1 Chronicles

1 Chronicles front

Introduction to 1 Chronicles

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of 1 Chronicles

1. Lists of descendants (1:1-9:44)
   • From Adam to Jacob (1:1–2:2)
   • Jacob’s descendants (2:2–9:44)
2. Saul dies and David begins to reign (10:1-29:30)
   • Saul dies (10:1–14)
   • David captures Jerusalem (11:1-9)
   • David’s mighty men (11:10–12:40)
   • David prospers (13:1–22:1)
   • David prepares for Solomon to build the temple (22:2–29:30)

What are the Books of 1 and 2 Chronicles about?

The Book of 1 Chronicles retells the line of descendants from Adam to Saul. It then gives the history of Israel during the time of David. The Book of 2 Chronicles gives the history of Israel beginning with Solomon. It ends when the Babylonian army attacks Judah and takes some of the people to Babylon. The writers of Chronicles probably wrote these books for the Jews who returned from exile in Babylon. The purpose was to teach the people to avoid disobeying God as their ancestors did.

How should the title of this book be translated?

Translators can use the traditional title “1 Chronicles” or “First Chronicles.” You may also call this book “The Events of the Kings of Judah and Israel, Book 1” or “The First Book of the Events of the Kings of Judah and Israel.”

Who wrote 1 and 2 Chronicles?

The writers of 1 and 2 Chronicles are unknown. They mention that they used other books when writing Chronicles. The names of these other books are “The Chronicles of Samuel the Seer,” “The Chronicles of Nathan the Seer,” “The Chronicles of Gad the Seer,” “The History of Nathan the Prophet,” “The Chronicles of Shemaiah the Prophet and Iddo,” “The Story of the Prophet Iddo” and “The books of the kings of Judah and Israel.”

Why are there multiple books that give the history of the kings of Israel?

The books of Chronicles and the books of Kings tell much of the same history, but they are not exactly the same. The writers of Chronicles wrote mostly about the kings of Judah who were faithful to Yahweh and his covenant. The writers wanted the Jews to think carefully about David and Solomon. They also wanted the Jews to think about how Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah, and Josiah caused their ancestors to repent and to worship Yahweh. The writers wanted to encourage the Jews and their leaders to obey the law and to honor God’s covenant with them. (See: covenant)

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

Why did God punish the people of Israel?

God punished the people of Israel because they disobeyed him and worshiped false gods. God punished them with disease, disasters, and defeat in battle. However, God forgave them and caused them to prosper again if they repented and obeyed him. The writers of 1 and 2 Chronicles continually reminded the readers that God punished his people because they disobeyed. They wanted the readers to understand that they must obey God.

Why are alliances with foreign countries seen as evil in these books?

Yahweh led and protected the nation of Israel. The people of Israel should have trusted him instead of relying on other nations to protect them.

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

What is the meaning of the term “Israel”?

The name “Israel” is used in many different ways in the Bible. Jacob was the son of Isaac. God changed Jacob’s name to Israel. The descendants of Jacob became a nation also called Israel. Eventually, the nation of Israel split into two kingdoms. The northern kingdom was named Israel. The southern kingdom was named Judah.

What does it mean to “seek God”?

The writers of 1 and 2 Chronicles often wrote about “seeking God.” To “seek God” means to make an effort to please and honor God. It can also mean to ask God for help. It does not imply that God is hidden. (See: Metaphor)

What does the phrase “to this day” mean?

The writers used the phrase “to this day” to refer to the time when they were writing. The translator should be aware that “to this day” refers to a time already passed. The translator might decide to say, “to this day, at the time when this is being written,” or, “to this day, at the time of writing.” This Hebrew phrase occurs in 1 Chronicles 4:41, 43; 5:26; 13:11; 20:26; 21:10; 35:25.

1 Chronicles 1

1 Chronicles 1 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter gives the genealogies of Abraham, Esau and the early kings of Edom.

1 Chronicles 1:1

These are all names of men. Each man was the father or ancestor of the next man in the list. If your language has a specific way to mark this kind of list, you can use it here. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 1:2

These are all names of men. Each man was the father or ancestor of the next man in the list. If your language has a specific way to mark this kind of list, you can use it here. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 1:3

These are all names of men. Each man was the father or ancestor of the next man in the list. If your language has a specific way to mark this kind of list, you can use it here. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 1:4

Some versions, including the ULT and UST, include “The sons of” in order to make it clear that Shem, Ham, and Japheth were brothers to each other and sons of Noah. Otherwise, the reader would assume that each person represented one generation farther away from Noah, their ancestor.

Noah was Lamech’s son. Alternate translation: “Lamech’s son Noah”

1 Chronicles 1:5

These are all names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 1:6

These are all names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 1:7

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

These are names of people groups. (See: How to Translate Names)

This name is sometimes spelled “Dodanites.” (See: Textual Variants)

1 Chronicles 1:8

All of the names here are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 1:11

These are names of people groups. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 1:12

These are names of people groups. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “the ancestors of the Philistines”

1 Chronicles 1:13

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a people group. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 1:14

These are names of people groups. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 1:15

These are names of people groups. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 1:16

These are names of people groups. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 1:17

All of the names here are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 1:20

All of the names here are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 1:24

All of the names here are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 1:28

All of the names here are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 1:32

All of the names here except for Keturah are names of men. Keturah is the name of a woman. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 1:33

All of the names here except for Keturah are names of men. Keturah is the name of a woman. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 1:34

All of the names here are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 1:38

All of the names in this verse are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 1:39

All of the names here are names of men, execpt for Timna. Timna is the name of a woman. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 1:40

All of the names here are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 1:41

All of the names here are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 1:43

These are the names of places. (See: How to Translate Names)

These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 1:44

These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a place. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 1:45

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “Husham, from the land where Teman’s descendants lived, reigned after him”

This is the name of a people group. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 1:46

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a place. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 1:47

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a place. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 1:48

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a place. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 1:49

These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 1:50

These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a place. (See: How to Translate Names)

These are the names of women. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 1:51

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a place. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 1:52

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 1:53

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 1:54

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a place. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 2

1 Chronicles 2 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter records the descendants of Judah, son of Jacob.

1 Chronicles 2:1

All of the names here are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 2:2

All of the names here are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 2:3

These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “his sons whom Shua’s daughter, a Canaanite woman, bore” (See: Active or Passive)

This is the name of God that he revealed to his people in the Old Testament. See the translationWord page about Yahweh concerning how to translate this.

The sight of Yahweh represents his judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: “as Yahweh judged” (See: Metaphor)

The reader should understand that Yahweh may have had a person kill Er. (See: Metonymy)

1 Chronicles 2:4

This is the name of a woman. (See: How to Translate Names)

This refers to the wife of his son.

These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “gave birth to his sons Perez and Zerah”

“5 sons” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 2:5

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 2:6

These are all names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 2:7

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

what God had said he wanted the people to destroy

1 Chronicles 2:8

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 2:9

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 2:10

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 2:11

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 2:12

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 2:13

All of the names here are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

The word “son” is understood. Also, the numbers are in ordinal form. Alternate translation: “the second son … the third son” (See: Ellipsis and Ordinal Numbers)

1 Chronicles 2:14

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

The word “son” is understood. Also, the numbers are in ordinal form. Alternate translation: “the fourth son … the fifth son” (See: Ellipsis and Ordinal Numbers)

1 Chronicles 2:15

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

The word “son” is understood. Also, the numbers are in ordinal form. Alternate translation: “the sixth son … the seventh son” (See: Ellipsis and Ordinal Numbers)

1 Chronicles 2:16

All names here except Zeruiah and Abigail are the names of men. Zeruiah and Abigail are the names of women. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 2:17

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “Jether, a descendant of Ishmael”

1 Chronicles 2:18

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

These are names of women. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 2:19

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

These are names of women. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 2:20

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 2:21

All names in this list are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “gave birth to”

1 Chronicles 2:22

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

People gave the land the name of the man.

1 Chronicles 2:23

These are names of people groups named after ancestors. Translate “Aram” as in 1 Chronicles 1:17.

These are the names of places. (See: How to Translate Names)

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 2:24

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: “Caleb had sexual relations with Ephrathah” (See: Euphemism)

This is the name of a woman. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “gave birth to his son”

1 Chronicles 2:25

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 2:26

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a woman. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 2:27

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 2:28

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 2:29

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a woman. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 2:30

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 2:31

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 2:32

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 2:33

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 2:34

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 2:35

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “gave birth to his son”

1 Chronicles 2:36

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 2:37

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 2:38

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 2:39

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 2:40

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 2:41

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 2:42

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

Some versions read, “the founder of the clan of Hebron”

1 Chronicles 2:43

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 2:44

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

Some versions read, “the founder of the clan of Hebron … the founder of the clan of Raham, the founder of the clan of Jorkeam … the founder of the clan of Shammai.”

1 Chronicles 2:45

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 2:46

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a woman. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 2:47

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 2:48

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a woman. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 2:49

Alternate translation: “She also gave birth to””

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a woman. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 2:50

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a woman. (See: How to Translate Names)

Kiriath Jearim is the name of a town. The name of the town is a metonym for the people who live in the town. Alternate translation: “founder of Kiriath Jearim” (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 2:51

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

Bethlehem and Beth Gader are the names of towns. The names of the towns are metonyms for the people who live in the towns. Alternate translation: “founder of Bethlehem … founder of Beth Gader” (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 2:52

See: How to Translate Names

Shobal is the name of a man, and Kiriath Jearim is the name of a town. See how you translated this in 1 Chronicles 2:50. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a clan.

1 Chronicles 2:53

These are the names of clans.

1 Chronicles 2:54

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a town where Salma’s descendants settled and represents the people living in that town. Alternate translation: “the people of Bethlehem” (See: How to Translate Names)

These are names of clans. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 2:55

This is the name of a town. (See: How to Translate Names)

These are names of clans. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “the Kenites who descended from Hamath”

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 3

1 Chronicles 3 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter records the descendants of King David.

1 Chronicles 3:1

David was a son of Jesse, who was a descendant of Judah (1 Chronicles 2:15).

These are the names of women who were David’s wives. (See: How to Translate Names)

This man has the same name as an Israelite prophet but is a different person.

1 Chronicles 3:2

These are the names of women who were David’s wives. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 3:3

These are the names of women who were David’s wives. (See: How to Translate Names)

These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 3:4

This can also be translated as a separate sentence. Alternate translation: “David reigned there seven years and six months”

“33 years” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 3:5

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 3:6

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 3:7

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 3:8

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 3:9

This is the name of a woman. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 3:10

This is the beginning of the list of David’s descendants who became king. All of the names in this list are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

Solomon had more than one son. The same is true of other men in the list. Alternate translation: “Solomon was the father of Rehoboam. Rehoboam was the father of Abijah”

1 Chronicles 3:12

This was another name for Uzziah, the better-known name for this king. Translators may decide to use “Uzziah” everywhere for this king.

1 Chronicles 3:17

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

Some versions have “Jeconiah,” which is a variation of “Jehoiachin.”

This may be a title that was given to Jehoiachin because he was taken into captivity. However, some versions regard the word as “Assir,” the name of one of his sons.

1 Chronicles 3:18

These are all names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 3:19

All of the names in this list except Shelomith are the names of men. Shelomith is a woman’s name. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 3:20

These are all names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 3:21

These are all names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

This man has the same name as the prophet Obadiah but is a different person. (See: How to Translate Names)

Different versions put these people into different relationships with each other because the Hebrew is not very clear about them.

1 Chronicles 3:22

All of the names in this list are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 3:23

These are all names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 3:24

These are all names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 4

1 Chronicles 4 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter records the other descendants of Judah.

1 Chronicles 4:1

All of the names in this list are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 4:2

All of the names in this list except the Zorathites are the names of men. Zorathites is the name of a people group who took their name from the town of Zorah where they lived. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 4:3

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a woman. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 4:4

These are names of cities. (See: How to Translate Names)

These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

“Peniel and Ezer were descendants of Hur.” This points forward to the list that will follow.

This is the name of a woman. See how you translated this in 1 Chronicles 2:50.

1 Chronicles 4:5

See how you translated these men’s names in 1 Chronicles 2:24.

These are the names of women. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 4:6

Alternate translation: “gave birth to his sons”

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

These are understood here as the names of men. However, some versions understand them as the names of clans that were begun by the sons of Ashhur.

1 Chronicles 4:7

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 4:8

These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

A new sentence can start here. “Koz also became the ancestor of Harum and the clans that descended from Harum’s son Aharhel”

1 Chronicles 4:9

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 4:10

Alternate translation: “give me more land”

Possible meanings are that God’s hand: is: (1) a metonym for his guidance, his power, or his protection. Alternate translation: “you will guide me” or “you will make me prosper” or “you will protect me” or (2) a synecdoche for himself. Alternate translation: “you will be with me” (See: Metonymy and Synecdoche)

The words “his prayer” are a metonym for what Jabez asked in the prayer. Alternate translation: “did what Jabez had asked him to do” (See: Metonymy)

1 Chronicles 4:11

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 4:12

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

It apprears that Ir Nahash may have been a city. Alternate translation: “Tehinnah, the founder of the city of Nahash” (See: How to Translate Names)

These are the names of places. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 4:13

It may be helpful to create a verse bridge and to put verse 15 together with verse 13 since Kenaz was a descendant of Jephunneh and Caleb. (See: Verse Bridges)

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 4:14

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

Ge-Harashim means “Valley of Craftsmen.” This can be made explicit with an explanation. Alternate translation: “Ge-Harashim, which means ‘Craftsmen’s Valley.’ It was called this because its people were craftsmen” (See: How to Translate Names and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

people skilled at making or building things

1 Chronicles 4:15

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 4:16

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 4:17

You may want to combine the information in 1 Chronicles 4:17-18 into one verse so its meaning can be more easily understood. (See: Verse Bridges)

These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

The word “these” refers to Miriam, Shammai, and Ishbah. They were the sons Bithiah bore for her husband Mered.

This is the name of a woman.

1 Chronicles 4:18

These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

The Hebrew text says, “His Judahite wife,” but most versions understand “his” to refer to Mered. This refers to a different wife of Mered, in addition to Bithiah.

1 Chronicles 4:19

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

someone from the Gar people group (See: How to Translate Names)

someone from the region of Maacah, which is also called Maacath (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 4:20

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 4:21

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

These are names of towns. (See: How to Translate Names)

people who made clothing out of a fabric made from crushed reeds (See: Translate Unknowns)

1 Chronicles 4:22

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

These are names of towns. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 4:23

the people who make containers out of clay

These are names of towns. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 4:24

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 4:25

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 4:26

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

the son of Mishma’s son

the son of Mishma’s grandson

1 Chronicles 4:27

“16 sons and 6 daughters” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 4:28

These are the names of towns. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 4:29

These are the names of towns. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 4:30

These are names of towns. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 4:31

These are names of towns. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 4:32

These are the names of villages. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 4:33

the villages that were near but outside the main town

This is the name of a town. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 4:34

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 4:35

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 4:36

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 4:37

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 4:38

Alternate translation: “These men were leaders”

The clan is a metonym for the people in the clan. Alternate translation: “the number of people in their clans increased greatly” (See: Metonymy)

1 Chronicles 4:39

This is the name of a town. (See: How to Translate Names)

an area of land where their flocks could feed on the grass

1 Chronicles 4:40

Alternate translation: “pastures with much good food for their animals”

a people group, descendants of Ham

1 Chronicles 4:41

a people group. Alternate translation: “descendants of Meun” (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 4:42

“500 men” (See: Numbers)

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 4:43

Alternate translation: “the remaining Amalekite refugees”

people who are forced to leave their home country

“from then until now.” This refers to the day when the author was writing this account.

1 Chronicles 5

1 Chronicles 5 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter records the descendants of Jacob’s sons who lived east of the Jordan River: Reuben, Gad and Manasseh.

1 Chronicles 5:1

The word “now” is used here to mark the change from the lists of descendants to background information about Reuben. (See: Background Information)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “but Israel gave Reuben’s birthright to the sons of Joseph, another of Israel’s sons” (See: Active or Passive)

This is a polite way to speak about Reuben sleeping with his father’s secondary wife. The couch is the place where a man and his wife would have slept together. (See: Euphemism and Metonymy)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “So the family history does not list Reuben as the oldest son” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Chronicles 5:2

This verse finishes the background information about Reuben. (See: Background Information)

1 Chronicles 5:3

These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 5:4

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 5:5

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 5:6

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 5:7

This can start a new sentence: “Their genealogical records list them as” (See: Active or Passive)

records that show how people in a family are related to each other

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 5:8

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

These are the names of cities. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 5:10

This is a name of a people group. (See: How to Translate Names)

The tents are a synecdoche for the land and the buildings on the land. Alternate translation: “took over all the Hagrites’ land and buildings” or “lived in all the Hagrite territory” (See: Synecdoche)

1 Chronicles 5:11

This is the name of a city. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 5:12

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 5:13

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 5:14

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 5:15

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 5:16

Alternate translation: “The tribe of Gad lived”

the areas of land where animals feed on grass

1 Chronicles 5:17

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “Genealogical records listed them all” or “The records of their family’s ancestry listed them all” (See: Active or Passive)

It is not clear how many of the preceding people this refers to.

1 Chronicles 5:18

This refers to the people from the tribe of Rueben. (See: How to Translate Names)

This refers to the people from the tribe of Gad.

“forty-four thousand seven hundred and sixty soldiers” (See: Numbers)

The soldiers are described as skilled in warfare by the weapons they carried. Alternate translation: “who were all trained to fight well in battles” (See: Metonymy Ellipsis)

1 Chronicles 5:19

These are the names of people groups.

1 Chronicles 5:20

Alternate translation: “the Israelites prayed to God for help”

1 Chronicles 5:21

Alternate translation: “The Israelites captured the Hagrites’ animals”

“50,000 camels” (See: Numbers)

“two hundred and fifty thousand sheep” (See: Numbers)

“2,000 donkeys” (See: Numbers)

“one hundred thousand men” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 5:22

God’s help in battle is described as if he were the one who caused the battle. Alternate translation: “God helped them”

1 Chronicles 5:23

These are the names of mountains. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 5:24

These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

extended families, people related to each other who usually lived in different houses, what the UST calls “clans”

1 Chronicles 5:26

These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

These are the names of people groups. (See: How to Translate Names)

These are names of towns. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a river. (See: How to Translate Names)

See how you translated this phrase in 1 Chronicles 4:43

1 Chronicles 6

1 Chronicles 6 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter records the descendants of Levi.

1 Chronicles 6:1

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 6:2

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 6:3

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 6:4

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 6:5

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 6:6

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 6:7

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 6:8

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 6:9

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 6:10

The reader should understand that Solomon probably hired workers to do the work. (See: Metonymy)

1 Chronicles 6:11

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 6:12

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 6:13

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 6:14

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 6:15

The power Nebuchadnezzar has through his army is described as the part of his body (“hand”) he uses to direct his army. Alternate translation: “allowed Nebuchadnezzar’s army to defeat the armies of Judah and Jerusalem and take the people into captivity” (See: Synecdoche)

1 Chronicles 6:16

Translate the names of these men as in 1 Chronicles 6:1.

