Charles Ellicott Commentary 2 Kings 12:1

"In the seventh year of Jehu began Jehoash to reign; and he reigned forty years in Jerusalem: and his mother`s name was Zibiah of Beer-sheba." — 2 Kings 12:1 (ASV)

THE REIGN OF JEHOASH, OR JOASH. (Compare to 2 Chronicles 24)

Forty years. —A common round number. David and Solomon are each said to have reigned forty years.

His mother’s name. —The author of these short abstracts generally gives this particular in regard to the kings of Judah.

Beer-sheba. —A famous Simeonite sanctuary, and resort of pilgrims (Amos 5:5; Amos 8:14).