מלכים ב, פרק ט״ו, פסוק כ״ג

The transition of power in the ancient Kingdom of Israel often involves complex timelines that align with the kings of neighboring Judah. Pekahiah son of Menahem takes the throne in Samaria during the fiftieth year of Azariah's rule over Judah. Understanding this specific timing requires looking back at the reign of his father, Menahem.

Menahem began his rule during Azariah's fortieth year and held the throne for ten years. However, ancient royal chronologies often counted partial years as full years. Because Menahem's ten years were not complete calendar years, his time in power actually concluded during Azariah's forty-ninth year. This paved the way for Pekahiah to assume control the following year, which was the fiftieth year of Azariah's reign.

The timeline of Pekahiah's own rule follows this exact same pattern. While his time in power lasted for two years, this measurement also counts partial years rather than two full, complete years on the throne [מצודת דוד].