Elah, the son of King Baasha, became the fourth king of the northern kingdom of Israel. He reigned for two years. His reign ended suddenly. He was drunk at the home of Arza, the superintendent of the King's palace in Tirzah, when General Zimri walked up to Elah and killed him. Then, Zimri, who was in charge of half of the royal chariot troops, declared himself King of Israel.