1 Chronicles 6:17

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 6:18

Translate the names of these men as in 1 Chronicles 6:2.

1 Chronicles 6:19

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 6:20

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 6:21

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 6:22

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 6:23

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 6:24

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 6:25

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 6:26

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 6:27

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 6:28

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

the second son

1 Chronicles 6:29

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 6:30

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 6:31

“where people met with Yahweh” This was a tent in David’s time.

Alternate translation: “the people of Israel placed the ark there”

1 Chronicles 6:32

This could mean: (1) that “the tent of meeting” and “the tabernacle” are two names for the same thing or (2) the tabernacle is part of the tent of meeting, “the sanctuary of the tent of meeting”

Alternate translation: “They did their work” or “They did their various kinds of work”

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “according to the instructions that David gave them” or “according to the instructions they received” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Chronicles 6:33

Alternate translation: “These were the musicians”

This is the name of a people group, the descendants of Kohath (1 Chronicles 6:1). (See: How to Translate Names)

This means the list is going in order from the most recent to the oldest.

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 6:34

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

See how you translated this man’s name in 1 Chronicles 6:25.

1 Chronicles 6:35

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

See how you translated these men’s names in 1 Chronicles 6:25.

1 Chronicles 6:36

See how you translated these men’s names in 1 Chronicles 6:25.

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 6:37

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 6:38

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 6:39

Alternate translation: “Heman’s fellow worker”

The authority of a person is described by where they stand. The right side of a person is the place where the person with the most authority stands. (See: Metonymy)

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 6:40

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 6:41

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 6:42

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 6:43

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 6:44

See: How to Translate Names

Alternate translation: “Standing on Heman’s left side”

Alternate translation: “his fellow workers”

See how you translated these men’s names in 1 Chronicles 2:6.

See how you translated the name of this man in 1 Chronicles 6:1.

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 6:45

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 6:46

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 6:47

See how you translated these men’s names in 1 Chronicles 6:19.

1 Chronicles 6:48

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “God had assigned their associates, the Levites, to do” or “It was the duty of their fellow workers, the Levites, to do” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Chronicles 6:49

Alternate translation: “They offered these things to make atonement for the sins of the people of Israel”

1 Chronicles 6:50

Alternate translation: “These were the descendants of Aaron”

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 6:51

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 6:52

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 6:53

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 6:54

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “These are the places where God assigned Aaron’s descendants to live” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “where the descendants of Aaron … Kohathites were to live”

The Israelites drew lots to decide where people would live. Alternate translation: “Kohathites. The first lot that they drew was theirs” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This is the name of a people group, the descendants of Kohath (1 Chronicles 6:1). See how you translated this in 1 Chronicles 6:33.

1 Chronicles 6:55

Alternate translation: “They gave Hebron to the Kohathites”

the land with grass for animals to eat. See how you translated this in 1 Chronicles 5:16.

1 Chronicles 6:57

These are names of places. (See: How to Translate Names)

the land with grass for animals to eat. See how you translated this in 1 Chronicles 5:16.

1 Chronicles 6:58

These are names of places. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 6:59

These are names of towns. (See: How to Translate Names)

the land with grass for animals to eat. See how you translated this in 1 Chronicles 5:16.

1 Chronicles 6:60

These are names of towns. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 6:62

“The clans of Gershon’s descendants gained 13 cities” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 6:63

See how you translated this man’s name in 1 Chronicles 6:1.

1 Chronicles 6:64

the land with grass for animals to eat. See how you translated this in 1 Chronicles 5:16.

1 Chronicles 6:65

The towns mentioned in 1 Chronicles 6:55 and 1 Chronicles 6:60.

1 Chronicles 6:66

This is the name of a people group, the descendants of Kohath (1 Chronicles 6:1). See how you translated this family name in 1 Chronicles 6:33.

1 Chronicles 6:67

These are names of towns. (See: How to Translate Names)

the land with grass for animals to eat. See how you translated this in 1 Chronicles 5:16.

1 Chronicles 6:68

These are names of towns. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 6:69

These are names of towns. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 6:70

These are names of towns. (See: How to Translate Names)

the land with grass for animals to eat. See how you translated this in 1 Chronicles 5:16.

1 Chronicles 6:71

See how you translated this man’s name in 1 Chronicles 6:1.

These are names of towns. (See: How to Translate Names)

the land with grass for animals to eat. See how you translated this in 1 Chronicles 5:16.

1 Chronicles 6:72

These are names of towns. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 6:73

These are names of towns. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 6:74

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “The tribe of Asher gave Issachar” (See: Active or Passive)

These are names of towns. (See: How to Translate Names)

the land with grass for animals to eat. See how you translated this in 1 Chronicles 5:16.

1 Chronicles 6:75

These are names of towns. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 6:76

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “The tribe of Naphtali gave them” (See: Active or Passive)

These are names of towns. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 6:77

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “The tribe of Zebulun gave the rest … descendants” (See: Active or Passive)

Translate “Merari” as in 1 Chronicles 6:1.

These are names of towns. (See: How to Translate Names)

the land with grass for animals to eat. See how you translated this in 1 Chronicles 5:16.

1 Chronicles 6:78

The information in 1 Chronicles 6:78-79 can be rearranged as in the UST so its meaning can be more easily understood. (See: Verse Bridges)

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “the tribe of Reuben, across … Jericho, gave them” (See: Active or Passive)

These are names of towns. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 6:79

The information in 1 Chronicles 6:78-79 can be rearranged as in the UST so its meaning can be more easily understood. (See: Verse Bridges)

These are names of towns. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 6:80

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “The tribe of Gad gave the Levites” (See: Active or Passive)

These are names of towns. (See: How to Translate Names)

the land with grass for animals to eat. See how you translated this in 1 Chronicles 5:16.

1 Chronicles 6:81

These are names of towns. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 7

1 Chronicles 7 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter records the descendants of Issachar, Benjamin, Ephraim, Asher, and Manasseh living west of the Jordan River.

1 Chronicles 7:1

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 7:2

All of the names here are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

The words “father’s houses” refers to extended families, people related to each other who usually lived in different houses, what the UST calls “clans.”

“They numbered twenty-two thousand six hundred” or “There were 22,600 men” (See: Numbers)

Alternate translation: “during David’s life” or “while David was alive”

1 Chronicles 7:3

All of the names here are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 7:4

Another possible meaning is “Among them were.”

“36,000 soldiers who were ready for battle” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 7:5

“87,000 fighting men” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 7:6

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 7:7

All of the names here are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

“twenty-two thousand and thirty-four” (See: Numbers)

extended families, people related to each other who usually lived in different houses, what the UST calls “clans”

1 Chronicles 7:8

All of the names here are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 7:9

“twenty thousand two hundred family leaders” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 7:10

All of the names here are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 7:11

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “The clan lists contained 17,200”

“seventeen thousand two hundred heads of houses” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 7:12

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

These are names of clans of people. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 7:13

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

“the sons of Bilhah’s son.” Bilhah is the name of a woman. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 7:14

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “Aramean concubine gave birth to”

These are names of men. See how you translated “Makir, father of Gilead” in 1 Chronicles 2:21. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 7:15

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

See how you translated these names in 1 Chronicles 7:12.

This is the name of a woman. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 7:16

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 7:17

All of the names here are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 7:18

All of the names here except Hammoleketh are names of men. Hammoleketh is the name of a woman. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 7:19

All of the names here are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 7:20

All of the names here are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 7:21

All of the names here except Gath are names of men. Gath is the name of a place. (See: How to Translate Names)

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “Men of Gath, the natives in the land, killed Ezer and Elead” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “the brothers went to steal the cattle from the people of Gath”

1 Chronicles 7:23

This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: “he had sexual relations with his wife” (See: Euphemism)

Alternate translation: “She became pregnant and gave birth to a son”

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “named him”

1 Chronicles 7:24

This is the name of a woman. (See: How to Translate Names)

These are names of towns. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 7:25

All of the names here are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 7:26

All of the names here are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 7:27

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 7:28

All of the names listed here are names of towns. (See: How to Translate Names)

The abstract nouns “possessions” and “residences” can be translated with verbal phrases. Alternate translation: “They possessed and resided in Bethel … villages” or “They owned and lived in Bethel … villages” (See: Abstract Nouns)

1 Chronicles 7:29

These are names of towns. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “The descendants of Joseph, son of Israel, lived in these towns”

1 Chronicles 7:30

All of the names here except Serah are names of men. Serah is the name of a woman. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 7:31

All of the names here are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 7:32

All of the names here except Shua are names of men. Shua is the name of a woman. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 7:33

All of the names here are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 7:34

All of the names here are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 7:35

All of the names here are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 7:36

All of the names here are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 7:37

All of the names here are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 7:38

All of the names here are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 7:39

All of the names here are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 7:40

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

extended families, people related to each other who usually lived in different houses, what the UST calls “clans”

Alternate translation: “important men”

“According to the clan records, there were 26,000 men who were able to serve in the military” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 8

1 Chronicles 8 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter records the genealogy of Saul’s family.

1 Chronicles 8:1

All of the names here are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 8:2

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 8:3

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 8:4

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 8:5

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 8:6

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

extended families, people related to each other who usually lived in different houses, what the UST calls “clans”

These are names of towns. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “needed to move” or “had to move”

1 Chronicles 8:7

All of the names here are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 8:8

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

These are names of women. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 8:9

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “Shaharaim and his wife Hodesh had the following sons:”

This is the name of a woman. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 8:10

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

extended families, people related to each other who usually lived in different houses, what the UST calls “clans”

1 Chronicles 8:11

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a woman. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 8:12

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

These are names of places. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 8:13

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

extended families, people related to each other who usually lived in different houses, what the UST calls “clans”

These are names of places. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 8:14

All of the names here are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 8:15

All of the names here are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 8:16

All of the names here are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 8:17

All of the names here are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

You can combine the information in 1 Chronicles 8:17-18 into one verse so its meaning can be more easily understood. (See: Verse Bridges)

1 Chronicles 8:18

All of the names here are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 8:19

All of the names here are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

You can combine the information in 1 Chronicles 8:19-21 into one verse so its meaning can be more easily understood. (See: Verse Bridges)

1 Chronicles 8:20

All of the names here are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

The information in 1 Chronicles 8:19-21 has been rearranged so its meaning can be more easily understood. All of the names here are names of men. (See: Verse Bridges and How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 8:21

All of the names here are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 8:22

All of the names here are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

You can combine the information in 1 Chronicles 8:22-25 into one verse so its meaning can be more easily understood. (See: Verse Bridges)

1 Chronicles 8:23

All of the names here are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 8:24

All of the names here are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 8:25

All of the names here are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 8:26

All of the names here are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

You can combine the information in 1 Chronicles 8:26-27 into one verse so its meaning can be more easily understood. (See: Verse Bridges)

1 Chronicles 8:27

All of the names here are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 8:28

extended families, people related to each other who usually lived in different houses, what the UST calls “clans”

1 Chronicles 8:29

Here “father of” refers to Jeiel’s status as the leading person in the city of Gibeon. Alternate translation: “Jeiel, the leader of Gibeon, lived in Gibeon. His wife’s name was Maakah” (See: Idiom)

This is the name of a town. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a woman. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 8:30

Alternate translation: “Jeiel’s first son”

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 8:31

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 8:32

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 8:33

All of the names here are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 8:34

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 8:35

All of the names here are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 8:36

All of the names here are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 8:37

All of the names here are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 8:38

All of the names here are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 8:39

All of the names here are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

“Jeush, who was born after Ulam, and Eliphelet, who was born after Jeush” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

1 Chronicles 8:40

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

“a total of one hundred fifty sons and grandsons” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 9

1 Chronicles 9 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter records the genealogy of the people who returned to Jerusalem after the exile and the family of Saul.

1 Chronicles 9:1

This can be translated in active form. The reader should understand that the people who wrote the genealogies included the names of the people who had already died. Alternate translation: “The Israelites recorded all of themselves in genealogies” (See: Active or Passive)

family records that name ancestors and descendants

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “They wrote the names in the book … Israel” (See: Active or Passive)

This refers to a book that no longer exists.

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “The Babylonians carried them away in exile” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Chronicles 9:4

All of the names here are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 9:5

This is the name of a people group descended from Shelah. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 9:6

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

“numbered six hundred ninety people” (See: Numbers and Ellipsis)

1 Chronicles 9:7

All of the names here are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 9:8

All of the names here are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 9:9

“numbered nine hundred and fifty-six people” (See: Numbers and Ellipsis)

Extended families are people related to each other who usually live in different houses, what the UST calls “clans.” Alternate translation: “leaders of their extended families”

1 Chronicles 9:10

All of the names here are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 9:11

All of the names here are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

the second temple, which the people built after they returned from Babylon

1 Chronicles 9:12

All of the names here are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 9:13

Alternate translation: “These capable men worked”

the second temple, which the people built after they returned from Babylon

extended families, people related to each other who usually lived in different houses, clans

“numbered one thousand and sixty priests” or “numbered seventeen hundred and sixty priests” (See: Numbers and Ellipsis)

1 Chronicles 9:14

All of the names here are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “one of the descendants”

1 Chronicles 9:15

All of the names here are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 9:16

All of the names here except “Netophathites” are the names of men. The Netophathites were a people group. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 9:17

Alternate translation: “The guards were” or “The gatekeepers were”

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 9:18

Alternate translation: “Levi’s descendants guarded the king’s gate on the east side of their camp”

1 Chronicles 9:19

These are all the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

descendants of Korah (See: How to Translate Names)

These phrases both refer to the entrance of the tent of meeting, or the tabernacle.

This is a metonym for the second temple, which the people built after they returned from Babylon. (See: Metonymy)

1 Chronicles 9:20

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

“in charge of the Korahites” (1 Chronicles 9:19)

1 Chronicles 9:21

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

The building where the Israelites prayed and offered sacrifices to God was sometimes called “the tent of meeting” in memory of the tent where Moses met with God when he and the Israelites were in the wilderness many years before this. Alternate translation: “the tent of meeting, that is, the temple”

1 Chronicles 9:22

(See: Numbers)

It is not clear who chose these men, so if you have to translate in active form, use your language’s most general way of doing so. Alternate translation: “whom they had chosen to be gatekeepers” (See: Active or Passive)

“numbered two hundred and twelve” (See: Numbers)

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “The records in peoples’ villages included the names of these men” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Chronicles 9:23

Alternate translation: “their descendants”

1 Chronicles 9:24

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “men guarded the entrances” (See: Active or Passive)

The words “east, west, north, and south” explain the words “all four sides.”

1 Chronicles 9:25

Alternate translation: “The guards’ brothers”

“would come to help for 7-day periods, taking turns” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 9:26

It is not clear who assigned these men, so if you have to translate in active form, use your language’s most general way of doing so. Alternate translation: “they assigned the four leaders … to guard the rooms” (See: Active or Passive)

the second temple, which the people built after they returned from Babylon

1 Chronicles 9:28

Alternate translation: “Some of the guards”

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “they counted the articles that people took out to use, and they counted the articles when people brought them back” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Chronicles 9:29

It is not clear who assigned these men, so if you have to translate in active form, use your language’s most general way of doing so. Alternate translation: “The leaders also assigned some of them to take care of” or “Some of them also took care of” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Chronicles 9:31

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a people group. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 9:32

This is the name of a people group. (See: How to Translate Names)

See the translationWord page about “bread” for the specific definition of “bread of the presence.”

1 Chronicles 9:33

extended families, people related to each other who usually lived in different houses, what the UST calls “clans”

Alternate translation: “they did not have to do other work”

Alternate translation: “complete the tasks they needed to do”

This means “at all times” and can be translated using a phrase or word from your language or culture that gives the same meaning. (See: Merism)

1 Chronicles 9:34

Alternate translation: “The family history lists included the names of these Levite family leaders”

1 Chronicles 9:35

Alternate translation: “the man Gibeon … the town of Gibeon”

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a woman. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 9:36

All of the names here are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 9:37

All of the names here are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 9:38

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 9:39

All of the names here are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 9:40

All of the names here are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 9:41

All of the names here are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 9:42

All of the names here are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 9:43

All of the names here are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 9:44

All of the names here are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 10

1 Chronicles 10 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

The death of Saul

Saul died because he disobeyed God.

1 Chronicles 10:1

It is implied that these men were Israelite soldiers. Alternate translation: “The whole army of Israel ran away from the Philistines” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This is probably a generalization. It seems that while all the soldiers did run away, not all of them died. Alternate translation: “Every man of Israel … most of them died” (See: Hyperbole)

1 Chronicles 10:2

See how you translated these men’s names in 1 Chronicles 8:33. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 10:4

The action of stabbing is a metonym for the result, death. Alternate translation: “kill me with it” (See: Metonymy)

The nominal adjective “uncircumcised” can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: “these people who are uncircumcised will come” or “these uncircumcised people will come” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Here “uncircumcised” represents people who do not belong to Yahweh. Alternate translation: “these people who do not belong to Yahweh” or “these heathen Philistines” (See: Metonymy)

Saul probably stuck the handle into the ground and leaned on the point so the sword would go through his body as he fell down. The action is a metonym for the result, death. Alternate translation: “killed himself with it” (See: Metonymy)

1 Chronicles 10:5

He probably stuck the handle into the ground and leaned on the point so the sword would go through his body as he fell down. The action is a metonym for the result, death. See how you translated this in 1 Chronicles 10:4. Alternate translation: “killed himself with his sword” (See: Metonymy)

1 Chronicles 10:6

The word “died” is understood from the previous phrase. It can be repeated. Alternate translation: “and his 3 sons died” (See: Ellipsis and Numbers)

1 Chronicles 10:7

This is probably a generalization. Alternate translation: “When the men of Israel” (See: Hyperbole)

Alternate translation: “the Israelite soldiers had fled”

“the Philistines came and lived in the cities from which the Israelites had fled.” This probably happened after the events in verses 8-12.

1 Chronicles 10:8

This phrase is used here to mark an important event in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

Alternate translation: “to take everything of value off of the dead bodies”

Here “fallen” is a polite way to refer to someone who died in battle. Alternate translation: “Saul and his sons dead” (See: Euphemism)

1 Chronicles 10:9

Alternate translation: “The Philistines removed everything from Saul’s body”

They told the people what had happened and praised their idols in prayer.

A person telling others about something that has happened is spoken of as if the person were carrying a solid object and giving it to those other people. Alternate translation: “to tell what had happened” (See: Metaphor)

1 Chronicles 10:10

Alternate translation: “The Philistines put Saul’s armor”

This is the name of a false god. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 10:11

Both instances of the word “all” are generalizations. The name of the town is a metonym for the people who live in the town, and the people group name is a metonym for that people group’s soldiers. Alternate translation: “When the people of Jabesh Gilead heard what the soldiers of the Philistine army” (See: Hyperbole and Metonymy)

This is the name of a town in the region of Gilead. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 10:12

The bones are a synecdoche for the dead bodies. Alternate translation: “their bodies” (See: Synecdoche)

“7 days” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 10:13

Verses 13 and 14 give a summary of why Saul died. If your language has a way of showing that this is not part of the story line, you could use it here.

