Tibni

Tibni was a rival to Omri for the throne of Israel, leading to a divided kingdom until his death.

Tibni is mentioned in 1Ki 16:21-22 as a rival to Omri for the throne of Israel. After King Zimri's death, the people of Israel were divided, with half following Tibni son of Ginath and the other half following Omri. The conflict between the two factions lasted for about four years, during which time Israel was effectively a divided kingdom. Eventually, Omri's supporters proved stronger, and Tibni died, allowing Omri to consolidate his power and establish a new dynasty that ruled the northern kingdom of Israel. No other details are provided about Tibni's background, his claim to the throne, or the circumstances of his death. His brief mention in the biblical narrative highlights the political instability and power struggles that characterized the period of the divided monarchy in Israel.

Building of Jehovah, the son of Ginath, a man of some position, whom a considerable number of the people chose as monarch. For the period of four years he contended for the throne with Omri (1 Kings 16:21, 22), who at length gained the mastery, and became sole monarch of Israel.