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Book of 1 Kings - Chapter 16 - Verse 28

16:28
So Omri slept with his fathers, and was buried in Samaria: and Ahab his son reigned in his stead.

Meaning

Omri was a king of Israel who reigned for a period of 12 years. After his death, he was buried in Samaria, the capital city of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The phrase "slept with his fathers" is a common biblical euphemism for death, indicating that Omri passed away and was laid to rest with his ancestors. Following Omri's death, his son Ahab succeeded him as the king of Israel. This transition of power from father to son was a common practice in ancient monarchies, where the reigning king's heir would typically ascend to the throne upon the king's death. Ahab's reign would go on to be a turbulent and controversial one, marked by conflicts with the prophets of the Lord and his infamous marriage to Jezebel.

Theological Overview

In this verse, the phrase "So Omri slept with his fathers, and was buried in Samaria" is a common biblical metaphor for someone passing away and being laid to rest with their ancestors. This phrase emphasizes the continuity of family lineage and the importance of remembering those who came before. The theological interpretation of this could be seen as a reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of leaving a legacy for future generations. The mention of Ahab, Omri's son, taking over as ruler after his father's death highlights the succession of leadership in ancient Israel, where power often passed from father to son. This could be seen as a reflection of God's sovereignty in appointing rulers and orchestrating history according to His divine plan.

American Standard Version

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