1 Kings 16:9

“And his servant Zimri, captain of half his chariots, etc.] His military chariots; there were two captains of them, and this was one of them; so the Targum, “one of the two masters or captains of the chariots:” conspired against him, as he was in Tirzah drinking himself drunk in the house of Arza, steward of his house in Tirzah; who had the charge of his wine and other liquors, to which he was addicted beyond measure; and this was a fit opportunity for Zimri to fall upon him, and slay him, when he was drunk, and off his guard, and his army at the same time was besieging Gibbethon, (<111615>1 Kings 16:15) so that there was a very great likeness in what befell the family of Baasha, to that of…”

“ZIMRI'S CONSPIRACY. (Kg1 16:9-22) Zimri . . . conspired against him--"Arza which was over his house." During a carousal in the house of his chamberlain, Zimri slew him, and having seized the sovereignty, endeavored to consolidate his throne by the massacre of all the royal race.”

“The conspiracy of Zimri - Elah’s “servant” (i. e., “subject”) - was favored by his position, which probably gave him military authority in the city, by the absence of a great part of the people and of the officers who might have checked him, at Gibbethon 1 Kings 16:15, and by the despicable character of Elah, who, instead of going up to the war, was continually reminding men of his low origin by conduct unworthy of royalty. Steward - The office was evidently one of considerable importance. In Solomon’s court it gave the rank of שׂר śar, prince. In Persia the “steward of the household” acted sometimes as a sort of regent during the king’s absence. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Chariots - Of all his military chariots, and the men belonging to them: the chariots for carriage of necessary things, being put into meaner hands. Tirzah - Whilst his forces were elsewhere employed, Kg1 16:15, which gave Zimri advantage to execute his design. 3 Kings (1 Kings) 16:11”

“16:9-10 Elah’s drunkenness in Tirzah while his army risked their lives at the Philistine-controlled city of Gibbethon (16:15) displayed his debased character; he was even less fit to reign than his father, Baasha (see 16:13).”

“his servant: Kg2 9:31 conspired: Kg1 15:27; Kg2 9:14, Kg2 12:20, Kg2 15:10, Kg2 15:25, Kg2 15:30 drinking: Kg1 20:16; Sa1 25:36-38; Sa2 13:28, Sa2 13:29; Pro 23:29-35; Jer 51:57; Dan 5:1-4, Dan 5:30; Nah 1:10; Hab 2:15, Hab 2:16; Mat 24:49-51; Luk 21:34 steward of: Heb. which was over, Gen 15:2, Gen 24:2, Gen 24:10, Gen 39:4, Gen 39:9 3 Kings (1 Kings) 16:10”