The Near East (885–874 BCE): Dynastic Turmoil and Strategic Realignments

Dynastic Conflict and the Rise of Omri in Israel

In the Northern Kingdom of Israel, King Baasha maintains power throughout his life, yet his rule is marked by continued political opposition and prophetic denunciation. The prophet Jehu, son of Hanani, foretells the demise of Baasha’s dynasty—a prophecy swiftly realized upon Baasha's death. His son Elah reigns merely two years before being assassinated during a drunken episode by Zimri, a military commander. Zimri proceeds to eliminate all surviving members of Baasha's lineage, asserting his own claim to power.

However, Zimri's control is short-lived, enduring only seven days. Facing immediate opposition from Omri, commander of Israel's army, Zimri is besieged at the citadel of Tirzah. Realizing his situation is hopeless, Zimri sets fire to the palace, dying in the flames. Subsequently, Omri ascends to the throne, but only after four turbulent years of civil conflict with another claimant, Tibni. Finally consolidating his authority around 875 BCE, Omri relocates the kingdom’s capital permanently to the city of Samaria, fortifying Israel's political and strategic stability.

Religious Reform and Decline of Asa in Judah

In Judah, King Asa continues his efforts toward centralizing political authority and instituting significant religious reforms, focusing particularly on suppressing idolatrous practices. However, his reign becomes marked by controversy following an admonishment from Hanani the Seer, who criticizes Asa’s reliance on political alliances, specifically his dependence on Ben-Hadad I, King of Aram Damascus, instead of divine support, to counter Israelite aggression. Reacting angrily, Asa imprisons Hanani, signaling a deterioration in his previous adherence to justice and religious devotion.

In the latter part of his rule, Asa develops a debilitating disease in his feet, yet notably seeks remedies exclusively from physicians rather than spiritual assistance. During this period, he appoints his son Jehoshaphat as coregent, ensuring continuity amid declining health and waning influence.

Egyptian Dynastic Succession and Stability

Meanwhile, Egypt experiences relative stability under Takelot I, who peacefully succeeds his father, Osorkon I, as king of the Twenty-second Dynasty. His reign is generally uneventful, maintaining the prosperity initiated by his predecessors. Upon Takelot's death in 874 BCE, Osorkon II ascends to the throne, continuing the dynasty’s established stability.

Summary of the Era

Between 885 and 874 BCE, the Near East sees significant dynastic upheaval and consolidation in Israel under Omri, religious and political tension in Judah under Asa, and sustained dynastic continuity in Egypt. These events illustrate the complexities of leadership, political intrigue, and the enduring challenges of governance during this era.

Baasha had remained in power for life, but he was not without his opponents.

The prophet Jehu, the son of Hanani, had foretold the destruction of his dynasty, which comes to pass with the assassination of Baasha's son Elah, who rules only two years before he is assassinated while in a drunken state by Zimri, a chariot commander, who then exterminates all of the members of the house of Baasha.

Reigning for the brief period of seven days, Zimri is besieged in the citadel at Tirzah by Omri, commander of the army.

Finding his position untenable, Zimri sets fire to the palace and perishes.

Omri becomes king only after four years of war with Tibni, another claimant to the throne of Israel.

The capital of the northern kingdom of Israel has moved several times until King Omri in about 875 BCE finally establishes it permanently at Samaria.

The Near East (873–862 BCE): The Ascendancy of Omri and Alliances in Israel and Judah

Omri's Consolidation and Expansion in Israel

In the Northern Kingdom of Israel, King Omri continues to solidify his rule following the turbulent years of dynastic conflict. After successfully overcoming opposition, Omri further establishes Israel's strength by conquering the territory of Moab. Recognizing the importance of strategic alliances, Omri fosters diplomatic ties with the Phoenician city of Tyre, significantly enhancing Israel's economic and military stature in the region. Around 875 BCE, Omri moves Israel’s capital permanently to the fortified city of Samaria, thereby anchoring his political legacy and stabilizing the kingdom.

Omri’s reputation extends well beyond his lifetime, with Assyrian records frequently referencing Israel as "the land of Omri." Despite his negative portrayal by Biblical authors, contemporary historians regard Omri as one of the most influential and effective rulers in Israel's history.

Ahab's Succession and Further Alliances

Following Omri’s death, his son Ahab ascends the throne, inheriting a kingdom poised for regional prominence. Ahab's marriage to Jezebel, daughter of Ithobaal of Tyre, solidifies Israel’s alliance with the Phoenicians. Under Ahab’s leadership, the longstanding hostility between Israel and Judah finally comes to an end, as he secures a crucial alliance with King Jehoshaphat of Judah, thus concluding nearly half a century of inter-kingdom warfare.

During his reign, Ahab actively engages in military confrontations with the kingdom of Aram (Syria) and undertakes significant infrastructure projects, notably the extensive reconstruction and expansion of the ancient city of Jericho. Today, Jericho is recognized as one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements on Earth, underscoring its historical importance during Ahab's time.

Stability and Reform under Jehoshaphat in Judah

In the southern kingdom of Judah, King Asa dies in 871 BCE after a long but troubled reign marked by religious reform and political controversy. He is succeeded by his son Jehoshaphat, who assumes the throne at the age of thirty-five and reigns for twenty-five years.

Jehoshaphat initially focuses on strengthening Judah's defenses against potential threats from Israel, yet soon capitalizes on the newfound peace established through his alliance with Ahab. During his rule, Jehoshaphat emphasizes religious education and judicial reform, dispatching priests and Levites throughout the kingdom to instruct the people in the Law, actions praised by Biblical chroniclers for fostering spiritual renewal and stability.

Dynastic Stability in Egypt

In Egypt, the Twenty-second Dynasty sees continued stability with the ascension of Osorkon II in 874 BCE, succeeding Takelot I. Osorkon II’s reign begins amidst significant natural events, notably an exceptionally high flooding of the Nile in 872 BCE that inundates the Temple of Luxor, a sign interpreted variously by contemporary Egyptians.

Summary of the Era

The period from 873 to 862 BCE is characterized by strategic political alliances and strengthened governance across the Near East. In Israel, Omri’s foundational stability paves the way for Ahab’s expansive diplomacy and construction projects, while Judah experiences a period of internal consolidation and religious reform under Jehoshaphat. Concurrently, Egypt maintains its dynastic continuity and relative peace, highlighting a contrasting regional narrative marked by stability amidst the ongoing political complexities in neighboring kingdoms.