KJV ORIGINAL
In the twelfth year of Ahaz king of Judah began Hoshea the son of Elah to reign in Samaria over Israel nine years.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
In the twelfth year that Ahaz was king of Judah, Hoshea son of Elah became king of Israel in Samaria and ruled for nine years.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
This verse records when Hoshea became the last king of Israel, marking the beginning of the end for the northern kingdom.
📚 Historical Context
This was around 732-722 BC, during a time when both Hebrew kingdoms were under threat from the expanding Assyrian Empire. Hoshea would become Israel's final king before the northern kingdom fell to Assyria and its people were carried into exile. The divided kingdom period was nearing its end for Israel, though Judah would survive longer.
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