1 Chronicles 10:14

Verses 13 and 14 give a summary of why Saul died. If your language has a way of showing that this is not part of the story line, you could use it here.

Alternate translation: “did not ask Yahweh to guide him”

Here “turned over the kingdom” is an idiom that means to give someone authority over a kingdom. Alternate translation: “made David, son of Jesse, king” (See: Idiom)

1 Chronicles 11

1 Chronicles 11 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The story of David begins here and continues throughout the remainder of this book.

Special concepts in this chapter

King David the military leader

David was made the king of all Israel and was the leader of their army. He conquered Jerusalem and strengthened its defenses. He had many brave men in his army that did great deeds. (See: work, works, deeds)

1 Chronicles 11:1

This is a generalization that means people from every tribe in Israel came to David, but not every individual. Alternate translation: “people from throughout Israel came to David” or “people from every tribe in Israel came to David” (See: Hyperbole)

This idiom means that they are relatives. Alternate translation: “we are your relatives” or “we have the same ancestors as you” (See: Idiom)

1 Chronicles 11:2

This is historical information. Saul had been their king before David. (See: Background Information)

These two clauses mean basically the same thing and emphasize that Yahweh had chosen David to be king. (See: Parallelism)

Here ruling over the people is spoken of as shepherding them. Alternate translation: “‘You will care for my people Israel” or “You will lead my people Israel” (See: Metaphor)

1 Chronicles 11:3

To “anoint” is a symbolic act to show that they recognized that God had chosen David as king. (See: Symbolic Action)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the word of Yahweh that Samuel had declared” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Chronicles 11:4

Here the phrase “all Israel” represents the entire Israelite army. Alternate translation: “David and all the Israelite army” (See: Metonymy)

The word “now” is used to mark a break in the main story line. Here the narrator tells background information about Jerusalem. (See: Background Information)

1 Chronicles 11:5

Here the word “took” is an idiom that means “captured” or “conquered.” Since David led the army, his name here is a synecdoche for the whole army who attacked the city. Alternate translation: “David captured the stronghold of Zion” or “David and the Israelite army captured the stronghold of Zion” (See: Idiom and Synecdoche)

Both of these names refer to Jerusalem.

1 Chronicles 11:6

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “so David made Joab the chief” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Chronicles 11:8

The word “he” refers to David. The reader should understand that David and Joab were probably in charge of other men who made the fortifications. (See: Metonymy)

This likely refers to a terraced structure that consisted of retaining walls with dirt filled in behind them. (See: Translate Unknowns)

1 Chronicles 11:10

Alternate translation: “These were the leaders of David’s warriors”

This phrase means that both the leaders of David’s army, and the full army, helped David to establish himself as king over Israel. Alternate translation: “who strongly supported David’s kingdom … to make him king” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

1 Chronicles 11:11

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

This refers to a person from the Hachmon clan. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “in one battle”

1 Chronicles 11:12

Alternate translation: “After Jashobeam”

These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

The “Ahohites” is the name of a people group. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 11:13

This is the name of a place. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 11:14

Alternate translation: “David and Eleazar stood in the middle of the field”

This means that they killed the Philistine soldiers with their swords. Alternate translation: “killed the Philistines” (See: Euphemism)

1 Chronicles 11:15

“3 of the 30” (See: Numbers)

“the cave near the town of Adullam.” Adullam is near Bethlehem. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a place. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 11:16

Alternate translation: “in his safe place in a cave”

Alternate translation: “the Philistines had stationed soldiers in Bethlehem”

1 Chronicles 11:17

These two phrases refer to the same well. The second specifies which well in Bethlehem. (See: Doublet)

1 Chronicles 11:18

“3 mighty men” (See: Numbers)

Alternate translation: “fought their way through the army of the Philistines”

These two phrases refer to the same well. The second specifies which well in Bethlehem. See how you translated a similar phrase in 1 Chronicles 11:17. (See: Doublet)

This means that he poured out the water as an offering to Yahweh. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

1 Chronicles 11:19

Alternate translation: “May I never do something like this!” or “This is something I should never do!”

David speaks of the water as if it were blood because the men risked their lives to bring the water to him. He uses a question to emphasize this. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “I should not drink this water, which would be like drinking the blood of these men who have risked their lives to bring it to me.” (See: Metaphor and Rhetorical Question)

1 Chronicles 11:20

See how you translated this man’s name in 1 Chronicles 2:16.

This means Abishai was the leader of the three men who went and got water for David.

“300 men” or “300 warriors” (See: Numbers)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “People often mentioned him when they spoke of the Three” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Chronicles 11:21

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. This could mean: (1) that he received double the honor that the Three received. Alternate translation: “People gave him twice as much honor as they gave the Three and he became” or (2) the Three honored him more than they honored others. Alternate translation: “The Three honored him more than they honored others and he became” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Chronicles 11:22

These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a city. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 11:23

A “cubit” is a unit of measurement equal to 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: “2.3 meters” (See: Biblical Distance)

This compares the size of the spear with the size of a weaver’s beam. Alternate translation: “a spear the size of a weaver’s beam” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

“Benaiah went down to the Egyptian.” This idiom means that he met him in battle. Alternate translation: “he attacked him” (See: Idiom)

1 Chronicles 11:24

Alternate translation: “did these mighty deeds”

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people praised him like they praised the three mighty men” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Chronicles 11:25

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The people respected him more than the 30 soldiers, but not as much as the 3 most elite soldiers” (See: Active or Passive)

the group of people responsible for protecting David

1 Chronicles 11:27

This continues the list of David’s thirty most important warriors. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 11:28

This continues the list of David’s thirty most important warriors. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 11:29

This continues the list of David’s thirty most important warriors. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 11:30

This continues the list of David’s thirty most important warriors. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 11:31

This continues the list of David’s thirty most important warriors. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 11:32

This continues the list of David’s thirty most important warriors. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 11:33

This continues the list of David’s thirty most important warriors. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 11:34

This continues the list of David’s thirty most important warriors. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 11:35

This continues the list of David’s thirty most important warriors. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 11:36

This continues the list of David’s thirty most important warriors. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 11:37

This continues the list of David’s thirty most important warriors. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 11:38

This continues the list of David’s thirty most important warriors. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 11:39

This continues the list of David’s thirty most important warriors. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 11:40

This continues the list of David’s thirty most important warriors. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 11:41

This continues the list of David’s thirty most important warriors. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 11:42

This continues the list of David’s thirty most important warriors. (See: How to Translate Names)

“30 men with him” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 11:43

This continues the list of David’s thirty most important warriors. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 11:44

This continues the list of David’s thirty most important warriors. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 11:45

This concludes the list of David’s thirty most important warriors. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 11:46

This continues the list of David’s thirty most important warriors. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 11:47

This ends the list of David’s thirty most important warriors. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 12

1 Chronicles 12 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

“[They] could use both the right hand and the left”

These soldiers were very skilled. They were able to fight with either hand. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

King David

This chapter records all those who supported David as king over Saul. The extent of this record shows that there was nearly universal support for David.

1 Chronicles 12:1

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “during the time when he could not be in the presence of” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Chronicles 12:2

Alternate translation: “could use either their right hands or their left hands to sling stones and shoot arrows”

The sling was a strip of leather that a person would use to throw a stone long distances.

1 Chronicles 12:3

This begins a list of the men from the tribe of Benjamin who joined David at Ziklag. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 12:4

This continues the list of the men from the tribe of Benjamin who joined David at Ziklag. (See: How to Translate Names)

“the 30 soldiers” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 12:5

This continues the list of the men from the tribe of Benjamin who joined David at Ziklag. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 12:6

This continues the list of the men from the tribe of Benjamin who joined David at Ziklag. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 12:7

This ends the list of the men from the tribe of Benjamin who joined David at Ziklag. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 12:8

This begins a list of the men from the tribe of Gad who joined David. (See: How to Translate Names)

Here the word “faces” represents the men and the lions. Their faces express the fierceness with which they fight battles. Alternate translation: “who were as fierce in battle as lions hunting prey” (See: Synecdoche and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This hyperbole compares how swiftly these men were able to run with how swiftly gazelles are able to run over rugged mountain terrain. (See: Hyperbole)

animals similar to deer that can run quickly over hills and rough ground

1 Chronicles 12:9

This begins a list of the men from the tribe of Gad who joined David, in order of their importance. (See: How to Translate Names and Ordinal Numbers)

1 Chronicles 12:10

This continues a list of the men from the tribe of Gad who joined David, in order of their importance. (See: How to Translate Names and Ordinal Numbers)

1 Chronicles 12:11

This continues the list of the men from the tribe of Gad who joined David, in order of their importance. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 12:12

This continues the list of the men from the tribe of Gad who joined David, in order of their importance. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 12:13

This ends the list of the men from the tribe of Gad who joined David, in order of their importance. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 12:14

This means that the smallest group of the army that a leader led was 100 men. (See: Numbers)

This means that the largest group of the army that a leader led was 1,000 men. (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 12:15

This is the first month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the last part of March and the first part of April on Western calendars. It is at the beginning of the spring season when the late rains come. (See: Hebrew Months and Ordinal Numbers)

Alternate translation: “when the Jordan overflowed its banks”

Alternate translation: “they chased away all those living in the valleys”

1 Chronicles 12:16

Alternate translation: “men from the tribes of Benjamin and Judah”

1 Chronicles 12:17

What God will see may be supplied in translation. Alternate translation: “may the God of our ancestors see what you intend to do” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

1 Chronicles 12:18

The Spirit empowering Amasai is spoken of as if the Spirit came on him. Alternate translation: “the Spirit empowered Amasai” (See: Metaphor)

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

“the 30 soldiers” (See: Numbers)

These phrases share similar meanings. The idioms “we are yours” and “we are on your side” both mean that the men support David. Alternate translation: “We are devoted to you, David. We support you, son of Jesse” (See: Parallelism and Idiom)

Here the word “peace” refers to prosperity and well-being. The word is repeated to emphasize great prosperity. Alternate translation: “May whoever helps you greatly prosper” (See: Doublet)

1 Chronicles 12:19

Alternate translation: “left their leaders to join”

Alternate translation: “He will stop fighting with us and fight for his master Saul”

1 Chronicles 12:20

This is the name of a city. (See: How to Translate Names)

These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

This means that each of these men led groups of a thousand soldiers in the tribe of Manasseh. Alternate translation: “each a captain over 1,000 men in the tribe of Manasseh” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 12:21

“the groups of robbers.” This refers to groups of people who robbed people traveling through the countryside.

1 Chronicles 12:22

Alternate translation: “Each day”

This could mean: (1) the phrase “like the army of God” means “like an army that God assembled” or (2) the word “God” is used as an idiom that refers to the great size of the army. Alternate translation: “a very large army” (See: Idiom)

1 Chronicles 12:23

This begins the list of the number of men who joined David from each tribe. (See: Numbers)

The men making David king in place of Saul is spoken of as if they gave possession of Saul’s kingdom to David. Alternate translation: “to make David king in place of Saul” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “made Yahweh’s word true” or “fulfilled Yahweh’s word”

1 Chronicles 12:24

This continues the list of the number of men who joined David from each tribe. (See: Numbers)

“six thousand eight hundred, armed for war” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 12:25

This continues the list of the number of men who joined David from each tribe. (See: Numbers)

Alternate translation: “From Simeon” or “From the tribe of Simeon”

“seven thousand one hundred fighting men” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 12:26

This continues the list of the number of men who joined David from each tribe. (See: Numbers)

“four thousand six hundred fighting men” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 12:27

This continues the list of the number of men who joined David from each tribe. (See: Numbers)

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

“with him were three thousand seven hundred” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 12:28

This continues the list of the number of men who joined David from each tribe. (See: Numbers)

“22 leaders” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 12:29

This continues the list of the number of men who joined David from each tribe. (See: Numbers)

Alternate translation: “From Benjamin, the tribe to which Saul belonged”

“3,000” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 12:30

This continues the list of the number of men who joined David from each tribe. (See: Numbers)

“twenty thousand eight hundred fighting men” (See: Numbers)

Alternate translation: “From Ephraim” or “From the tribe of Ephraim”

1 Chronicles 12:31

This continues the list of the number of men who joined David from each tribe. (See: Numbers)

“18,000” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 12:32

This continues the list of the number of men who joined David from each tribe. (See: Numbers)

“200” (See: Numbers)

This could mean: (1) these men knew the right time to act or (2) these men had a good understanding of current political events within Israel.

1 Chronicles 12:33

This continues the list of the number of men who joined David from each tribe. (See: Numbers)

“50,000” (See: Numbers)

It is implicit that they would give loyalty to David. Alternate translation: “ready to give undivided loyalty to David” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

1 Chronicles 12:34

This continues the list of the number of men who joined David from each tribe. (See: Numbers)

“1,000…37,000” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 12:35

This continues the list of the number of men who joined David from each tribe. (See: Numbers)

Alternate translation: “From Dan” or “From the tribe of Dan”

“twenty-eight thousand six hundred men” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 12:36

This continues the list of the number of men who joined David from each tribe. (See: Numbers)

“40,000” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 12:37

This ends the list of the number of men who joined David from each tribe. (See: Numbers)

Alternate translation: “Reuben, Gad” or “the tribe of Reuben, the tribe of Gad”

“one hundred twenty thousand men” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 12:38

Alternate translation: “determined to make David king”

1 Chronicles 12:39

Alternate translation: “These soldiers were there with David”

“3 days” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 12:40

The word “Israel” represents the people who make up the nation. Alternate translation: “the people of Israel were celebrating” (See: Synecdoche)

1 Chronicles 13

1 Chronicles 13 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Ark of the covenant

David tried to bring the ark to Jerusalem on an ox cart instead of being carried by priests as the law said to do. The ox stumbled and Uzzah touched the ark to keep it from falling and he immediately died because of this. (See: priest, priesthood and law, law of Moses, law of Yahweh, law of God and covenant)

1 Chronicles 13:1

This could mean: (1) these numbers represent the exact amount of soldiers that these commanders led. Alternate translation: “the commanders of 1,000 soldiers and the commanders of 100 soldiers” or (2) the words translated as “thousands” and “hundreds” do not represent exact numbers, but are the names of larger and smaller military divisions. Alternate translation: “the commanders of large military divisions and the commanders of smaller military divisions” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 13:2

This refers to all of the Israelites who were assembled in this place. Alternate translation: “all of the Israelites who were assembled there” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This idiom means that this action is something that Yahweh approves. Alternate translation: “if this is something that Yahweh our God approves” (See: Idiom)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Let messengers tell them to join us” or “Let them join us” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Chronicles 13:4

Here the word “eyes” represents seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: “all the people considered these things to be right” (See: Metaphor)

1 Chronicles 13:5

Here the word “all” is a generalization. The phrase means that David assembled people from all over Israel, not that he assembled every person in Israel. Alternate translation: “David assembled people together from all Israel” (See: Hyperbole)

These are the names of places. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 13:6

These are the names of places. “Baalah” is another name for Kiriath Jearim. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “which is in Judah”

It is implied that they are taking the ark to Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “to take to Jerusalem the ark of God” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Jerusalem is higher than almost any other place in Israel, so it was normal for Israelites to speak of going up to Jerusalem and going down from it.

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. This could mean: (1) the idiom “called by … name” refers to a person owning the thing. Alternate translation: “which belongs to Yahweh” or (2) the ark has Yahweh’s name written on it. Alternate translation: “which bears Yahweh’s name” (See: Idiom)

You may need to make explicit that the cherubim are those on the lid of the ark of the covenant. The biblical writers often spoke of the ark of the covenant as if it were Yahweh’s footstool upon which he rested his feet as he sat on his throne in heaven above. Alternate translation: “who sits on his throne above the cherubim on the ark of the covenant” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

1 Chronicles 13:7

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 13:8

Here the word “all” is a generalization. Alternate translation: “David and all of the Israelites who were present” (See: Hyperbole)

Alternate translation: “singing while playing stringed instruments”

hand drums with pieces of metal around the side that sound when the instruments are shaken (See: Translate Unknowns)

two thin, round metal plates that are hit together to make a loud sound (See: Translate Unknowns)

1 Chronicles 13:9

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 13:10

Yahweh’s anger is spoken of as if it were a fire that burned the one with whom Yahweh is angry. Alternate translation: “Yahweh was very angry with Uzzah” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “in the presence of God”

1 Chronicles 13:11

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “People call that place” (See: Active or Passive)

This is the name of a place. Translator may add a footnote that says, “The name ‘Perez Uzzah’ means ‘the punishment of Uzzah.’” (See: How to Translate Names)

See how you translated this phrase in 1 Chronicles 4:43

1 Chronicles 13:12

David uses this question to emphasize that he is afraid to take the ark to Jerusalem. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “I am too afraid to bring the ark of Yahweh with me to Jerusalem.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

1 Chronicles 13:13

This is the name of a man. A “Gittite” is a person from the city of Gath. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 13:14

Alternate translation: “with Obed Edom’s family in his house”

“3 months” (See: Numbers)

Here the word “house” is a metonym for his family. Alternate translation: “Yahweh blessed his family” (See: Metonymy)

1 Chronicles 14

1 Chronicles 14 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

David asked for help from God and because of this, God enabled him to defeat the Philistines when they tried to capture him.

1 Chronicles 14:1

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

people who make things with wood

people make things with stone or brick

Alternate translation: “The carpenters and masons built a house for David”

1 Chronicles 14:2

Alternate translation: “made him”

The idiom “exalted on high” means that Yahweh had given great honor to David’s kingdom. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh had exalted David’s kingdom on high” or “Yahweh had given great honor to David’s kingdom” (See: Idiom and Active or Passive)

Here the word “his” refers to Yahweh.

1 Chronicles 14:4

Alternate translation: “the children whom his wives bore for him”

These are names of men. See how you translated these in 1 Chronicles 3:5. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 14:5

This continues the list of the children who were born to David in Jerusalem. (See: How to Translate Names)

These are names of men. These names appear also in 1 Chronicles 3:6, although there “Elpelet” is spelled “Eliphelet.” (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 14:6

This continues the list of the children who were born to David in Jerusalem. (See: How to Translate Names)

These are names of men. These names appear also in 1 Chronicles 3:7. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 14:7

This ends the list of the children who were born to David in Jerusalem. (See: How to Translate Names)

These are names of men. These names appear also in 1 Chronicles 3:8, although there “Beeliada” is spelled “Eliada.” (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 14:8

The writer uses this word to show that he has finished giving the background information that he started in 1 Chronicles 14:3 and is starting a new part of the story. Your language may have a different way of doing this.

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the elders of Israel had anointed David as king” (See: Active or Passive)

It is implied that David led his army out to fight against them. Alternate translation: “led his army out to fight against them” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

1 Chronicles 14:9

This is the name of a place. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 14:10

This idiom means that Yahweh will enable David to have victory over them. Alternate translation: “give you victory over them” (See: Idiom)

1 Chronicles 14:11

This is the name of a place. You may add a footnote that says, “The name ‘Baal Perazim’ means ‘Lord of breaking through.’” (See: How to Translate Names)

David speaks of God easily defeating David’s enemies as if God had burst through them, like a flood bursts through anything in its path. Alternate translation: “God has easily defeated my enemies … like a flood easily bursts through everything” (See: Simile)

This refers to David’s resources. Alternate translation: “using my army” (See: Metonymy)

1 Chronicles 14:12

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “to burn their false gods” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Chronicles 14:13

Alternate translation: “the Valley of Rephaim”

1 Chronicles 14:14

Alternate translation: “attack from the front”

Alternate translation: “go through the forest of balsam trees and attack them from behind”

“Balsam” here is a type of tree, and the “woods” describe many balsam trees growing together. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 14:15

God continues his answer to David’s question.

