Zimri's Short Reign

Zimri, too, did not enjoy his rule long. When news of the death of Elah reached the army which was engaged in a siege around the city of Gibbethon, the men at once proclaimed their popular and beloved captain Omri, King of Israel. Abandoning the siege, the army proceeded to Tirzah, which was eventually captured. Zimri, seeing that the capital had fallen to Omri's army and that there was no chance of escape, set his royal palace on fire and died in the flames. His reign had lasted only seven days.