of influence will you have on others today? 

Dear Lord, help me to honour You today by using my influence only for good.