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.
In the thirty-ninth year of King Azariah's reign in Judah, Menahem (son of Gadi) became king of Israel and ruled for ten years from Samaria.
This verse records when Menahem became king of Israel, showing how God kept track of the rulers and their reigns in both kingdoms.
📚 Historical Context
In the books of Kings, the Bible chronicles the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah after Solomon's reign, with frequent changes in leadership due to political intrigue and idolatry. Azariah, also known as Uzziah, was a long-reigning king of Judah who brought some stability, while Menahem's ascension in Israel came through violence, reflecting the northern kingdom's ongoing turmoil and moral decline. This verse fits into a larger narrative of God's judgment on unfaithful rulers and nations.
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