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Omri
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Omri

king of Israel
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Also known as: ʿAmri
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Quick Facts
Hebrew:
ʿAmri
Also Known As:
ʿAmri
Notable Family Members:
son Ahab
See all related content

Omri, (reigned 876–869 or c. 884–c. 872 bce), king of Israel, father of Ahab, and founder of a dynasty that remained in power for some 50 years.

Omri is mentioned briefly and unfavourably in the Hebrew Bible (1 Kings 16; Micah 6:16). Extrabiblical sources, however, paint a picture of a dynamic and powerful figure, and he is thought by modern scholars to have been one of the most important rulers of the northern kingdom. He is known to have conquered Moab, formed an alliance with Tyre, and moved the capital of Israel from Tirzah to Samaria. As king, Omri brought stability following a period of riots and disorder. He also adopted a policy of toleration for the local Canaanite religion in hopes of reducing tensions between the Israelites and local Canaanite tribes, and that policy is believed to be the main reason why he is condemned in the Hebrew Bible as a propagator of foreign cults.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Noah Tesch.