This speaks of the sound of the leaves rustling as wind blows through them as if it were the sound of marching. Alternate translation: “When the wind blowing through the tops of the balsam trees sounds like men marching” (See: Metaphor)

1 Chronicles 14:16

This is the name of a town. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 14:17

People in every land hearing of David’s reputation is spoken of as if David’s fame traveled to those lands. Alternate translation: “People far away heard about David’s fame” (See: Personification)

1 Chronicles 15

1 Chronicles 15 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Chapters 15 and 16 explain how David organized the priests and Levites. (See: priest, priesthood)

1 Chronicles 15:1

It might be best to translate this so that the reader understands that David had other people do this for him. Alternate translation: “David had workers build houses for him … He had them prepare” (See: Metonymy)

1 Chronicles 15:2

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh had chosen them” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Chronicles 15:3

Here the word “all” is a generalization. The phrase “all Israel” means that David assembled people from all over Israel, not that he assembled every person in Israel. Alternate translation: “David assembled at Jerusalem people from all over Israel” (See: Hyperbole)

1 Chronicles 15:4

This begins the list of the number of men whom David assembled from each of the Levite clans. (See: How to Translate Names and Numbers)

1 Chronicles 15:5

“one hundred twenty men” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 15:6

This continues the list of the number of men whom David assembled from each of the Levite clans. (See: How to Translate Names and Numbers)

“two hundred twenty men” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 15:7

This continues the list of the number of men whom David assembled from each of the Levite clans. (See: How to Translate Names and Numbers)

1 Chronicles 15:8

This continues the list of the number of men whom David assembled from each of the Levite clans. (See: How to Translate Names and Numbers)

1 Chronicles 15:9

This continues the list of the number of men whom David assembled from each of the Levite clans. (See: How to Translate Names and Numbers)

1 Chronicles 15:10

This ends the list of the number of men whom David assembled from each of the Levite clans. (See: How to Translate Names and Numbers)

1 Chronicles 15:11

These are names of men. See how you translated them in 1 Chronicles verses 5-6 and 1 Chronicles verses 7-10. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 15:13

Alternate translation: “You did not carry the ark”

The idiom to “break out against” means to act violently toward someone. Alternate translation: “acted violently toward us” or “attacked us” (See: Idiom)

Here seeking Yahweh means to seek his counsel. Alternate translation: “we did not ask him for instructions” (See: Metonymy)

1 Chronicles 15:15

The word “word” can be translated with a verb. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the rules that the word of Yahweh had given” or “the rules that Yahweh had spoken” (See: Active or Passive and Abstract Nouns)

1 Chronicles 15:16

two thin, round metal plates that are hit together to make a loud sound. See how you translated this in 1 Chronicles 13:8. (See: Translate Unknowns)

This idiom means to sing loudly. Alternate translation: “singing loudly” (See: Idiom)

1 Chronicles 15:17

This begins the list of men whom the Levites appointed to sing and play music as the people brought the ark to Jerusalem. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 15:18

This continues the list of men whom the Levites appointed to sing and play music as the people brought the ark to Jerusalem. (See: How to Translate Names)

This likely means that these men served in lower positions and were assistants to Heman, Asaph, and Ethan. Alternate translation: “With them were their kinsmen who were in a lower position of power” or “The following relatives would help them” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

The word “gatekeepers” refers to people who guard gates or entryways. Here it refers to guarding access to the ark of the covenant and applies to Obed Edom and Jeiel. Alternate translation: “Mikneiah, and the gatekeepers, Obed Edom and Jeiel” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

1 Chronicles 15:19

This continues the list of men whom the Levites appointed to sing and play music as the people brought the ark to Jerusalem. (See: How to Translate Names)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The Levites appointed the musicians Heman, Asaph, and Ethan” (See: Active or Passive)

two thin, round metal plates that are hit together to make a loud sound. See how you translated this in 1 Chronicles 13:8. (See: Translate Unknowns)

1 Chronicles 15:20

This continues the list of men whom the Levites appointed to sing and play music as the people brought the ark to Jerusalem. (See: How to Translate Names)

The meaning of this word is not clear but may refer to a style of music. (See: Translate Unknowns)

1 Chronicles 15:21

This continues the list of men whom the Levites appointed to sing and play music as the people brought the ark to Jerusalem. (See: How to Translate Names)

The meaning of this word is not clear but may refer to a style of music. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Alternate translation: “led the other musicians” or “led the processional”

1 Chronicles 15:22

This continues the list of men whom the Levites appointed to sing and play music as the people brought the ark to Jerusalem. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 15:23

This continues the list of men whom the Levites appointed to sing and play music as the people brought the ark to Jerusalem. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 15:24

This ends the list of men whom the Levites appointed to sing and play music as the people brought the ark to Jerusalem. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 15:25

This could mean: (1) the word “thousands” represents the exact amount of soldiers that each of these commanders and led. Alternate translation: “the commanders of 1,000 soldiers” or (2) the word translated as “thousands” does not represent an exact numbers but is the name of a large military division. Alternate translation: “the commanders of large military divisions” (See: Numbers)

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 15:27

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “David, the Levites who carried the ark, the singers, and Kenaniah, the leader of the song with the singers all wore fine linen robes” (See: Active or Passive)

a cloth made from fibers of the flax plant

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 15:28

Here the word “all” is a generalization. Alternate translation: “So a great crowd of Israelites brought up the ark” (See: Hyperbole)

two thin, round metal plates that are hit together to make a loud sound. See how you translated this in 1 Chronicles 13:8. (See: Translate Unknowns)

1 Chronicles 15:29

Alternate translation: “as the people brought the ark of the covenant of Yahweh to the city of David”

This is the name of David’s wife. (See: How to Translate Names)

Here “heart” represents thoughts or emotions. Alternate translation: “she despised him” or “she hated him” (See: Metonymy)

1 Chronicles 16

1 Chronicles 16 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Chapters 15 and 16 tell how David organized the priests and Levites. (See: priest, priesthood)

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetic song in 16:8-36.

Special concepts in this chapter

David’s psalm

As David organized the priests in their work in the tent, he wrote a psalm of praise to Yahweh.

1 Chronicles 16:1

The word “they” in these verses refers to the priests and Levites.

Alternate translation: “to God”

1 Chronicles 16:2

This is a metonym for David directing the priests, who performed the actual sacrifices. (See: Metonymy)

To bless “in the name of Yahweh” means to bless with Yahweh’s power and authority or as his representative. (See: Metonymy)

1 Chronicles 16:3

This was done under David’s authority and direction. (See: Metonymy)

a baked sweet bread made with dried grapes

1 Chronicles 16:5

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

This means next to him in authority and position. (See: Ordinal Numbers)

These are two thin, round metal plates that are hit together to make a loud sound. See how you translated this in 1 Chronicles 13:8. (See: Translate Unknowns)

1 Chronicles 16:6

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 16:7

Here “that day” refers to the day the ark of the covenant was moved from the house of Obed Edom to Jerusalem.

Alternate translation: “song of giving thanks”

1 Chronicles 16:8

Here “his name” represents Yahweh. Alternate translation: “call on Yahweh” (See: Metonymy)

This refers to the people in the nations. Alternate translation: “the people of the nations” (See: Metonymy)

1 Chronicles 16:10

Here “his holy name” represents Yahweh. Alternate translation: “Boast in who Yahweh is” or “Boast in Yahweh” (See: Metonymy)

• Here “the heart” represents the person who seeks Yahweh. Alternate translation: “let the people who seek Yahweh rejoice” (See: Synecdoche)

1 Chronicles 16:11

To “seek Yahweh’s strength” means to ask him to strengthen you. Alternate translation: “Seek Yahweh and ask him to give you his strength” (See: Idiom)

Alternate translation: “seek to be near him always”

1 Chronicles 16:12

Alternate translation: “Remember the marvelous things”

The understood verb may be supplied. Alternate translation: “remember his miracles and” (See: Ellipsis)

Here “mouth” refers to the things that Yahweh spoke. Alternate translation: “decrees that he has spoken” (See: Metonymy)

1 Chronicles 16:13

These phrases share similar meanings and are used for emphasis. (See: Parallelism)

1 Chronicles 16:14

Here “all the earth” refers to all the people of the earth. Alternate translation: “His laws are for all the people of the earth” (See: Metonymy)

1 Chronicles 16:15

These two phrases share similar meanings and are used together for emphasis. Here “word” refers to the covenant. Alternate translation: “Keep his covenant in mind forever, the promise that he made for a thousand generations” (See: Parallelism and Metonymy)

This means to remember and think about his covenant. Alternate translation: “Remember his covenant” (See: Idiom)

“1,000 generations” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 16:16

The phrase “calls to mind” means to remember something. Alternate translation: “He remembers” (See: Idiom)

Both “the covenant” and “the oath” refer to the same promise that Yahweh made to his people. (See: Parallelism)

This refers to the oath that he had previously made to Issac. Alternate translation: “his oath that he made to Isaac” (See: Ellipsis)

1 Chronicles 16:18

The words “you” and “your” in this verse refers to Israel.

Alternate translation: “as your part”

1 Chronicles 16:19

The word “they” in this verse refers to Israel.

It is implied that “the land” refers to Canaan. Alternate translation: “foreigners in the land of Canaan” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

1 Chronicles 16:20

The word “they” in this verse refers to Israel.

These two phrases have similar meanings and are used together for emphasis. (See: Parallelism)

1 Chronicles 16:21

The words “them” and “their” in this verse refers to Israel.

Alternate translation: “for their own well-being”

1 Chronicles 16:22

Here “touch” means to harm. It is an exaggeration Yahweh used to strengthen his warning to not harm his people. Alternate translation: “Do not harm the people I have anointed” (See: Hyperbole)

1 Chronicles 16:23

Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See: Poetry and Parallelism)

This refers to the people of the earth. Alternate translation: “all you people who live on the earth” (See: Metonymy)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word salvation, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “save.” Alternate translation: “announce that he has saved us” or “tell people that he is the one who saves” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Alternate translation: “every day”

1 Chronicles 16:24

Alternate translation: “Tell all the people in every nation about his great glory”

1 Chronicles 16:25

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “Yahweh is great. Praise him greatly” or “Yahweh is great, and people should praise him greatly” (See: Active or Passive)

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “fear him above all other gods” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Chronicles 16:27

The author speaks as if splendor and majesty are people who can stand before a king. (See: Personification)

Alternate translation: “all around him” or “where he is”

The author speaks as if strength and joy are people who can be in Yahweh’s sanctuary. (See: Personification)

Alternate translation: “in his temple” or “in his sanctuary”

1 Chronicles 16:28

Alternate translation: “Give praise to Yahweh” or “Praise Yahweh”

The abstract nouns “glory” and “strength” can be stated as adjectives. Alternate translation: “praise Yahweh because he is glorious and strong” (See: Abstract Nouns)

1 Chronicles 16:29

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word glory, you could express the same idea with a verb or adjective. Alternate translation: “Glorify Yahweh just as his name deserves” or “Proclaim that Yahweh is glorious just as his name deserves” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Here “his name” refers to the person of God. Alternate translation: “due to him” or “he deserves” or “he is worthy to receive” (See: Metonymy)

The implied information is that the people were to bow down in worship. Alternate translation: “Bow down to worship Yahweh” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Symbolic Action)

The abstract nouns “splendor” and “holiness” can be translated as adjectives. Alternate translation: “because he is gloriously beautiful and holy” (See: Abstract Nouns)

1 Chronicles 16:30

shake because of fear

This is a metonym for all the people who live on the earth. Alternate translation: “all the people of the earth” (See: Metonymy)

1 Chronicles 16:31

This could mean: (1) the heavens and the earth are spoken of as if they have emotions like people. Alternate translation: “Let it be as if the heavens are glad and the earth rejoices” or (2) “the heavens” and “the earth” are metonyms for those who dwell in those places. Alternate translation: “Let those who live in the heavens be glad and let those who live on the earth rejoice” (See: Personification and Metonymy)

1 Chronicles 16:32

The implied information is that this refers to all the creatures living in the sea. They are spoken of as if they should shout with joy like people might do. Alternate translation: “the sea creatures shout joyfully” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Personification)

“Let the fields and all that is in them be joyful.” The author speaks as if the fields and the animals that live in them have emotions like people. Alternate translation: “Let it be as if the fields themselves and all the animals that live in them are rejoicing” (See: Personification)

1 Chronicles 16:33

This speaks about the trees as if they were people who could shout for joy. (See: Personification)

1 Chronicles 16:34

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “faithfully” or “faithful.” Alternate translation: “for he faithfully loves us forever” or “for he is faithful to his covenant forever” (See: Abstract Nouns)

1 Chronicles 16:35

Here “the other nations” represents the people in those nations. Alternate translation: “from the people of other nations” or “from the armies of other nations” (See: Metonymy)

Here Yahweh is referred to by his “holy name.” Alternate translation: “give thanks to you” or “give thanks to Yahweh” (See: Metonymy)

1 Chronicles 16:36

This refers to two extremes and means for all time. Alternate translation: “for all eternity” (See: Merism)

This is a generalization that refers to the group of people assembled to worship Yahweh. Alternate translation: “The people” or “Everyone who was there” (See: Hyperbole)

1 Chronicles 16:37

Alternate translation: “his relatives”

The implied information is that they were to perform the daily duties that were given in the law of Yahweh. Alternate translation: “as was required every day by the law” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

1 Chronicles 16:38

These were names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

“68 relatives” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 16:39

Alternate translation: “to serve at the tabernacle”

1 Chronicles 16:40

The word “They” in this verse refers to the priests.

Alternate translation: “every day, morning”

1 Chronicles 16:41

The word “them” in this verse refers to the priests.

These were names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 16:42

These are two thin, round metal plates that are hit together to make a loud sound. See how you translated this in 1 Chronicles 13:8. (See: Translate Unknowns)

The implied information is that they were to guard the entrance to the tabernacle. Alternate translation: “guarded the tabernacle gate” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

1 Chronicles 17

1 Chronicles 17 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Building the temple

David wanted to build a temple for God but God would not allow him to. Instead he promised that his son, Solomon, would build the temple and he promised David would have a descendant who would be king forever. (See: temple, house, house of God and promise, promised and eternity, everlasting, eternal, forever)

1 Chronicles 17:1

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

comfortable and happy, without the desire to move or change

Cedar is a kind of tree that is known for its strength. If you have an equivalent type of tree in your culture, you can use that name, otherwise you can reword this. Alternate translation: “I am living in a strong, permanent house” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Tents are temporary dwellings. If you do not have tents in your culture, you can word this differently. Alternate translation: “the ark of the covenant of Yahweh is staying in a temporary place” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

1 Chronicles 17:2

Here “heart” represents the mind. Alternate translation: “do what you think you should” (See: Metonymy)

Here “with you” means God is helping and blessing David. (See: Idiom)

1 Chronicles 17:3

The idiom “the word of God came to” is used to introduce a special message from God. Alternate translation: “God gave a message to Nathan. He said,” or “God spoke this message to Nathan:” (See: Idiom)

1 Chronicles 17:4

This has quotations within quotations. It may be necessary to translate them as indirect quotations. Alternate translation: “Go and tell David my servant that he will not be the one to build a house in which I will live” (See: Quotes within Quotes and Direct and Indirect Quotations)

Here “house” means a temple. In 1 Chronicles 17:10 Yahweh will say that he will build a house for David. There “house” means a family. If your language has a word that can express both ideas, use it here and in 17:10.

1 Chronicles 17:5

The implied information is that this refers to God bringing up Israel out of the land of Egypt. Alternate translation: “that I brought the Israelites to the promised land from the land of Egypt” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Both the words “tent” and “tabernacle” describe the same thing and emphasize that he had lived in a place that was not a permanent building. (See: Doublet)

1 Chronicles 17:6

This has a quotation within a quotation. The direct quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “did I ever ask any of Israel’s leaders, whom I appointed to shepherd my people, why they had not built me a house of cedar?” (See: Quotes within Quotes and Direct and Indirect Quotations)

Yahweh uses a question to emphasize that he never asked any of Israel’s leaders to build him a house. Alternate translation: “I never said anything to any of Israel’s leaders” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Those who are leaders of the people of Israel are spoken of as if they were shepherds and the people were sheep. (See: Metaphor)

If Yahweh had asked the leaders this question, he would have been using a question to scold them for not building him a house of cedar. But, Yahweh said previously that he did not ask them this question. Alternate translation: “You should have built me a house of cedar.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

1 Chronicles 17:7

Yahweh describes his promises to King David through the prophet Nathan.

This does not mean “at this moment,” but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

Yahweh is still telling the prophet Nathan what he should tell David.

David’s job as a shepherd is referred to by the place he watched his sheep. Alternate translation: “I took you from your job as a shepherd” (See: Metonymy)

an area of land where animals feed on the grass. See how you translated this word in 1 Chronicles 4:39 and 4:40.

1 Chronicles 17:8

Yahweh continues describing his promises to King David through the prophet Nathan.

Here “with you” means that Yahweh has helped and blessed David. (See: Idiom)

Yahweh destroying David’s enemies is spoken of as if Yahweh cut them off, as one would cut a piece of cloth or cut a branch from a tree. (See: Metaphor)

Here “name” represents a person’s reputation. Alternate translation: “I will make your name to be great and well known” (See: Metonymy)

The phrase “great ones” means famous persons.

1 Chronicles 17:9

Yahweh continues describing his promises to King David through the prophet Nathan.

Alternate translation: “I will choose a place”

God causing the people to live in the land permanently and securely is spoken of as if he would plant them in the land. Alternate translation: “I will settle them there” (See: Metaphor)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “no one will ever trouble them” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Chronicles 17:10

The words “your” and “you” in this verse refers to David.

Yahweh continues describing his promises to King David through the prophet Nathan.

Here “days” represents a longer period of time. Alternate translation: “from the time” (See: Metonymy)

After the people of Israel entered the land of Canaan and before they had kings to rule them, God appointed leaders called “judges” to lead them in times of trouble.

To be in authority is referred to as being over someone. Alternate translation: “to rule my people Israel” (See: Idiom)

make a person or animal unable to attack

Here the metonym “house” refers to David’s ancestors continuing on as the rulers of Israel. In 1 Chronicles 17:4 God told David he would not be the one to build a house for Yahweh. There “house” represented a temple. If your language has a word that can express both ideas, use it here and in 17:4. (See: Metonymy)

1 Chronicles 17:11

Yahweh continues describing his promises to King David through the prophet Nathan.

Alternate translation: “It will happen”

The two phrases “when your days are fulfilled” and “go to your fathers” have similar meanings and are combined for emphasis. They both are polite ways to refer to death and dying. (See: Parallelism and Euphemism)

God appointing David’s descendant is spoken of as if Yahweh would raise or lift him up. (See: Metaphor)

1 Chronicles 17:12

Yahweh continues describing his promises to King David through the prophet Nathan.

