1 Kings 16

The destructive cycle of Northern Israelite kings continues. The prophet Jehu condemns Baasha's dynasty. Baasha's son, Elah, is assassinated by Zimri, who reigns for only seven days before killing himself when his own palace is burned down. Omri then becomes king and moves the capital to the fortified city of Samaria, where he builds a strong dynasty. The chapter concludes with the reign of Ahab, Omri’s son, who marries the wicked Jezebel and surpasses all previous kings in evil, leading Israel into deep idolatry.