KJV ORIGINAL
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.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
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.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
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
This was during the divided kingdom period (around 752-742 BC) when Israel and Judah were separate nations. Menahem came to power during a time of political instability in Israel, likely through violent means as was common during this chaotic period. The synchronization with Judah's king shows how the biblical writers carefully tracked the parallel histories of both kingdoms.
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