Bible Strands
2 Kings 15:17
In the thirty-ninth year of Azariah’s reign over Judah, Menahem son of Gadi became king of Israel, and he reigned in Samaria ten years.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The narrator records a chronological marker during the divided monarchy, noting the transition of power to Menahem over Israel while Azariah rules Judah. This entry occurs immediately after Menahem’s violent seizure of Tiphsah and before the evaluation of his reign.
The words — בִּשְׁנַת (bi/sh.Nat) and שָׁנָה (sha.Nah) both mean “year,” anchoring the narrative in a precise regnal chronology. מָלַךְ (Ma.lakh) translates literally as “he became king,” marking the formal assumption of the throne.
The thread — The regnal dating formula appears throughout 1 Kings and 2 Kings to synchronize the northern and southern kingdoms. The phrase “did evil in the sight of the LORD” recurs in 2 Kings 15:18 and echoes the condemnation pattern of 1 Kings 15:1-3.
Why it lands — The text demands recognition that political transitions are recorded within a divine chronological framework rather than as isolated events. It requires the reader to weigh Menahem’s brutal rise against the explicit standard of covenant fidelity stated in the surrounding verses.
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The Hebrew words
King James Version
In the nine and thirtieth year of Azariah king of Judah began Menahem the son of Gadi to reign over Israel, and reigned ten years in Samaria.