2 Samuel 2:10
Saul’s son Ish-bosheth was forty years old when he began to reign over Israel, and he reigned for two years.
What it says
Ish-bosheth is forty years old when he begins to reign over Israel, and his reign lasts two years. His kingship is real but brief.
What it is doing
It supplies the basic frame of Ish-bosheth’s rule.
In context
8Meanwhile, Abner son of Ner, the commander of Saul’s army, took Saul’s son Ish-bosheth, moved him to Mahanaim, 9and made him king over Gilead, Asher, Jezreel, Ephraim, and Benjamin— over all Israel. 10Saul’s son Ish-bosheth was forty years old when he began to reign over Israel, and he reigned for two years. 11The house of Judah, however, followed David. And the length of time that David was king in Hebron over the house of Judah was seven years and six months.