Bible Notes Online - 1-Kings 16 - ESV
Commentary

v1-7: Baasha received a similar prophecy to Jeroboam (14.11). Although God had raised him up to be king, he had not acknowledged God, nor followed Him. Thus, Baasha's family would die out, just as Jeroboam's had.

v8-14: Elah, son of Baasha, became king after him. But he was soon killed by Zimri. He was killed whilst getting drunk, hardly a suitable practice for a king.

v15-20: Zimri's reign was only seven days, and Omri took his place. He committed suicide, and was remembered for his treason (or rebellion).

v21-22: After Zimri's death, two men wanted the throne, Tibni and Omri. Opposition continued for a few years (compare v15 with v23; there were 4 years between Zimri's accession to the throne, and Omri's).

v23-27: Omri founded the new capital city of Samaria. Like Ahab after him, he excelled in sins. Of him, it is said that he 'did more evil than all who were before him'  Although he brought economic and political stability his spiritual impact was dire, paving the way for his son Ahab and Jezebel, effectively, to turn the nation over to idol worship.

v29-33: The reign of Ahab, son of Omri. Here was sin without shame, and stability without devotion. 18.10 indicates that Israel was held in some respect of other nations.

It was into this situation that God sent Elijah. Things in Israel had reached a dreadful spiritual state. Ahab's devotion to idolatry was much greater than his predecessors'; his marriage to Jezebel was particularly serious, as her influence was disastrous.

Athaliah, the evil queen of Judah, was daughter of Ahab and Jezebel; see 2 Kings 8.25-27.

v34-35: See Josh 6.26 for Joshua's prophecy about the rebuilding of Jericho.