The right to rule as king is described by the place where a king sits. Alternate translation: “I will make his rule over Israel to last forever” (See: Metonymy)

1 Chronicles 17:13

Yahweh continues describing his promises to King David through the prophet Nathan.

The prophecy in 17:11-14 refers to Solomon, David’s son. But, aspects of the prophecy will be fulfilled by Jesus. So, here it is best to translate the words “father” and “son” with your normal words for a biological father and son.

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “faithfully.” Alternate translation: “I will never stop faithfully loving him, as I stopped loving Saul” (See: Abstract Nouns)

1 Chronicles 17:14

Yahweh finishes describing his promises to King David through the prophet Nathan.

These two phrases have similar meanings and emphasize that David’s dynasty will last forever. (See: Parallelism)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I will establish his throne forever” (See: Active or Passive)

A king’s right to rule is referred to by the place a king sits. Alternate translation: “his right to rule” (See: Metonymy)

1 Chronicles 17:15

Alternate translation: “told him”

Here “words” represents what Yahweh said. (See: Metonymy)

1 Chronicles 17:16

Alternate translation: “David said”

• David asks this question to express the deep emotion he felt from hearing Yahweh’s proclamation. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “My family and I are not worthy of this honor, Yahweh God.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

1 Chronicles 17:17

David continues to speak to Yahweh.

Something that is not important is described as being small. (See: Idiom)

Here sight represents judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: “in your judgment” (See: Metaphor)

Here David refers to himself as “your servant.” This can be stated in first person. Alternate translation: “my family” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

This speaks about time as if it were something that travels and arrives somewhere. Alternate translation: “and what will happen to them in the future” (See: Metaphor)

Here David refers to himself as “your servant.” This can be stated in first person. Alternate translation: “me” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

1 Chronicles 17:18

David continues to speak to Yahweh.

David uses this question to emphasize that he has nothing left to say to Yahweh. Alternate translation: “There is nothing more I can say to you.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

These two phrases have similar meanings and are repeated for emphasis. (See: Parallelism)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word recognition, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “recognize.” Alternate translation: “You have recognized your servant in a special way” (See: Abstract Nouns)

1 Chronicles 17:19

David continues to speak to Yahweh.

Here David refers to himself as “your servant.” This can be stated in first person. Alternate translation: “my sake” or “my benefit” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Alternate translation: “to accomplish what you planned to do”

1 Chronicles 17:20

David continues to speak to Yahweh.

These phrases have similar meaning and are repeated for emphasis. (See: Parallelism)

Here “we” refers to David and the nation of Israel. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

1 Chronicles 17:21

David continues to speak to Yahweh.

This question expects a negative answer to make the point that there was no other nation like Israel. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “there is no nation on earth … by great and awesome deeds.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

The implied information is that they were rescued from slavery. Alternate translation: “you rescued from slavery in Egypt” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Here “name” represents Yahweh’s reputation. Alternate translation: “to make all people know who you are” (See: Metonymy)

Here “nations” represents the people groups that were living in Canaan. (See: Metonymy)

1 Chronicles 17:22

David continues to speak to Yahweh.

1 Chronicles 17:23

David continues to speak to Yahweh.

Here “now” does not mean “at this moment,” but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “may you do what you promised to me and my family, and may your promise never change” (See: Active or Passive)

David is speaking about himself in the third person. This can be stated in the first person. Alternate translation: “me and my family” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

1 Chronicles 17:24

David continues to speak to Yahweh.

Here “name” represents Yahweh’s reputation. (See: Metonymy)

Here “house” represents family. Alternate translation: “my family” (See: Metonymy)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “is secure because of you” or “continues because of you” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Chronicles 17:25

David continues to speak to Yahweh.

David refers to himself as “your servant.” This can be expressed in the first person. Alternate translation: “me” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Here the metonym “house” refers to David’s ancestors continuing on as the rulers of Israel. In 1 Chronicles 17:4 Yahweh tells David he would not be the one to build a house for Yahweh. There “house” represented a temple. If your language has a word that can express both ideas, use it here and in 17:4. (See: Metonymy)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word courage, you could express the same idea with the verb “encouraged.” Alternate translation: “I, your servant, am encouraged”

1 Chronicles 17:26

David continues to speak to Yahweh.

This does not mean “at this moment,” but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

1 Chronicles 17:27

David continues to speak to Yahweh.

David speaks of himself in the third person. This can be expressed in the first person. Alternate translation: “my house” or “my family” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

These two phrases have about the same meaning and are repeated here for emphasis. (See: Parallelism)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you will continue to bless it forever” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Chronicles 18

1 Chronicles 18 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

David’s victories

David conquered all kingdoms neighboring Israel. The gold, silver and bronze he received from these victories, he saved for building the temple. This may indicate that he believed that the victories were because of Yahweh and therefore the goods received in victory belonged to him. (See: temple, house, house of God)

1 Chronicles 18:1

Alternate translation: “After God’s promise to bless David”

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

1 Chronicles 18:3

Here David and Hadadezer are spoken of as if they were alone, but the reader should understand that these kings represent their armies that were with them. Alternate translation: “David and his army then defeated the army of Hadadezer” (See: Metonymy)

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a country.

Alternate translation: “was going to the Euphrates river to conquer people in that area”

1 Chronicles 18:4

“1,000 chariots” (See: Numbers)

These are soldiers who rode on horses. “7,000 horsemen” (See: Numbers)

These are soldiers who walked. “20,000 footmen” (See: Numbers)

David had his soldiers cut the hamstring muscles on the backs of the horses’ thighs so they would no longer be able to run.

to keep for a special use

“100 chariots” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 18:5

“killed 22,000” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 18:6

groups of soldiers assigned to particular areas

Alternate translation: “Yahweh caused David to be victorious”

1 Chronicles 18:7

This was the king of Zobah. See how you translated his name in 1 Chronicles 18:3.

Alternate translation: “that Hadadezar’s servants carried”

1 Chronicles 18:8

These are the names of cities. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “a large quantity of bronze”

The writer adds this background information to explain what would happen to this bronze at a later time. (See: Background Information)

This a large bronze bowl, about 5 meters across, that was kept in the temple for ceremonial washing.

1 Chronicles 18:9

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

These are the names of places. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 18:10

These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “been at war with”

1 Chronicles 18:11

Alternate translation: “decided that these objects would only be used to worship Yahweh”

Alternate translation: “David took from all the nations that he defeated”

1 Chronicles 18:12

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

“18,000 Edomites” (See: Numbers)

This is the name of a valley between Edom and Judah that was used as a battlefield.

1 Chronicles 18:14

Alternate translation: “over all the Israelites”

The abstract nouns “justice” and “righteousness” can be translated as adjectives. Alternate translation: “he did what was just and right for all his people” (See: Abstract Nouns)

1 Chronicles 18:15

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

the person who writes down details of special events

1 Chronicles 18:16

These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

This spelling represents a correction of the spelling “Abimelech,” which some versions follow. The corrected spelling makes this verse agree with 2 Samuel 8:17.

1 Chronicles 18:17

These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

These are the names of foreign people groups who became David’s bodyguards. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 19

1 Chronicles 19 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This is the beginning of the story about the war against the Ammonites. This story continues in the first part of the next chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

Insults

The young king of Ammon insulted David when he had David’s servants shaved and cut off their garments. Knowing David was going to attack him for this, he hired mercenaries from Aram to help him. Israel was able to defeat the Aramean mercenaries.

1 Chronicles 19:1

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 19:2

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word kindness, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “I will be kind … was kind” (See: Abstract Nouns)

comfort

1 Chronicles 19:3

The princes asked this question to turn the king against David. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should not think that David is honoring your father because he has sent men to comfort you.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

The princes asked this question to turn the king against David. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Surely his servants come to you to explore the land in order to overthrow it.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

1 Chronicles 19:4

Hanun did not do this personally, but ordered his men to do it. Alternate translation: “So Hanun’s men seized” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “their clothes”

1 Chronicles 19:5

Alternate translation: “David sent some messengers to encourage them”

In this idiom, shame is described as deep to show that it has greatly affected them. Alternate translation: “very ashamed” (See: Idiom)

This refers to David.

Alternate translation: “then return to Jerusalem”

1 Chronicles 19:6

The word “stench” refers to a bad smell. This describes the Ammonites as something unpleasant and unwanted. Alternate translation: “realized that they had become repulsive to David” or “realized that they had angered David” (See: Metaphor)

“1,000 talents” (See: Numbers)

approximately 33 kilograms (See: Biblical Money)

These are names of cities. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 19:7

“32,000 talents” (See: Numbers)

These are names of cities. (See: How to Translate Names)

It is not clear if the Ammonites paid the entire thousand talents to the king of Maacah, or if they paid him only a portion of that amount and gave the rest to the other cities that sent additional chariots and horsemen.

1 Chronicles 19:8

Alternate translation: “heard that the Ammonites were coming out for war”

Alternate translation: “to fight against them”

1 Chronicles 19:9

this refers to the gate of the Ammonite capital city

this refers to the Aramean kings that the Ammonites hired to help them fight Israel

in the field outside the city, separate from the Ammonites

1 Chronicles 19:10

Alternate translation: “the enemy soldiers lined up for battle”

1 Chronicles 19:11

Alternate translation: “arranged his soldiers in lines for battle”

This is the name of Joab’s brother. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 19:13

Alternate translation: “Be brave … behave bravely”

Alternate translation: “for the sake of our people and for the cities of our God” or “to protect our people and the cities of our God”

Here sight represents judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: “what he considers to be good” (See: Metaphor)

1 Chronicles 19:14

Alternate translation: “moved forward to the battle” or “approached the enemy soldiers in the battle”

1 Chronicles 19:15

It does not appear that Joab and his soldiers continued to attack the Ammonites in their city. When the Ammonites went into their city, the battle ended and the Israelites returned home.

1 Chronicles 19:16

Verses 16-19 describes a second battle when the Arameans who fled from Joab in 1 Chronicles 19:15 were reinforced by other Arameans and attacked Israel again.

What the Arameans understood is spoken of as what they saw. Alternate translation: “the Arameans understood” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “requested more soliders”

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 19:17

This verse continues to describe a second battle when the Arameans who fled from Joab in 1 Chronicles 19:15 were reinforced by other Arameans and attacked Israel again.

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: When David’s messengers told him that a larger Aramean army was coming” (See: Active or Passive)

David did not do these things alone. His official and officers helped him. Alternate translation: “David and his officials gathered … David and his officers arranged” (See: Synecdoche)

This is a generalization. Not every person in Israel came to fight. Alternate translation: “a very large number of Israelites” (See: Hyperbole)

Alternate translation: “He organized”

Here “him” refers to David’s soldiers, in addition to David. Alternate translation: “the Arameans fought David and his soldiers” (See: Synecdoche)

1 Chronicles 19:18

This verse continues to describe a second battle when the Arameans who fled from Joab in 1 Chronicles 19:15 were reinforced by other Arameans and attacked Israel again.

“ killed 7,000…40,000” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 19:19

This verse finishes describing a second battle when the Arameans who fled from Joab in 1 Chronicles 19:15 were reinforced by other Arameans and attacked Israel again.

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Israel had defeated them” (See: Active or Passive)

They made the peace agreement with David as the king, and served the Israelites.

1 Chronicles 20

1 Chronicles 20 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter ends the story of the war with Ammon and tells of giants being killed by David’s soldiers.

Special concepts in this chapter

“When kings normally go to war”

It was advantageous for kings to go to war in the springtime. This was possibly due to the weather being neither too hot nor too cold.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“It came about”

This is a phrase used to indicate the next event in a series. It can often be translated as “after,” “then” or “next.”

1 Chronicles 20:1

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

This is background information from the author. It was harder to fight wars in the cold winter, so kings normally waited for spring to attack their enemies. (See: Background Information)

Here “kings” is a metonym that means the kings sent their armies into battle. Joab was the commander of David’s army. Alternate translation: “kings normally send their armies to war … Joab led David’s army into battle” (See: Metonymy)

“destroyed the land.” This refers to when an army will ruin the land where their enemies grow food.

“He” refers to the soldiers as well as Joab. Alternate translation: “Joab and his soldiers surrounded Rabbah” (See: Metonymy)

1 Chronicles 20:2

about 33 kilograms (See: Biblical Money)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. This could mean: (1) David put the crown on his own head or (2) David’s men placed the crown on his head. (See: Active or Passive)

The word “he” refers to David, but also refers to David’s soldiers who helped David do this. (See: Synecdoche)

valuable items taken in war

1 Chronicles 20:3

The word “He” refers to David, but also refers to David’s soldiers who helped David do this. (See: Synecdoche)

These terms describe difficult manual labor that the defeated people were forced to do.

The people are referred to by their city. Alternate translation: “David required all the peoples of the cities” (See: Metonymy)

1 Chronicles 20:4

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

Alternate translation: “the Israelites battled the Philistines at Gezer”

This is the name of a city. (See: How to Translate Names)

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

These are names of people groups. (See: How to Translate Names)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they subdued the Philistines” or “they defeated the Philistines” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Chronicles 20:5

This is the name of a city. (See: How to Translate Names)

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

These are names of people groups. (See: How to Translate Names)

a long and thin pole.

A weaver’s beam was a very large piece of wood used to stretch strings as the threads of a rug are weaved together around them. This means the handle of Lahmi’s spear was very large.

1 Chronicles 20:6

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

This is the name given to a race of people who were very tall and strong. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 20:7

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 20:8

Here “these” refer to Sippai in 1 Chronicles 20:4, Lahmi in 1 Chronicles 20:5, and the giant in verse 6.

David and his soldiers are referred to by the part of their bodies used to hold a sword. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “David and his soldiers killed the descendants of the Rephaim” (See: Synecdoche and Active or Passive)

1 Chronicles 21

1 Chronicles 21 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Trust

To trust in one’s own power instead of God’s protection is a sin. David had been trusting God to protect him, but now he counted the men of military age so he could know the strength of his army. (See: trust, trusted, trustworthy, trustworthiness and sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)

1 Chronicles 21:1

Possible meanings of adversary are: (1) this refers to Satan who decided to cause trouble for Israel or (2) this refers to an enemy army that began to threaten Israel.

“caused David to do wrong, to count Israel.” If your language has a word for getting someone to become angry and do something he knows is wrong, you should use it here.

1 Chronicles 21:2

It is apparent from 1 Chronicles 21:5 that David wanted to count only the men who were able to fight.

The Israelites considered these two cities their most southern and most northern cities. David uses these cities to refer to all of Israel. (See: Merism)

1 Chronicles 21:3

Joab expresses the desire for an army the size of 100 armies to say he would like the army to have more soldiers and be more powerful. (See: Hyperbole)

Joab uses these three rhetorical questions to tell David that the census was a bad idea. It appears that David was trusting the size of his army instead of trusting Yahweh, and thus making Israel guilty of sin. These rhetorical questions can be translated as statements. Alternate translation: But my master the king, they all serve you already. My master should not request this. You will only bring guilt on the people of Israel by trusting your military power.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

The word “this” refers to David’s plan to count all the men of Israel.

1 Chronicles 21:4

Alternate translation: “the command of the king prevailed despite Joab’s objections”

It is understood from David’s command in 1 Chronicles 21:2 that Joab went to count the people of Israel. It can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “So Joab left and went throughout all Israel to count the people” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

1 Chronicles 21:5

“one million, one hundred thousand men” (See: Numbers)

The soldiers in Israel are described by the action of pulling out a sword to fight with it. Alternate translation: “men who were prepared to serve as soldiers” (See: Metonymy)

“four hundred seventy thousand soldiers” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 21:6

The Levites were supposed to lead worship and not to fight. It is unclear why Joab did not count Benjamin. This can be stated in active voice. Alternate translation: “But Joab did not count the men from the tribes of Levi and Benjamin” (See: Active or Passive)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Joab was offended by what David had commanded” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Chronicles 21:7

Here “this action” refers to David’s plan to count all the men of Israel who are able to fight.

The nature of this attack is not clear. It was apparently enough to cause David to realize that Yahweh was angry with him for counting the people.

1 Chronicles 21:8

This is an idiom. Forgiveness is here spoken of as having guilt taken away. Alternate translation: “forgive me” (See: Idiom)

David refers to himself as God’s servant. Alternate translation: “my guilt” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

1 Chronicles 21:12

Here “their swords” represents death in battle. Alternate translation: “being killed by them in battle” (See: Metonymy)

Here the plague is spoken of as Yahweh’s sword because the “sword” is a metonym for death. (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “killing people who live in every part of the land”

The one who sent him was Yahweh. This can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “I should take to Yahweh who sent me” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

1 Chronicles 21:13

Here “hand” represents power to harm or punish Israel. Alternate translation: “Let me be punished by Yahweh, rather than be punished by people” (See: Metonymy)

The people of Israel are the ones who would die from the plague, but David is personalizing this judgment as if he himself was being killed.

Here “man” is used in the generic sense of “people.”

Alternate translation: “Yahweh is very merciful”

1 Chronicles 21:14

Here Israel is a metonym that represents the people of Israel. (See: Metonymy)

“70,000 people died” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 21:15

Here “mind” represents his decision. Alternate translation: “decided not to destroy Jerusalem” (See: Metonymy)

This exclamation means “You have killed enough people!” (See: Exclamations)

This is an idiom that means to stop doing something. Alternate translation: “do not kill attack the people of Jerusalem” (See: Idiom)

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 21:16

This is symbolic language to indicate that the angel was sent from Yahweh in heaven to judge the people on the earth. (See: Symbolic Language)

The angel holding a sword in his hand is a symbolic action that shows he is ready to attack Jerusalem. This is symbolic, because the judgment was sickness. Alternate translation: “holding a sword in his hand as if ready to attack Jerusalem” (See: Symbolic Action)

These were symbols of repentance. (See: Symbolic Action)

1 Chronicles 21:17

David uses this question to emphasize that his is the one who sinned by counting the people. Alternate translation: “I am the one who commanded that the army be numbered.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

David speaks of the people of Israel as if they were sheep, who are known for trusting and following their leader. (See: Metaphor)

David uses this question to asks God not to punish the people. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “they certainly have done nothing that deserves punishment.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Here “hand” represents Yahweh’s power to punish. Alternate translation: “Punish me and my family” (See: Metonymy)

1 Chronicles 21:18

This is a reference to elevation. This threshing floor which became the future site of the temple was the highest point in Jerusalem.

See how you translated this man’s name in 1 Chronicles 21:15.

1 Chronicles 21:19

This is a reference to elevation. This threshing floor which became the future site of the temple was the highest point in Jerusalem.

