Omri

His full name "Omriyah" meant "Yahweh is my life". Omri was Elah's captain of the host before becoming king himself. See the First Book of Kings[?], Authorized version, verses 16:16 to 16:29 for a Biblical account of Omri's reign. Excerpts follow:

16:16 And the people [that were] encamped heard say, Zimri hath conspired, and hath also slain the king: wherefore all Israel made Omri, the captain of the host, king over Israel that day in the camp.

...

16:23 In the thirty and first year of Asa king of Judah began Omri to reign over Israel, twelve years: six years reigned he in Tirzah.

...

16:28 So Omri slept with his fathers, and was buried in Samaria: and Ahab his son reigned in his stead.

16:29 And in the thirty and eighth year of Asa king of Judah began Ahab the son of Omri to reign over Israel: and Ahab the son of Omri reigned over Israel in Samaria twenty and two years.

See also:

• History of ancient Israel and Judah

External resources:

• http://www.bartleby.com/61/roots/S27
• http://jc.byu.ac.il/byu_doc/faculty/SamariaFolder/SAMARchrono.htm
• http://www.studylight.org/dic/sbd/view.cgi?number=T3257