He was a chariot commander who murdered king Elah at Tirzah, and succeeded him as king. However, Zimri reigned only seven days, because the army elected Omri as king, and with their support laid siege to Tirzah. Finding his position untenable, Zimri set fire to the palace and perished.
Omri became king only after four years of fierce war with Tibni, another claimant to the throne of Israel.