Tibni, son of Ginath, was a rival to Omri for the throne of the Northern Kingdom of Israel after the death of King Elah. The people of Israel were divided into two factions—one half followed Tibni, and the other followed Omri. In the end, Omri's supporters prevailed, and Tibni died, so that Omri became sole king over Israel.
After Zimri killed King Elah and seized power, but was besieged by the army under Omri, Zimri burned himself alive. This created a power vacuum in Israel.
15In the twenty-seventh year of Asa king of Judah, Zimri reigned seven days in Tirzah. The troops were encamped against Gibbethon, which belonged to the Philistines.
16When the encamped troops heard that Zimri had conspired and had struck down the king, all Israel in the camp made Omri, the commander of the army, king over Israel that very day.
After Zimri's death, the people of Israel were split into two camps: half followed Tibni, son of Ginath, and wanted to make him king, while the other half followed Omri.
Those who followed Omri overcame those who followed Tibni, son of Ginath. Omri's faction proved stronger in the struggle for power over the throne of the Northern Kingdom.
Tibni died, and thus Omri became the sole king over Israel. The Bible gives no further details about the circumstances surrounding Tibni's death, but it is implied that it occurred as a result of civil war.
24He bought the hill of Samaria from Shemer for two talents of silver, and he built up the hill and named the city he built Samaria, after Shemer, the owner of the hill.