Matthew Poole and continuators on 2 Kings 17:1

IN the twelfth year of Ahaz king of Judah, began Hoshea the son of Elah to reign in Samaria, over Israel nine years .

Quest. How can this be true, seeing it is said, that he reigned, or began to reign in Israel in the twentieth year of Iotham, chap. 15. 30. which was the Fourth Year of Ahaz, as was there noted? Ans. He usurped the Kingdom in Ahaz his Fourth Year; but either was not owned as King, by the generality of the People; or was not accepted and established in his Kingdom by the Assyrian, till Ahaz his Twelfth Year: Or, in his Eight First Years, he was onely a Tributary Prince, and the King of Assyria's Viceroy; and after that time he set up for himself, which drew the Assyrian upon him.

To wit, after his confirmation, and peaceable possession of his Kingdom: For in all, he reigned Seventeen, or Eighteen Years; to wit, Twelve with Ahaz, who reigned Sixteen Years, and Six with Hezekiah, 2 Kings 18. 10.

Marginal references: Heb. reigned.