Drunkenness is an evil that helps bring nations to ruin. When rulers give themselves to wine, they neglect the affairs of state, and the nation suffers. “It is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted” (Prov. 31:4, 5).

This shows the low moral level to which Israel had sunk. Zimri held a high position of trust in the army of Elah, but proved unfaithful, and turned against the king, whose throne it was his responsibility to uphold. Self-interest prevailed, and another assassination of a king appears in the record. There can be no peace or security, no tranquillity or safety, where king and people trample underfoot the law of God and refuse to have their lives molded according to the divine image.