Speaking “in the name of Yahweh” means speaking with his power and authority, or as his representative. Alternate translation: “as Gad, speaking for Yahweh, instructed David to do” (See: Metonymy)

1 Chronicles 21:20

They were afraid of the angel. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “hid themselves because they were afraid of the angel” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

1 Chronicles 21:21

This phrase describes that Ornan bowed far forward. To bow before someone is a way to show humility and respect. A deeper bow shows greater humility and respect. Alternate translation: “bowed very low to the ground” (See: Symbolic Action)

1 Chronicles 21:22

Alternate translation: “I will pay the full price for what this threshing floor is worth”

1 Chronicles 21:23

This implies that David should take the land without paying for it. Alternate translation: “Take it as a gift” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

David’s understanding is described as his sight. Alternate translation: “whatever you decide to do with it” (See: Metonymy)

These are wooden sleds with rocks or metal fitted underneath, dragged by oxen over the grain on the threshing floor to separate the grain from its stalks. (See: Translate Unknowns)

1 Chronicles 21:24

See how you translated this in 1 Chronicles 21:22.

1 Chronicles 21:25

“600 shekels of gold” (See: Numbers)

a unit of weight equal to about 11 grams (See: Biblical Money)

Alternate translation: “to buy the threshing floor”

1 Chronicles 21:26

Alternate translation: “He prayed for help to Yahweh”

Alternate translation: “who answered him by sending fire from heaven to the alter where David would offer the burnt offerings”

1 Chronicles 21:27

The angel putting his sword back in the sheath is a symbolic action to show that he would not continue to kill the people. Alternate translation: the angel put his sword in its sheath to show that he would stop killing the people” (See: Symbolic Action)

cover for a sword or knife

1 Chronicles 21:28

Translate his name as in 1 Chronicles 21:15.

1 Chronicles 21:29

Verses 29-30 are background information to explain why David offered this sacrifice at the threshing floor instead of on the altar at the tabernacle. (See: Background Information)

1 Chronicles 21:30

Verses 29-30 are background information to explain why David offered this sacrifice at the threshing floor instead of on the altar at the tabernacle. (See: Background Information)

Alternate translation: “to ask God to tell him what he should do”

Here “sword” represents being killed by the angel of Yahweh. Alternate translation: “afraid he would be killed by the angel of Yahweh” (See: Metonymy)

1 Chronicles 22

1 Chronicles 22 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter begins a new section lasting for the remainder of the book. David begins preparing the things needed for building the temple. (See: temple, house, house of God)

Special concepts in this chapter

Solomon

In addition to preparing for the construction of the temple by gathering supplies, David also prepares his son, Solomon, to build the temple. David instructs Solomon to obey God. This is what is most necessary.

1 Chronicles 22:1

Alternate translation: “This threshing floor is where”

1 Chronicles 22:2

persons who gathered large stones and cut them to the correct size so builders could use the rocks in walls and buildings

1 Chronicles 22:3

items that connect two things together. “clamps” or “hinges”

This is an exaggeration to show that there was a very large quantity of bronze. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “so much bronze that no one could weigh it” (See: Active or Passive and Hyperbole)

1 Chronicles 22:4

This is an exaggeration to show that there was a very large number of cedar trees. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “so many cedar trees that no one could count them” (See: Active or Passive and Hyperbole)

This is background information to explain who provided so many logs. (See: Background Information)

1 Chronicles 22:5

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the house that he will build for Yahweh” (See: Active or Passive)

Here the word “lands” refers to the people who lived there. Alternate translation: “so that people in every other land will know about it and think that it is glorious” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “prepare to build it”

1 Chronicles 22:6

Alternate translation: “David called”

The readers should understand that David intended for laborers to do the actual work. Alternate translation: “commanded him to oversee the building of” (See: Metonymy)

1 Chronicles 22:7

The readers should understand that David intended for laborers to do the actual work. Alternate translation: “it was my intention to oversee the building of the house myself” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “I intended”

The reflexive “myself” means that David originally planned to build the temple. Alternate translation: “that I would be the one to build the temple” (See: Reflexive Pronouns)

Here “name” represents God’s honor. Alternate translation: “in order to honor Yahweh my God” (See: Metonymy)

1 Chronicles 22:8

Here the killing of people is spoken of as shedding their blood, where “blood” represents their lives. Alternate translation: “killed many people” (See: Metonymy)

Here “name” represents God’s honor. Alternate translation: “to honor me” (See: Metonymy)

Here “sight” refers to what God has seen. Alternate translation: “I have seen that you have shed much blood on the earth” (See: Metonymy)

1 Chronicles 22:9

David continues telling Solomon what Yahweh said to him.

Alternate translation: “live at peace with everyone”

Alternate translation: “cause there to be peace between him and all his enemies”

This means in every place surrounding Israel.

The name “Solomon” sounds like the Hebrew word for “peace.” This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “His name will be Solomon, which sounds like the word for peace” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “while he rules”

1 Chronicles 22:10

David finishes telling Solomon what Yahweh said to him.

Here “name” refers to honor. Alternate translation: “a temple to honor me” (See: Metonymy)

God will treat Solomon as if he were God’s own son. (See: Metaphor)

Here “throne” refers to the authority to rule as king. Alternate translation: “I will make his descendants rule over Israel forever” (See: Metonymy)

1 Chronicles 22:11

David continues speaking to Solomon.

David uses this word to introduce something important he is about to say.

Solomon would not personally do the building, but he would direct others to do it. Alternate translation: “May you direct people to build” (See: Metonymy)

1 Chronicles 22:12

David continues speaking to Solomon.

Alternate translation: “when he makes you king of Israel”

1 Chronicles 22:13

David continues speaking to Solomon.

These two sentences mean the same thing, stated in different ways in order to emphasize that Solomon should not be afraid. (See: Parallelism)

1 Chronicles 22:14

David continues speaking to Solomon.

The words “Now, see” introduce something important David is about to say. Alternate translation: “Listen! At great”

Alternate translation: “I have worked hard to prepare”

“one hundred thousand talents” (See: Numbers)

about 33 kilograms (See: Biblical Money)

“1,000,000” (See: Numbers)

Alternate translation: “You will need to increase that amount”

1 Chronicles 22:15

David continues speaking to Solomon.

These are both workers who cut stone and prepare it for builders to use in walls and buildings.

persons who work with wood

Here “without number” is an exaggeration to emphasize that there were a large number of them. Alternate translation: “a very large number of every kind of skillful craftsmen” (See: Hyperbole)

1 Chronicles 22:16

David finishes speaking to Solomon.

This is an idiom that implies that Yahweh will help Solomon be successful in the project. (See: Idiom)

1 Chronicles 22:18

This is an idiom that implies that Yahweh will help Israel to prosper. (See: Idiom)

Here these pronouns are plural. (See: Forms of You)

Alternate translation: “has caused all the nations who live around Israel to live peacefully with you”

Here “hand” refers to power to defeat his enemies. Alternate translation: “He has given me power over everyone who lives around us” (See: Metonymy)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. “The other nations no longer attack Yahweh and his people” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Chronicles 22:19

David continues speaking to all the leaders of Israel.

This word introduces something important that David is about to say.

Seeking Yahweh could mean: (1) asking God for help or (2) thinking about God and obeying him. (See: Metaphor)

Here these pronouns are plural. (See: Forms of You)

Here “heart” and “soul” refer to the whole person. Alternate translation: “with your whole being” (See: Synecdoche)

It is understood that Solomon will not do the work personally, but he will direct others to do it. Alternate translation: “Get up and direct the workers as they build the holy place” (See: Metonymy)

Here “name” refers to honor. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the temple you will build to honor Yahweh” (See: Metonymy and Active or Passive)

1 Chronicles 23

1 Chronicles 23 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The preparation for the construction of the temple continues in this chapter. (See: temple, house, house of God)

Special concepts in this chapter

Organizing the Levites

As priests, the Levites had a significant role in the construction of the temple. David organized the Levites according to their families and explained what each group was to do. (See: priest, priesthood)

1 Chronicles 23:1

David appoints Solomon as his successor and organizes Levitical priests and staff for temple service.

1 Chronicles 23:3

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Some of David’s men counted the Levites who were 30 years old and older” (See: Active or Passive)

“There were 38,000 of them” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 23:4

“Of these Levities, 24,000” (See: Numbers)

“6,000 Levites” (See: Numbers)

These Levites listened to legal arguments and administered justice according to the law of Moses.

“4,000 Levites” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 23:5

These Levites guarded the temple entrance so no person who was ceremonially unclean entered.

1 Chronicles 23:6

Alternate translation: “based on” or “according to the descendants of”

These are names of Levi’s sons. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 23:7

This is the list of Levites according to their clans. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 23:8

This continues the list of Levites according to their clans. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 23:9

This continues the list of Levites according to their clans. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 23:10

This continues the list of Levites according to their clans. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 23:11

This continues the list of Levites according to their clans. (See: How to Translate Names)

The word “son” is understood. Also, “second” is in ordinal form. Alternate translation: “the oldest son … the second son” (See: Ellipsis and Ordinal Numbers)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “so David considered them to be one clan” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Chronicles 23:12

This continues the list of Levites according to their clans. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “Kohath had 4 sons”

1 Chronicles 23:13

This continues the list of Levites according to their clans. (See: How to Translate Names)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh chose Aaron to dedicate the most holy things” (See: Active or Passive)

Here “in his name” refers to the authority to speak as his representative. Alternate translation: “to bless the people as representatives of God forever” (See: Metonymy)

1 Chronicles 23:14

The sons of Aaron were the most important Levite clan, but the sons of Moses were also considered to be Levites. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the people considered Moses’ sons to be part of the Levite clan” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Chronicles 23:15

This continues the list of Levites according to their clans. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 23:16

This continues the list of Levites according to their clans. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 23:17

This continues the list of Levites according to their clans. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 23:18

This continues the list of Levites according to their clans. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 23:19

This continues the list of Levites according to their clans. (See: How to Translate Names)

The word “son” is understood. Also, these numbers are in ordinal form. Alternate translation: “the oldest son … the second son … the third son … the fourth son” (See: Ellipsis and Ordinal Numbers)

1 Chronicles 23:20

This continues the list of Levites according to their clans. (See: How to Translate Names)

The word “son” is understood. Also, “second” is in ordinal form. Alternate translation: “the oldest son … the second son” (See: Ellipsis and Ordinal Numbers)

1 Chronicles 23:21

This continues the list of Levites according to their clans. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 23:22

This continues the list of Levites according to their clans. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 23:23

This ends the list of Levites according to their clans. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 23:24

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “These were the names of Levi’s descendants and their families, whom David’s men counted and listed. They were the leaders of the clans” (See: Active or Passive)

“from 20 years old and older” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 23:25

Here “rest” refers to peace with surrounding nations. See how you translated a similar phrase in 1 Chronicles 22:9.

This could mean: (1) Yahweh will be present in Jerusalem forever or (2) Yahweh’s temple will be present in Jerusalem forever.

1 Chronicles 23:26

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “all the equipment they used in its service”

1 Chronicles 23:27

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “For David’s last command was for his men to count the Levites” (See: Active or Passive)

“who were 20 years old and older.” See how you translated this phrase in 1 Chronicles 23:24. (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 23:29

See the Translation Word page about “bread” for the specific definition of “bread of the presence.” See how you translated this in 1 Chronicles 9:32.

grain that is ground into a powder

1 Chronicles 23:30

Alternate translation: “The Levites also stood at the temple”

1 Chronicles 23:31

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “whenever the priests offered burnt offerings to Yahweh” (See: Active or Passive)

These holidays marked the beginning of each new month.

Alternate translation: “A specific number of the Levites were always assigned to be present at the temple to make offerings to Yahweh”

1 Chronicles 23:32

Alternate translation: “The Levites were responsible for”

1 Chronicles 24

1 Chronicles 24 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The preparation for the temple continues in this chapter. (See: temple, house, house of God)

Special concepts in this chapter

Arranging the priests

David arranged for the order in which priests would be on duty. (See: priest, priesthood)

1 Chronicles 24:1

This chapter describes how the Levites in the previous chapter were divided into work groups with different assignments.

Translate the names of these men as in 1 Chronicles 6:3.

1 Chronicles 24:3

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “divided the descendants of Eleazar and Ithamar into groups”

1 Chronicles 24:4

Alternate translation: “David, Zadok, and Ahimelech divided”

“16 groups” (See: Numbers)

Here “heads” is a metaphor for the more important people—the leaders of the clans. Alternate translation: “leaders of the clans” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “There were 8 divisions based on the clans of Ithamar’s descendants”

1 Chronicles 24:5

Alternate translation: “They divided them by lot so that the divisions would be fair”

1 Chronicles 24:6

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

See how you translated this man’s name in 1 Chronicles 15:24.

See how you translated this man’s name in 1 Chronicles 18:16.

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “They chose one by lot from Eleazar’s descendants, then they would choose by lot one from Ithamar’s descendants” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Chronicles 24:7

This begins a list of 24 lots that were cast to decide how the descendants of Eleazar and Ithamar would be divided into groups for their work as priests. This list ends in 1 Chronicles 24:18.

“Lot number 1…lot number 2.” This shows the order in which the families were chosen by lots. If this is unnatural in your language you may use “The initial” for “The first” and “the next” for all of the following ones. (See: Ordinal Numbers)

See how you translated the names of these men in 1 Chronicles 9:10. (See: How to Translate Names)

This refers to the second lot. The word “lot” may be supplied here. Alternate translation: “the second lot” or “lot number 2” (See: Ordinal Numbers and Ellipsis)

1 Chronicles 24:8

This continues the list begun in 1 Chronicles 24:7 of 24 lots that were cast to decide how the descendants of Eleazar and Ithamar would be divided into groups for their work as priests.

This refers to the third and fourth lots. The word “lot” may be supplied here. Alternate translation: “the third lot … the fourth lot” or “lot number 3…lot number 4” (See: Ordinal Numbers and Ellipsis)

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 24:9

This continues the list begun in 1 Chronicles 24:7 of 24 lots that were cast to decide how the descendants of Eleazar and Ithamar would be divided into groups for their work as priests.

This refers to the fifth and sixth lots. The word “lot” may be supplied here. Alternate translation: “the fifth lot … the sixth lot” or “lot number 5…lot number 6” (See: Ordinal Numbers and Ellipsis)

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 24:10

This continues the list begun in 1 Chronicles 24:7 of 24 lots that were cast to decide how the descendants of Eleazar and Ithamar would be divided into groups for their work as priests.

This refers to the seventh and eighth lots. The word “lot” may be supplied here. Alternate translation: “the seventh lot … the eighth lot” or “lot number 7…lot number 8” (See: Ordinal Numbers and Ellipsis)

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 24:11

This continues the list begun in 1 Chronicles 24:7 of 24 lots that were cast to decide how the descendants of Eleazar and Ithamar would be divided into groups for their work as priests.

This refers to the ninth and tenth lots. The word “lot” may be supplied here. Alternate translation: “the ninth lot … the tenth lot” or “lot number 9…lot number 10” (See: Ordinal Numbers and Ellipsis)

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 24:12

This continues the list begun in 1 Chronicles 24:7 of 24 lots that were cast to decide how the descendants of Eleazar and Ithamar would be divided into groups for their work as priests.

This refers to the eleventh and twelfth lots. The word “lot” may be supplied here. Alternate translation: “the eleventh lot … the twelfth lot” or “lot number 11…lot number 12” (See: Ordinal Numbers and Ellipsis)

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 24:13

This continues the list begun in 1 Chronicles 24:7 of 24 lots that were cast to decide how the descendants of Eleazar and Ithamar would be divided into groups for their work as priests.

This refers to the thirteenth and fourteenth lots. The word “lot” may be supplied here. Alternate translation: “the thirteenth lot … the fourteenth lot” or “lot number 13…lot number 14” (See: Ordinal Numbers and Ellipsis)

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 24:14

This continues the list begun in 1 Chronicles 24:7 of 24 lots that were cast to decide how the descendants of Eleazar and Ithamar would be divided into groups for their work as priests.

This refers to the fifteenth and sixteenth lots. The word “lot” may be supplied here. Alternate translation: “the fifteenth lot … the sixteenth lot” or “lot number 15…lot number 16” (See: Ordinal Numbers and Ellipsis)

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 24:15

This continues the list begun in 1 Chronicles 24:7 of 24 lots that were cast to decide how the descendants of Eleazar and Ithamar would be divided into groups for their work as priests.

This refers to the seventeenth and eighteenth lots. The word “lot” may be supplied here. Alternate translation: “the seventeenth lot … the eighteenth lot” or “lot number 17…lot number 18” (See: Ordinal Numbers and Ellipsis)

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 24:16

This continues the list begun in 1 Chronicles 24:7 of 24 lots that were cast to decide how the descendants of Eleazar and Ithamar would be divided into groups for their work as priests.

This refers to the nineteenth and twentieth lots. The word “lot” may be supplied here. Alternate translation: “the nineteenth lot … the twentieth lot” or “lot number 19…lot number 20” (See: Ordinal Numbers and Ellipsis)

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 24:17

This continues the list begun in 1 Chronicles 24:7 of 24 lots that were cast to decide how the descendants of Eleazar and Ithamar would be divided into groups for their work as priests.

This refers to the twenty-first and twenty-second lots. The word “lot” may be supplied here. Alternate translation: “the twenty-first lot … the twenty-second lot” or “lot number 21…lot number 22” (See: Ordinal Numbers and Ellipsis)

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 24:18

This ends the list begun in 1 Chronicles 24:7 of 24 lots that were cast to decide how the descendants of Eleazar and Ithamar would be divided into groups for their work as priests.

This refers to the twenty-third and twenty-fourth lots. The word “lot” may be supplied here. Alternate translation: “the twenty-third lot … the twenty-fourth lot” or “lot number 23…lot number 24” (See: Ordinal Numbers and Ellipsis)

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 24:19

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “following the rules that Aaron their ancestor gave them” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Chronicles 24:20

This begins the list of names of the other sons of Levi. This list will end in 1 Chronicles 24:30. (See: How to Translate Names)

See how you translated this man’s name in 1 Chronicles 6:3.

See how you translated this man’s name in 1 Chronicles 23:16.

1 Chronicles 24:23

Translate the names of these men as in 1 Chronicles 23:19.

“the second son … the third son … the fourth son” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

1 Chronicles 24:24

Translate the names of these men as in 1 Chronicles 23:20.

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 24:25

Translate the name of this man as in 1 Chronicles 23:20.

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 24:26

Translate the names of these men as in 1 Chronicles 23:21.

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

It seems Jaaziah is another son of Merari. And, Beno is the son of Jaaziah. Beno is mentioned in both verses 26 and 27 because he is a leader in his family. However, some Bibles translate “Beno” as “his son” rather than as a proper name. Those Bibles read like this: “and from his sons, Jaaziah, his son.”

1 Chronicles 24:27

These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

It seems Jaaziah is another son of Merari. And, Beno is the son of Jaaziah. Beno is mentioned in both verses 26 and 27 because he is a leader in his family. However, some Bibles translate “Beno” as “his son” rather than as a proper name. Those Bibles read like this: “from Jaaziah, his son: Shoham.”

1 Chronicles 24:28

Translate the names of these men as in 1 Chronicles 23:21.

1 Chronicles 24:29

This is written in the text as a title, but could be stated in a more complete form. Alternate translation: “These are the sons who were descended from Kish”

Translate the name of this man as in 1 Chronicles 23:21.

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 24:30

Translate the name of this man as in 1 Chronicles 23:21.

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 24:31

Translate the name of this man as in 1 Chronicles 18:16.

