In the twenty-seventh year of Asa king of Judah, Zimri reigned seven days in Tirzah. Now the troops were encamped against Gibbethon, which belonged to the Philistines, and the troops who were encamped heard it said, “Zimri has conspired, and he has killed the king.” Therefore all Israel made Omri, the commander of the army, king over Israel that day in the camp. So Omri went up from Gibbethon, and all Israel with him, and they besieged Tirzah. And when Zimri saw that the city was taken, he went into the citadel of the king’s house and burned the king’s house over him with fire and died, because of his sins that he committed, doing evil in the sight of the Lord, walking in the way of Jeroboam, and for his sin which he committed, making Israel to sin. Now the rest of the acts of Zimri, and the conspiracy that he made, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel? (1 Kings 16:15–20)A brief study on suicide tells me that some societies have a positive view of suicide that is done for culturally approved reasons; for example, in Japan, if one shames one's family, suicide can be an act of honor. On the other hand, some cultures and faiths see suicide as an unforgivable act, yet a few who believe this do not apply it to suicide bombers, who are seen as martyrs.
As for its cause, up to half of all who die by suicide have a major depressive disorder such as bipolar or other mood disorders, and often have an increase risk.
Stats show that middle-aged adults have the highest numbers, yet suicide is also a leading cause of death among younger people.
Some give the following reasons for taking one’s own life:
Egoistic: being inadequately integrated into society, thus feeling lonely, detached, and and feel life is meaninglessness. Those who have an attitude of "excessive individuation" can suffer from a lack of social support.
Altruistic: A high social integration where a person is heavily integrated into a group that they will sacrifice their life for the group's interests or beliefs. This can also apply to individuals. A dear friend had many illnesses and became overwhelmed by the burden on her husband who often had to take her to the hospital in the middle of the night. She choose to die rather than making him suffer.
Anomic: For some, a lack of “social regulation” or other issues during sudden and profound social or economic changes create a sense of normlessness and disillusionment. One dictionary says this can evolve from a conflict of belief systems that causes a breakdown of social bonds between an individual and their community.
Fatalistic: Excessive regulation can be deeply oppressive and restricted making a person feel hopeless and seek escape.
In studying the Bible, sin is seems rooted in “I will govern my own life” and when that does not work out well, a person either gives up and turns to their Creator for answers and help, or they refuse to trust God’s way, including how and when their life ends, therefore take that matter into their own hands as well.
Zimri failed as a king. He sinned against God and caused others to sin. He could have confessed and been forgiven but would rather die than yield to God. For a person who knows the freedom and joy of redemption, this seems such folly, yet I also know the pull and stubbornness of wanting to rule my own life. Apart from the grace of God, I could create my own list of why it has seemed better to end it.
Jesus, You are the only answer to all those reasons people feel like taking their own life. Trusting You is a big deal, yet so entirely worth it. I’m so thankful that You stepped in and changed both my heart and so often my circumstances. I’m old even though my parents were told I’d not get past 16. My body hurts at times, but I can laugh and enjoy life, do things, make things: cook, quilt, clean house, encourage others, obey You. The idea of suicide being the only answer has hit me, but You swept it away by Your outstretched arms. For all this and more, I love You. Amen.
