(fl. 9th cent BCE)
King of Israel (c. 842-814 BCE). He was commander-in-chief to Jehoram (i) but conspired with the army against the king. With the assistance of Elisha, he eliminated the royal family (including Jehoram, Ahaziah of Judah and Jezebel), as well as the priests of Baal, whose worship had flourished under Jehoram's reign. He fought unsuccessfully against Aram and paid tribute to Shalmaneser III of Assyria for protection from the Arameans. His dynasty continued for 100 years (II Kings 9-11).
Dictionary of Jewish Biography. Dan Cohn-Sherbok.