| 30. Linguistic Exegesis The narrative opens with the vav consecutive on the Qal imperfect vayikshar {וַיִּקְשָׁר | wayyîqšār}, marking sequential action, immediately followed by the noun kesher {קֶשֶׁר | qešer} to highlight the conspiracy. Construct chains ben-elah and ben-remalyāhû establish genealogical credentials crucial for royal legitimacy. The paired Hiphil verbs vayakkehu {וַיַּכֵּהוּ | wayyakêhû} and vayemitehu {וַיְמִיתֵהוּ | wayyamîṯêhû} intensify the overthrow by coupling striking and killing. The shift to the Qal imperfect vayimlōḵ {וַיִּמְלֹךְ | wayyimlōḵ} signals accession, with takhtav {תַּחְתָּיו | taḥtāv} specifying “in his place.” Finally, the temporal clause bishnat ʿeśrîm {בִּשְׁנַת עֶשְׂרִים | bišnāt ʿeśrîm} linked to ləyōṯām {לְיוֹתָם | ləyōṯām} situates the event within the established regnal framework of Kings. |