1 Chronicles 25

1 Chronicles 25 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The preparation for the temple continues in this chapter. (See: temple, house, house of God)

Special concepts in this chapter

Music

The 24 groups who were chosen to play music in the temple cast lots to see in what order they would serve.

1 Chronicles 25:1

Alternate translation: “the work done at the tabernacle”

This refers to two thin, round metal plates that are hit together to make a loud sound. See how you translated this in 1 Chronicles 13:8. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Translate the names of these men the same as you did in 1 Chronicles 16:41. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 25:2

This begins a list of leaders of the tabernacle service.

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “these were the sons of Asaph, whom he supervised. Asaph prophesied under the king’s supervision”

Alternate translation: “under the supervision of”

1 Chronicles 25:3

This continues the list of leaders of the tabernacle service that was started in 1 Chronicles 25:2.

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 25:4

This continues the list of leaders of the tabernacle service that was started in 1 Chronicles 25:2.

See how you translated this man’s name in 1 Chronicles 16:41. (See: How to Translate Names)

These are all names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 25:5

“14 sons and 3 daughters” (See: Numbers)

An animal horn is a symbol of strength or authority. To lift up someone’s horn is a metaphor for honoring him. Alternate translation: “to honor Heman” (See: Metaphor)

1 Chronicles 25:6

Alternate translation: “were supervised by their fathers”

This refers to two thin, round metal plates that are hit together to make a loud sound. See how you translated this in 1 Chronicles 13:8. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Translate the names of these men the same as you did in 1 Chronicles 16:41. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 25:7

“were two hundred and eighty-eight men” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 25:8

This refers to all of the men by describing the extremes. Alternate translation: “all of them, including the young men and the old men, the teachers and the students” (See: Merism)

1 Chronicles 25:9

This begins the list of 24 lots that were cast to choose the order in which families would serve. This list ends in 1 Chronicles 25:31.

“Lot number 1…lot number 2.” This shows the order in which the families were chosen by lots. If this is unnatural in your language you may use “The initial” for “The first” and “the next” for all of the following ones. (See: Ordinal Numbers)

For all of the other people in the list, the text specifies that there were “twelve persons in number.” Since this was likely true for Joseph’s family also, you may want to state it clearly. Alternate translation: “The first lot fell to Joseph’s family, twelve persons in number” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This refers to the second lot. The word “lot” may be supplied here. Alternate translation: “the second lot” or “lot number 2” (See: Ordinal Numbers and Ellipsis)

See how you translated this man’s name in 1 Chronicles 25:3. (See: How to Translate Names)

“12 people” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 25:10

This continues the list begun in 1 Chronicles 25:9 of 24 lots that were cast to choose the order in which families would serve.

This refers to the third lot. The word “lot” may be supplied here. Alternate translation: “the third lot” or “lot number 3” (See: Ordinal Numbers and Ellipsis)

See how you translated the name of this man in 1 Chronicles 25:2. (See: How to Translate Names)

“12 people” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 25:11

This continues the list begun in 1 Chronicles 25:9 of 24 lots that were cast to choose the order in which families would serve.

This refers to the fourth lot. The word “lot” may be supplied here. Alternate translation: “the fourth lot” or “lot number 4” (See: Ordinal Numbers and Ellipsis)

This name of this man is spelled Zeri in 1 Chronicles 25:3. (See: How to Translate Names)

“12 people” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 25:12

This continues the list begun in 1 Chronicles 25:9 of 24 lots that were cast to choose the order in which families would serve.

This refers to the fifth lot. The word “lot” may be supplied here. Alternate translation: “the fifth lot” or “lot number 5” (See: Ordinal Numbers and Ellipsis)

See how you translated the name of this man in 1 Chronicles 25:2. (See: How to Translate Names)

“12 people” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 25:13

This continues the list begun in 1 Chronicles 25:9 of 24 lots that were cast to choose the order in which families would serve.

This refers to the sixth lot. The word “lot” may be supplied here. Alternate translation: “the sixth lot” or “lot number 6” (See: Ordinal Numbers and Ellipsis)

See how you translated the name of this man in 1 Chronicles 25:4. (See: How to Translate Names)

“12 people” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 25:14

This continues the list begun in 1 Chronicles 25:9 of 24 lots that were cast to choose the order in which families would serve.

This refers to the seventh lot. The word “lot” may be supplied here. Alternate translation: “the seventh lot” or “lot number 7” (See: Ordinal Numbers and Ellipsis)

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

“12 people” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 25:15

This continues the list begun in 1 Chronicles 25:9 of 24 lots that were cast to choose the order in which families would serve.

This refers to the eighth lot. The word “lot” may be supplied here. Alternate translation: “the eighth lot” or “lot number 8” (See: Ordinal Numbers and Ellipsis)

See how you translated this man’s name in 1 Chronicles 25:3. (See: How to Translate Names)

“12 people” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 25:16

This continues the list begun in 1 Chronicles 25:9 of 24 lots that were cast to choose the order in which families would serve.

This refers to the ninth lot. The word “lot” may be supplied here. Alternate translation: “the ninth lot” or “lot number 9” (See: Ordinal Numbers and Ellipsis)

See how you translated the name of this man in 1 Chronicles 25:4. (See: How to Translate Names)

“12 people” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 25:17

This continues the list begun in 1 Chronicles 25:9 of 24 lots that were cast to choose the order in which families would serve.

This refers to the tenth lot. The word “lot” may be supplied here. Alternate translation: “the tenth lot” or “lot number 10” (See: Ordinal Numbers and Ellipsis)

See how you translated the name of this man in 1 Chronicles 25:3. (See: How to Translate Names)

“12 people” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 25:18

This continues the list begun in 1 Chronicles 25:9 of 24 lots that were cast to choose the order in which families would serve.

This refers to the eleventh lot. The word “lot” may be supplied here. Alternate translation: “the eleventh lot” or “lot number 11” (See: Ordinal Numbers and Ellipsis)

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

“12 people” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 25:19

This continues the list begun in 1 Chronicles 25:9 of 24 lots that were cast to choose the order in which families would serve.

This refers to the twelfth lot. The word “lot” may be supplied here. Alternate translation: “the twelfth lot” or “lot number 12” (See: Ordinal Numbers and Ellipsis)

See how you translated the name of this man in 1 Chronicles 25:3. (See: How to Translate Names)

“12 people” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 25:20

This continues the list begun in 1 Chronicles 25:9 of 24 lots that were cast to choose the order in which families would serve.

This refers to the thirteenth lot. The word “lot” may be supplied here. Alternate translation: “the thirteenth lot” or “lot number 13” (See: Ordinal Numbers and Ellipsis)

See how you translated this man’s name in 1 Chronicles 25:4. (See: How to Translate Names)

“12 people” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 25:21

This continues the list begun in 1 Chronicles 25:9 of 24 lots that were cast to choose the order in which families would serve.

This refers to the fourteenth lot. The word “lot” may be supplied here. Alternate translation: “the fourteenth lot” or “lot number 14” (See: Ordinal Numbers and Ellipsis)

See how you translated this man’s name in 1 Chronicles 25:3. (See: How to Translate Names)

“12 people” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 25:22

This continues the list begun in 1 Chronicles 25:9 of 24 lots that were cast to choose the order in which families would serve.

This refers to the fifteenth lot. The word “lot” may be supplied here. Alternate translation: “the fifteenth lot” or “lot number 15” (See: Ordinal Numbers and Ellipsis)

See how you translated the name of this man in 1 Chronicles 25:4. (See: How to Translate Names)

“12 people” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 25:23

This continues the list begun in 1 Chronicles 25:9 of 24 lots that were cast to choose the order in which families would serve.

This refers to the sixteenth lot. The word “lot” may be supplied here. Alternate translation: “the sixteenth lot” or “lot number 16” (See: Ordinal Numbers and Ellipsis)

See how you translated the name of this man in 1 Chronicles 25:4. (See: How to Translate Names)

“12 people” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 25:24

This continues the list begun in 1 Chronicles 25:9 of 24 lots that were cast to choose the order in which families would serve.

This refers to the seventeenth lot. The word “lot” may be supplied here. Alternate translation: “the seventeenth lot” or “lot number 17” (See: Ordinal Numbers and Ellipsis)

See how you translated the name of this man in 1 Chronicles 25:4. (See: How to Translate Names)

“12 people” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 25:25

This continues the list begun in 1 Chronicles 25:9 of 24 lots that were cast to choose the order in which families would serve.

This refers to the eighteenth lot. The word “lot” may be supplied here. Alternate translation: “the eighteenth lot” or “lot number 18” (See: Ordinal Numbers and Ellipsis)

Translate the name of this man as you did in 1 Chronicles 25:4.

“12 people” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 25:26

This continues the list begun in 1 Chronicles 25:9 of 24 lots that were cast to choose the order in which families would serve.

This refers to the nineteenth lot. The word “lot” may be supplied here. Alternate translation: “the nineteenth lot” or “lot number 19” (See: Ordinal Numbers and Ellipsis)

Translate the name of this man as you did in 1 Chronicles 25:4.

“12 people” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 25:27

This continues the list begun in 1 Chronicles 25:9 of 24 lots that were cast to choose the order in which families would serve.

This refers to the twentieth lot. The word “lot” may be supplied here. Alternate translation: “the twentieth lot” or “lot number 20” (See: Ordinal Numbers and Ellipsis)

Translate the name of this man as you did in 1 Chronicles 25:4.

“12 people” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 25:28

This continues the list begun in 1 Chronicles 25:9 of 24 lots that were cast to choose the order in which families would serve.

This refers to the twenty-first lot. The word “lot” may be supplied here. Alternate translation: “the twenty-first lot” or “lot number 21” (See: Ordinal Numbers and Ellipsis)

Translate the name of this man as you did in 1 Chronicles 25:4.

“12 people” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 25:29

This continues the list begun in 1 Chronicles 25:9 of 24 lots that were cast to choose the order in which families would serve.

This refers to the twenty-second lot. The word “lot” may be supplied here. Alternate translation: “the twenty-second lot” or “lot number 2” (See: Ordinal Numbers and Ellipsis)

Translate the name of this man the same as you did in 1 Chronicles 25:4. (See: How to Translate Names)

“12 people” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 25:30

This continues the list begun in 1 Chronicles 25:9 of 24 lots that were cast to choose the order in which families would serve.

This refers to the twenty-third lot. The word “lot” may be supplied here. Alternate translation: “the twenty-third lot” or “lot number 23” (See: Ordinal Numbers and Ellipsis)

Translate the name of this man the same as you did in 1 Chronicles 25:4. (See: How to Translate Names)

“12 people” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 25:31

This ends the list begun in 1 Chronicles 25:9 of 24 lots that were cast to choose the order in which families would serve.

This refers to the twenty-fourth lot. The word “lot” may be supplied here. Alternate translation: “the twenty-fourth lot” or “lot number 24” (See: Ordinal Numbers and Ellipsis)

Translate the name of this man the same as you did in 1 Chronicles 25:4. (See: How to Translate Names)

“12 people” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 26

1 Chronicles 26 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The preparation for the temple continues in this chapter. (See: temple, house, house of God)

Special concepts in this chapter

Casting lots

The gatekeepers cast lots to see which gate they would guard. Those who took care of the storage also cast lots.

1 Chronicles 26:1

This begins the list of the gatekeepers.

groups

See how you translated the name of this people group in 1 Chronicles 19:19. (See: How to Translate Names)

See how you translated the name of this man in 1 Chronicles 9:21. (See: How to Translate Names)

See how you translated the name of this man in 1 Chronicles 9:19. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is an alternative spelling to “Ebiasaph” in 1 Chronicles 9:19. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 26:2

This continues the list of gatekeepers that started in 1 Chronicles 26:1.

See how you translated the names of these men in 1 Chronicles 9:21. (See: How to Translate Names)

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

This shows the order in which the sons were born. If it is more natural in your language, you may say “the next” for each son. The word “son” may be supplied here. Alternate translation: “the second son … the third son … the fourth son” (See: Ordinal Numbers and Ellipsis)

1 Chronicles 26:3

This continues the list of gatekeepers that started in 1 Chronicles 26:1.

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

This shows the order in which the sons were born. If it is more natural in your language, you may say “the next” for each son. The word “son” may be supplied here. Alternate translation: “the fifth son … the sixth son … the seventh son” (See: Ordinal Numbers and Ellipsis)

1 Chronicles 26:4

This continues the list of gatekeepers that started in 1 Chronicles 26:1.

See how you translated this man’s name in 1 Chronicles 16:38. (See: How to Translate Names)

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

This shows the order in which the sons were born. If it is more natural in your language, you may say “the next” for each son. The word “son” may be supplied here. Alternate translation: “the second son … the third son … the fourth son … the fifth son” (See: Ordinal Numbers and Ellipsis)

1 Chronicles 26:5

This continues the list of gatekeepers that started in 1 Chronicles 26:1.

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

This shows the order in which the sons were born. If it is more natural in your language, you may say “the next” for each son. The word “son” may be supplied here. Alternate translation: “the sixth son … the seventh son … the eighth son” (See: Ordinal Numbers and Ellipsis)

1 Chronicles 26:6

“who were leaders in their father’s family.” This means that they were leaders among their clan.

1 Chronicles 26:7

This continues the list of gatekeepers that started in 1 Chronicles 26:1.

Translate this name of this man the same as you did in 1 Chronicles 26:4. (See: How to Translate Names)

These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “Shemaiah’s relatives” or “Shemaiah’s family members”

1 Chronicles 26:8

Translate the name of this man as you did in 1 Chronicles 26:4. (See: How to Translate Names)

“62 men” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 26:9

This continues the list of gatekeepers that started in 1 Chronicles 26:1.

Translate the name of this man as you did in 1 Chronicles 26:1. (See: How to Translate Names)

“18 total” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 26:10

This continues the list of gatekeepers that started in 1 Chronicles 26:1.

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 26:11

This ends the list of gatekeepers that started in 1 Chronicles 26:1.

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

This shows the order in which the sons were born. If it is more natural in your language, you may say “the next” for each son. The word “son” may be supplied here. Alternate translation: “the second son … the third son … the fourth son” (See: Ordinal Numbers and Ellipsis)

“There were 13 of Hosah’s sons and kinsmen.” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 26:12

groups

1 Chronicles 26:13

Alternate translation: “cast lots”

This refers to all of the men by describing the extremes. See how you translated a similar phrase in 1 Chronicles 25:8. Alternate translation: “all of them, including the young men and the old men” or “men of all ages” (See: Merism)

1 Chronicles 26:14

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “When they cast the lot” (See: Active or Passive)

See how you translated this man’s name in 1 Chronicles 26:2. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is a person who shows good judgment in making decisions.

1 Chronicles 26:15

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Obed Edom was responsible for guarding the south gate, and his sons guarded the storehouses” (See: Active or Passive)

See how you translated this man’s name in 1 Chronicles 26:4. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 26:16

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Shuppim and Hosah were responsible for guarding” (See: Active or Passive)

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

See how you translated this man’s name in 1 Chronicles 26:10. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of the gate. (See: How to Translate Names)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Each family was responsible for a watch” or “Each family has a set period of time that it was responsible for guarding” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Chronicles 26:17

“6 Levites” (See: Numbers)

These phrases refer to the gates. Alternate translation: “the east gate … the north gate … the south gate” (See: Ellipsis)

This refers to the number of men on guard duty. Alternate translation: “four men each day” or “four Levites each day” (See: Ellipsis)

“2 pairs of men” or “2 sets of 2 men each” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 26:18

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “four men guarded the pillar to the west” (See: Active or Passive)

The numbers “four” and “two” refer to guards. Alternate translation: “Four men guarded the road, and two men guarded the court” (See: Ellipsis)

1 Chronicles 26:19

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “They were” (See: Active or Passive)

See how you translated this man’s name in 1 Chronicles 26:10. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 26:21

Translate the names of these men the same as you did in 1 Chronicles 23:7. (See: How to Translate Names)

Since it is obvious that Ladan’s descendants were also descendants of Ladan’s ancestor Gershon, the information about them being Gershom’s descendants can be left implicit. Alternate translation: “who were leaders of the families of Ladan the Gershonite” (See: https://git.door43.org/Door43-Catalog/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md)

A descendant of Gershon. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a man. This is the same person as in 1 Chronicles 23:8, but there his name is spelled “Jehiel.” (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 26:22

Zetham and Joel were Jehieli’s sons.

This is the name of a man. This is the same person as in 1 Chronicles 23:8, but there his name is spelled “Jehiel.” (See: How to Translate Names)

Translate the names of these men the same as you did in 1 Chronicles 23:8. (See: How to Translate Names)

The word “They” refers to Jehieli, Zetham, and Joel.

1 Chronicles 26:23

Translate the names of these men the same as you did in 1 Chronicles 23:12. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 26:24

Translate the name of this man as you did in 1 Chronicles 23:16. (See: How to Translate Names)

Translate the name of this man as you did in 1 Chronicles 23:15. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 26:25

Translate the name of this man as you did in 1 Chronicles 23:15. (See: How to Translate Names)

These were his relatives who did this work with him. Alternate translation: “His relatives who did the work with him from the clan of Eliezer” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Translate the name of this man as you did in 1 Chronicles 23:17. (See: How to Translate Names)

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 26:26

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “were in charge of” (See: Idiom)

This could mean: (1) these numbers represent the exact amount of soldiers that these commanders led. Alternate translation: “the commanders over 1,000 soldiers and the commanders over 100 soldiers” or (2) the words translated as “thousands” and “hundreds” do not represent exact numbers, but are the names of larger and smaller military divisions. Alternate translation: “the commanders over large military divisions and the commanders over smaller military divisions” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 26:27

things an army takes from its enemies after a victory

1 Chronicles 26:28

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “everything that Samuel the prophet … Joab son of Zeruiah set apart to Yahweh” (See: Active or Passive)

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Everything that the leaders set apart” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Chronicles 26:29

Translate the name of this man the same as you did in 1 Chronicles 23:12. (See: How to Translate Names)

“daily business of the people of Israel.” This refers to the regular business of the people of Israel, not connected to the military or to the temple.

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 26:30

Translate the name of this man the same as you did in 1 Chronicles 23:12. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

“one thousand seven hundred capable men” (See: Numbers)

Alternate translation: “work done for Yahweh and the king.”

1 Chronicles 26:31

See how you translated this man’s name in 1 Chronicles 23:12. (See: How to Translate Names)

See how you translated this man’s name in 1 Chronicles 23:19. (See: How to Translate Names)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “their names were on the lists” (See: Active or Passive)

“When David had been king for 40 years” (See: Ordinal Numbers and Numbers)

Alternate translation: “capable men”

This is the name of a city. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 26:32

“two thousand seven hundred family members” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 27

1 Chronicles 27 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The preparation for the temple continues in this chapter. (See: temple, house, house of God)

1 Chronicles 27:1

Alternate translation: “These are the names”

This could mean: (1) these numbers represent the exact amount of soldiers that these commanders led. Alternate translation: “the commanders of 1,000 soldiers and the commanders of 100 soldiers” or (2) the words translated as “thousands” and “hundreds” do not represent exact numbers, but are the names of larger and smaller military divisions. Alternate translation: “the commanders of large military divisions and the commanders of smaller military divisions” See how you translated this in 1 Chronicles 13:1. (See: Numbers)

Alternate translation: “in different ways” or “in many ways”

This means that each division took turns serving periods of a month at a time.

