מלכים א, פרק ט״ז, פסוק י״ח

Zimri's final moments are defined by the crushing realization of total defeat. Seeing that he has no chance of surviving against Omri's advancing army, a deep despair takes hold. Seeking a final refuge, he retreats into the inner sanctum of the royal palace [מצודת ציון].

The palace is soon engulfed in flames, bringing a violent end to Zimri's life. The exact circumstances of this fire present two different historical pictures. One perspective suggests that Zimri, recognizing that all hope is lost, chooses to take his own life. In a final, dramatic act, he sets the building on fire with his own hands [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. However, the primary approach among commentators points to Omri as the one who ignites the blaze. According to this view, after Zimri barricades himself inside the royal house, Omri deliberately burns the structure down around him to ensure his death [רד״ק, מצודת דוד, חומת אנך].