1 Kings 16:21

Two parties in Israel. Omri's followers prevail. Reign of Omri, and the building of Samaria (Not in Chronicles)

21. divided into two parts Probably it was the civil population, which at first followed Zimri, and after his death, Tibni, while the military strength declared for their commander-in-chief Omri.

half of the people followed Tibni the son of Ginath Of Tibni we have no information but what is to be gathered from this passage. Comparing the date of Omri's accession in 1 Kings 16:23, viz. the 31st year of Asa, with that of Zimri's death in the 27th year of the same king (see 1 Kings 16:15) we find that the struggle between the two parties was continued for four years.