Alternate translation: “Each group”

Alternate translation: “all year long”

“24,000 men” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 27:2

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “In charge of the division” (See: Idiom)

“month 1.” This is the first month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the last part of March and the first part of April on Western calendars. (See: Hebrew Months and Ordinal Numbers)

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

“24,000 men” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 27:3

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 27:4

Alternate translation: “In charge of the division”

“month 2.” This is the second month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the last part of April and the first part of May on Western calendars. (See: Hebrew Months and Ordinal Numbers)

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

See how you translated this man’s name in 1 Chronicles 8:4. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “In his group of soldiers”

“24,000 men” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 27:5

“month 3.” This is the third month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the last part of May and the first part of June on Western calendars. (See: Hebrew Months and Ordinal Numbers)

See how you translated this man’s name in 1 Chronicles 11:22. (See: How to Translate Names)

“24,000 men” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 27:6

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

“the 30.” This refers to “David’s 30 mightiest soldiers.” (See: Numbers)

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “in charge of the 30 men” (See: Idiom)

1 Chronicles 27:7

Alternate translation: “Asahel, brother of Joab, was the commander for the fourth month”

“month 4.” This is the fourth month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the last part of June and the first part of July on Western calendars. (See: Hebrew Months and Ordinal Numbers)

These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “his military group”

“24,000 men” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 27:8

These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

“month 5.” This is the fifth month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the last part of July and the first part of August on Western calendars. (See: Hebrew Months and Ordinal Numbers)

“24,000 men” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 27:9

“month 6.” This is the sixth month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the last part of August and the first part of September on Western calendars. (See: Hebrew Months and Ordinal Numbers)

Translate the names of these men the same as you did in 1 Chronicles 11:28. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a place. (See: How to Translate Names)

“24,000 men” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 27:10

Alternate translation: “Helez, the Pelonite, from the people of Ephraim, was the commander for the seventh month”

“month 7.” This is the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the last part of September and the first part of October on Western calendars. (See: Hebrew Months and Ordinal Numbers)

See how you translated the name of this man and the name of his clan in 1 Chronicles 11:27. (See: How to Translate Names)

“24,000 men” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 27:11

“month 8.” This is the eighth month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the last part of October and the first part of November on Western calendars. (See: Hebrew Months and Ordinal Numbers)

See how you translated the name of this man and the name of his clan in 1 Chronicles 11:29. (See: How to Translate Names)

See how you translated this man’s name in 1 Chronicles 2:4. (See: How to Translate Names)

“24,000 men” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 27:12

“month 9.” This is the ninth month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the last part November and the first part December on Western calendars. (See: Hebrew Months and Ordinal Numbers)

See how you translated the name of this man and the name of his clan 1 Chronicles 11:28. (See: How to Translate Names)

“24,000 men” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 27:13

“month 10.” This is the tenth month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the last part of December and the first part of January on Western calendars. (See: Hebrew Months and Ordinal Numbers)

See how you translated the name of this man in 1 Chronicles 11:30. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a place. (See: How to Translate Names)

See how you translated the name of this man in 1 Chronicles 2:4. (See: How to Translate Names)

“24,000 men” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 27:14

“month 11.” This is the eleventh month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the last part of January and the first part of February on Western calendars. (See: Hebrew Months and Ordinal Numbers)

This is the name of a place. (See: How to Translate Names)

“24,000 men” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 27:15

“month 12.” This is the twelfth and last month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the last part of February and the first part of March on Western calendars. (See: Hebrew Months and Ordinal Numbers)

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a place. (See: How to Translate Names)

“24,000 men” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 27:16

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 27:17

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

See how you translated the hame of this man in 1 Chronicles 6:8. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 27:18

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

See how you translated the name of this man in 1 Chronicles 12:20. (See: How to Translate Names)

See how you translated the name of this man in 1 Chronicles 7:3. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 27:19

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 27:20

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 27:21

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 27:22

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 27:23

“people 20 years old or younger” (See: Numbers)

This speaks of the number of people in Israel increasing as if they would become as numerous as the stars. Alternate translation: “to increase the number of people in Israel to be as many as the stars in the heavens” (See: Simile)

Here “Israel” represents the people who live there. Alternate translation: “increase the population of Israel” (See: Metonymy)

1 Chronicles 27:24

See how you translated this woman’s name in 1 Chronicles 2:16. (See: How to Translate Names)

This speaks of God punishing the people as if his “wrath” were something that fell upon them. Alternate translation: “God punished the people of Israel” (See: Metonymy)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “No one wrote this number down” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Chronicles 27:25

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “responsible for guarding”

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “was in charge of” (See: Idiom)

Alternate translation: “strong towers”

1 Chronicles 27:26

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

This means to dig into or break up the dirt before planting.

1 Chronicles 27:27

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a person from the city of Ramah. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a person from the city of Shepham. (See: How to Translate Names)

These are the parts of a building that are below the ground and used to store wine.

1 Chronicles 27:28

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “In charge of the” (See: Idiom)

This is a type of tree. (See: Translate Unknowns)

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a place. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 27:29

This is the name of a place. (See: How to Translate Names)

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that ate grass in the fields” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Chronicles 27:30

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “In charge of the” (See: Idiom)

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

Translate the name of this clan as you did in 1 Chronicles 2:17. (See: How to Translate Names)

Translate the name of this people group as you did in 1 Chronicles 5:10. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a place. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 27:31

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

Translate the name of this people group as you did in 1 Chronicles 5:10. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “All of these men”

1 Chronicles 27:32

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 27:33

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a tribe or clan. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 27:34

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 28

1 Chronicles 28 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The preparation for the temple continues in this chapter. David lectured the people and Solomon on what they should do. (See: temple, house, house of God)

Special concepts in this chapter

David’s instructions

David gives instructions to the people because he knows that he will not be there when the temple is built. It was common in the ancient Near East for leaders to give instructions to people before they die in preparation or anticipation of their death.

1 Chronicles 28:1

called together

Work that needs to be repeated, for example every day or every month.

This could mean: (1) these numbers represent the exact amount of soldiers that these commanders led. Alternate translation: “the commanders of 1,000 soldiers and the commanders of 100 soldiers” or (2) the words translated as “thousands” and “hundreds” do not represent exact numbers, but are the names of larger and smaller military divisions. Alternate translation: “the commanders of large military divisions and the commanders of smaller military divisions” See how you translated this in 1 Chronicles 13:1. (See: Numbers)

The word “over” is used here as an idiom. Alternate translation: “the managers in charge of” (See: Idiom)

These two words share similar meanings and refer to all of the items and lands that the king owned. (See: Doublet)

1 Chronicles 28:2

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “stood up” (See: Idiom)

These two phrases share similar meanings and emphasize that David and the people of Israel are family. (See: Doublet)

The second phrase defines the first phrase. The “ark of the covenant” is spoke of as Yahweh’s footstool to picture God on his throne, with his feet resting on his footstool, which represents all that is in submission to him. (See: Parallelism and Metaphor)

1 Chronicles 28:3

David continues speaking to the Israelites.

Here God refers to himself by his “name.” Alternate translation: “a temple for me” (See: Metonymy)

“a man accustomed to war and have shed blood.” Both descriptions emphasize the same thing, namely that David had killed people. (See: Parallelism)

This refers to killing people. Alternate translation: “have killed people” (See:Euphemism)

1 Chronicles 28:4

David continues speaking to the Israelites.

One possible meaning is that here David is a metonym for David and his descendants who will rule Israel forever. Alternate translation: “chose me and my descendants … to be kings over Israel forever” Another is that David will continue to be the king of Israel after he is resurrected from the dead. (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “the whole land of Israel” or “all the Israelites”

1 Chronicles 28:5

David continues speaking to the Israelites.

Here “to sit on the throne” means to rule as king. Alternate translation: “to rule over” or “to be the king of” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “Israel, which is Yahweh’s kingdom”

1 Chronicles 28:6

David continues speaking to the Israelites.

Alternate translation: “God said to me”

The word “house” refers to the temple of Yahweh.

This does not mean that Solomon becomes an actual son of God, but it describes the personal relationship that he and God will have. Alternate translation: “I have chosen to treat him like a son, and I will be like a father to him” (See: Metaphor)

1 Chronicles 28:7

David continues speaking to the Israelites.

These two words basically mean the same thing and refer to everything that Yahweh had commanded. (See: Doublet)

The word “you” here refers to David. Also, the understood word “committed” may be supplied. Alternate translation: “just as you are committed this day” (See: Ellipsis)

1 Chronicles 28:8

David finishes speaking to the Israelites.

Here David is giving a command to all of the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “Now then, in the sight of all Israel, this assembly for Yahweh, and in the presence of our God, I command all of you to” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This indicates that David starts a new phase in his speech.

These two phrases have the same meaning and the second describes the first. Even though all of the people of Israel are not present, those present represent all of Israel. Alternate translation: “all you people of Israel, in this assembly for Yahweh” (See: Parallelism and Synecdoche)

The phrase “in the sight of” means that they are all present and listening. Alternate translation: “in the hearing of” (See: Idiom)

The phrase “to carry out” means basically the same thing as “keep.” Together the words emphasize importance of doing what God commands. Alternate translation: “carefully obey” (See: Doublet)

This means that the land will belong to their children and the descendants in the future. The phrase “after you” is an idiom. Alternate translation: “your children and your descendants who will take your place after you die” (See: Synecdoche and Idiom)

1 Chronicles 28:9

David calls himself “your father” because this is a very formal occasion. Alternate translation: “my God” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Here the “heart” the represents the whole person. To do something with “your whole heart” is an idiom. Alternate translation: “with complete devotion” or “completely” (See: Synecdoche and Idiom)

Here the “spirit” represents the whole person and emphasizes the person’s will. Alternate translation: “willingly” (See: Synecdoche)

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize that Yahweh knows the thoughts and motives of every person. (See: Parallelism)

Here people’s “hearts” represent their feelings and desires. Alternate translation: “searches everyone’s emotions and desires” (See: Metonymy)

This can be written in active form. Also, this speaks of following Yahweh and having him listen to you as searching for him and finding him. Alternate translation: “If you seek him, you will find him” or “If you try to get Yahweh to pay attention to you, he will do so” (See: Active or Passive and Metaphor)

1 Chronicles 28:10

David continues speaking to Solomon.

Alternate translation: “Be aware that” or “Be sure you remember that”

The word “strong” here refers to willpower and strength of character.

1 Chronicles 28:11

“temple porch” or “temple entrance.” This refers to the columns that supported the roof at the entrance of the temple.

1 Chronicles 28:12

storerooms for valuable things

1 Chronicles 28:13

These were specific rules about how the priests and Levites should work in the temple.

“groups of the priests and Levites.” This refers to the groups in which the priests and other temple workers were organized to fulfill their duties.

1 Chronicles 28:15

“determined by what each lampstand would be used for in the service in the temple.” There would be silver lampstands of different weights for different purposes.

1 Chronicles 28:16

The understood information may be supplied. Alternate translation: “the weight of the gold for every other table” (See: Ellipsis)

1 Chronicles 28:18

Alternate translation: “purified gold” or “extra valuable gold”

The refers to the weight of the gold. Alternate translation: “the weight of the gold for the design” (See: Ellipsis)

1 Chronicles 28:19

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “I wrote all of this down” (See: Idiom)

This refers to the detail for the design of the temple. Alternate translation: “helped me to understand the details for his temple” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

1 Chronicles 28:20

These two words basically mean the same thing and emphasize that Solomon must be courageous. (See: Doublet)

The words “afraid” and “anxious” basically mean the same thing and emphasize that Solomon must never give up. Also, this can be written in positive form. Alternate translation: “Be courageous” or “Be confident” (See: Doublet)

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “will help you” (See: Idiom)

These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize that Yahweh will always be with Solomon. Also, this can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “He will always be with you” (See: Parallelism)

1 Chronicles 28:21

David finishes speaking to Solomon.

“Here are the divisions.” David uses the word “see” here to refer back to the listings of the divisions of the Levites and their duties for the temple.

See how you translated this in 1 Chronicles 28:13.

1 Chronicles 29

1 Chronicles 29 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The preparation for the temple is finished in this chapter. (See: temple, house, house of God)

Special concepts in this chapter

Offering

David and the people made a free will offering and dedicated it all to God.

1 Chronicles 29:1

Alternate translation: “the one whom God has chosen”

1 Chronicles 29:2

David continues talking to the people about his provisions for the building of the temple.

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “gold so the craftsmen may make the gold things, silver so they may make the silver things, bronze so they may make the bronze things, iron so they may make the iron things, and wood so they may make the wooden things” (See: Active or Passive)

Each of these phrases refer to different types of stones intended for different purposes.

These are stones with black and white lines that are used to make jewelry.

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “stones for the craftsmen to set” or “stones for mounting”

This refers to the beautiful and decorative designs or patterns formed by the stones.

1 Chronicles 29:3

David continues talking to the people about his provisions for the building of the temple.

1 Chronicles 29:4

David continues talking to the people about his provisions for the building of the temple.

“3,000 talents.” This can be stated in modern measurements. Alternate translation: “about 100,000 kilograms” or “about 100 metric tons” (See: Biblical Money and Numbers)

This was the best quality and most valuable gold.

“7,000 talents.” This can be stated in modern measurements. Alternate translation: “about 230,000 kilograms” or “230 metric tons” (See: Biblical Money and Numbers)

1 Chronicles 29:5

David finishes talking to the people about his provisions for the building of the temple.

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “gold for the craftsmen to make the gold things, silver so they may make the silver things, and things of all kinds for their other work” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “give himself to God”

1 Chronicles 29:6

(See: Numbers)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Then the leaders … and the officials over the king’s work made freewill offerings” (See: Active or Passive)

This could mean: (1) these numbers represent the exact amount of soldiers that these commanders led. Alternate translation: “the commanders of 1,000 soldiers and the commanders of 100 soldiers” or (2) the words translated as “thousands” and “hundreds” do not represent exact numbers, but are the names of larger and smaller military divisions. Alternate translation: “the commanders of large military divisions and the commanders of smaller military divisions” See how you translated this in 1 Chronicles 13:1. (See: Numbers)

Here the word “over” is used as an idiom. Alternate translation: “the officials in charge of the king’s work” (See: Idiom)

1 Chronicles 29:7

“5,000 talents and 10,000 darics of gold, 10,000 talents of silver, 18,000 talents of bronze, and 100,000 talents of iron.” These may be written in modern measurements. Alternate translation: “165 metric tons and 84 kilograms of gold, 330 metric tons of silver, 600 metric tons of bronze, and 3,300 metric tons of iron” (See: Biblical Money)

“one hundred thousand talents” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 29:8

This is a place where money and valuable objects are kept.

See how you translated these men’s names in 1 Chronicles 23:8. (See: How to Translate Names)

This was the firstborn son of Levi. See how you translated these men’s names in 1 Chronicles 23:7. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Chronicles 29:9

willingly and without any doubt or hesitation

1 Chronicles 29:10

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “May people praise you” (See: Active or Passive)

Here “Israel” refers to the man Jacob. Alternate translation: “Jacob our ancestor” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

1 Chronicles 29:11

David continues his prayer of praise to Yahweh.

1 Chronicles 29:12

David continues his prayer of praise to Yahweh.

This speaks of Yahweh having control over whether people are powerful or not as if “power and might” were something in hand that he had control over. Alternate translation: “You determine who has power and might” (See: Metaphor)

The words “power” and “might” mean the same thing and emphasize the greatness of Yahweh’s power. (See: Doublet)

1 Chronicles 29:13

David continues his prayer of praise to Yahweh.

Here Yahweh is represented by his name. Alternate translation: “you who are glorious” or “you because you are glorious” (See: Metonymy)

1 Chronicles 29:14

David continues his prayer of praise to Yahweh.

David uses this rhetorical question to express that he and his people deserve no praise for giving anything to God. Alternate translation: “My people and I should definitely offer these things to you willingly!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

1 Chronicles 29:15

David continues his prayer of praise to Yahweh.

This speaks of people’s lives being short as if they were travelers only here on earth for a short time. Alternate translation: “For our lives are short and we are like strangers and travelers who pass before you” (See: Metaphor)

This speaks of people’s lives being short as if they were a shadow that is only visible for a short time. A person’s lifetime is represented by his “days.” Alternate translation: “Our time here on earth is like a shadow that disappears quickly” (See: Simile and Synecdoche)

1 Chronicles 29:16

David continues his prayer of praise to Yahweh.

1 Chronicles 29:17

David continues his prayer of praise to Yahweh.

Here the “heart” represents a person’s thoughts and feelings. Alternate translation: “you examine people’s thoughts” (See: Metonymy)

Here the “heart” represents a person’s thoughts and feelings. Alternate translation: “because I want to be honest and honorable in everything I do for you” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “I am joyful as I see”

1 Chronicles 29:18

David continues his prayer of praise to Yahweh.

Alternate translation: “keep this in the thoughts and minds of your people forever”

Here the people’s “hearts” represent their thoughts and desires. Alternate translation: “Direct them to be loyal to you” or “Keep them loyal to you” (See: Metonymy)

1 Chronicles 29:19

David finishes his prayer of praise to Yahweh.

The word “desire” may be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “Make my son Solomon fully desire” (See: Abstract Nouns)

1 Chronicles 29:20

Alternate translation: “Now praise Yahweh”

This refers to laying down on the ground before someone to show great respect. Alternate translation: “prostrated themselves on the ground to show respect to Yahweh and the king” (See: Symbolic Action)

1 Chronicles 29:21

The people offered animals to be sacrificed to Yahweh by the priests. Most of the people did not actually kill and sacrifice the animals themselves. (See: Metonymy)

“1,000 bulls, 1,000 rams, and 1,000 lambs” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 29:22

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “in honor of Yahweh” (See: Idiom)

This means that they anointed him and declared him as king. The first time is described in 1 Chronicles 23:1.

To do something with “Yahweh’s authority” means to do it on his behalf and with his approval. Alternate translation: “anointed him to rule over Israel on Yahweh’s behalf” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

1 Chronicles 29:23

Here the throne of Israel is referred to as “Yahweh’s throne,” to emphasize that the people of Israel are Yahweh’s people. Sitting on the throne represents ruling as king. Alternate translation: “So Solomon sat on the throne, instead of his father David, as king over Yahweh’s people” (See: Metonymy)

1 Chronicles 29:24

Alternate translation: “told King Solomon that they would be faithful to him”

1 Chronicles 29:25

These two phrases emphasize that Solomon received special favor from Yahweh, which made him Israel’s greatest and most powerful king. (See: Parallelism)

1 Chronicles 29:27

“40 years…33 years” (See: Numbers)

1 Chronicles 29:28

Alternate translation: “as an old man”

1 Chronicles 29:29

These are written accounts that no longer exist.

1 Chronicles 29:30

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “There men wrote down the deeds” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “the things that happened while David was king”

“all the things that happened to him and to the people of Israel and in the kingdoms of other countries while he was ruling Israel” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)