1 Kings 16:8-12

International Children’s Bible

Elah King of Israel

⁸ Elah son of Baasha became king of Israel. This was during Asa’s twenty-sixth year as king of Judah. And Elah ruled in Tirzah for two years.

⁹ Zimri was one of Elah’s officers. He commanded half of Elah’s chariots. But Zimri made plans against Elah.

Elah was in Tirzah, getting drunk at Arza’s home. (Arza was the man in charge of the palace at Tirzah.) ¹⁰ So Zimri went into Arza’s house and killed Elah. This was during Asa’s twenty-seventh year as king of Judah. Then Zimri became king of Israel in Elah’s place.

Zimri King of Israel

¹¹ As soon as Zimri became king, he killed all of Baasha’s family. He did not let any man of Baasha’s family or friends live. ¹² So Zimri destroyed all of Baasha’s family. This happened as the Lord had said it would. The Lord had spoken this against Baasha through the prophet Jehu.