MPV Commentary

Pekah's Reign.

29. During Pekah's reign as king of Israel, Tiglath-pileser ascended to the throne of Assyria. This monarch is unique in that his genealogy is not recorded, leading some to believe he seized power through an usurpation. Archaeological discoveries at the Nimroud mound have uncovered Tiglath-pileser's annals, detailing this expedition into Syria. The conquered cities are listed as they were captured during the invasion.

30. Meanwhile, Hoshea, son of Elah, plotted against Pekah and succeeded in killing him. However, it would take approximately nine or ten years for Hoshea to secure the throne after committing this crime. Notably, Hoshea's reign began in the twentieth year following Jotham's ascension to the throne. Although Jotham's own reign lasted only sixteen years, the historian is counting from the start of his rule, as he had already introduced Jotham earlier (2 Chronicles 27:8).