In the twenty-third year of Joash: As elsewhere in the books of 1–2 Kings (for example, 2 Kgs 3.1), this formula is not an indication of the age of Joash, but rather refers to the twenty-third year of his rule over Judah as king.

Began to reign over Israel: This is a part of the usual introductory formula for the rule of a king. It should be translated in a way corresponding to what was done in 1 Kgs 15.25 and other instances where this same pattern is used.

In Samaria: As in 1 Kgs 16.29 and 2 Kgs 3.1, this pinpoints the location of the capital city during the reign of the king in view.

While the introductory formula often contains information about the mother of the king, no such information is given in this case.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Kings, Volume 2. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2008. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .