So Omri slept with his fathers, and was buried in Samaria: and Ahab his son reigned in his stead.

1 KINGS 16:28KJV
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1 Kings 16:28 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 16:28 mean?

1 Kings 16:28 records the death of Omri, king of Israel, his burial in Samaria, and the succession of his son Ahab to the throne. The verse marks a transition in Israel’s leadership, noting both the end of Omri’s reign and the beginning of Ahab’s.

This verse is part of a historical account written by the author of 1 Kings, summarizing the end of Omri’s life and reign. The mention of Samaria is significant because Omri had established it as the new capital of Israel. The verse sets the stage for the next section, which will focus on Ahab, a king whose actions will have a major impact on Israel’s history.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 16:28

  • "slept" (שָׁכַב, shakav): This word is often used in the Hebrew Bible as a respectful way to describe someone’s death, especially a king, suggesting rest and joining ancestors.
  • "fathers" (אָב, av): Refers to ancestors or previous generations, emphasizing the continuity of royal lineage.
  • "buried" (קָבַר, qavar): Indicates a formal burial, which in this context shows respect and legitimacy for Omri as king.
  • "Samaria" (שֹׁמְרוֹן, Shomron): The city Omri founded as Israel’s capital, highlighting his lasting influence even after his death.

Why 1 Kings 16:28 matters

  • The verse clarifies the line of succession, showing that Ahab’s rise to power was a direct result of Omri’s death and legitimate burial.
  • Mentioning Samaria connects Omri’s legacy to the city, underlining his importance in shaping Israel’s political and religious life.
  • This transition prepares the reader for the significant events and challenges that will occur during Ahab’s reign, which are central to the following chapters.

Where else these words appear

“Omri” Hebrew H6018 · used in 16 verses

  • 1 Kings 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.
  • 1 Kings 16:25 But Omri wrought evil in the eyes of the LORD, and did worse than all that were before him.
  • 1 Chronicles 7:8 And the sons of Becher; Zemira, and Joash, and Eliezer, and Elioenai, and Omri, and Jerimoth, and Abiah, and Anathoth, and Alameth. All these are the sons of Becher.

“Ahab” Hebrew H256 · used in 81 verses

  • 1 Kings 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.
  • 1 Kings 21:4 And Ahab came into his house heavy and displeased because of the word which Naboth the Jezreelite had spoken to him: for he had said, I will not give thee the inheritance of my fathers. And he laid him down upon his bed, and turned away his face, and would eat no bread.
  • 2 Kings 9:8 For the whole house of Ahab shall perish: and I will cut off from Ahab him that pisseth against the wall, and him that is shut up and left in Israel:

“Samaria” Hebrew H8111 · used in 101 verses

  • 1 Kings 13:32 For the saying which he cried by the word of the LORD against the altar in Bethel, and against all the houses of the high places which are in the cities of Samaria, shall surely come to pass.
  • 2 Kings 13:1 In the three and twentieth year of Joash the son of Ahaziah king of Judah Jehoahaz the son of Jehu began to reign over Israel in Samaria, and reigned seventeen years.
  • 2 Chronicles 28:9 But a prophet of the LORD was there, whose name was Oded: and he went out before the host that came to Samaria, and said unto them, Behold, because the LORD God of your fathers was wroth with Judah, he hath delivered them into your hand, and ye have slain them in a rage that reacheth up unto heaven.

“buried” Hebrew H6912 · used in 122 verses

  • Genesis 15:15 And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age.
  • Judges 16:31 Then his brethren and all the house of his father came down, and took him, and brought him up, and buried him between Zorah and Eshtaol in the buryingplace of Manoah his father. And he judged Israel twenty years.
  • 2 Kings 15:7 So Azariah slept with his fathers; and they buried him with his fathers in the city of David: and Jotham his son reigned in his stead.