2 Kings 13:1 - Exposition

In the three and twentieth year of Joash ; rather, as in Josephus ('Ant. Jud.,' 9.8. § 5), in the one and twentieth year . This is a correction required by 2 Kings 13:10 and also by 2 Kings 12:1 . The proof is given at somewhat tedious length by Keil and Bahr. It seems unnecessary to enter into a lengthy discussion of the point, since all the synchronisms of the later kings of Israel and Judah are in confusion, and appear to be the work of a later hand. The son of Ahaziah King of Judah, Jehoahaz the son of Jehu began to reign over Israel ; literally, reigned over Israel . The "later hand," which inserted the synchronism, neglected to bring the two portions of the verse into agreement. Our translators have sought to cover up his omission by translating malak "began to reign ," and then supplying "and reigned" in the next clause. And reigned seventeen years (so also Josephus, l.s.c. ).