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)
2. From Adam to Jacob (1:1–2:2)
3. Jacob’s descendants (2:2–9:44)
4. Saul dies and David begins to reign (10:1-29:30)
5. Saul dies (10:1–14)
6. David captures Jerusalem (11:1-9)
7. David’s mighty men (11:10–12:40)
8. David prospers (13:1–22:1)
9. 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: INVALID bible/kt/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: INVALID translate/figs-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 01 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: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 1:6

These are all names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 1:7

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

These are names of people groups. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

This name is sometimes spelled “Dodanites.” (See: INVALID translate/translate-textvariants)

1 Chronicles 1:8

All of the names here are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 1:11

These are names of people groups. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 1:12

These are names of people groups. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“the ancestors of the Philistines”

1 Chronicles 1:13

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

This is the name of a people group. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 1:14

These are names of people groups. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 1:15

These are names of people groups. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 1:16

These are names of people groups. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 1:17

All of the names here are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 1:20

All of the names here are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 1:24

All of the names here are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 1:28

All of the names here are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 1:34

All of the names here are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 1:38

All of the names in this verse are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 1:40

All of the names here are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 1:41

All of the names here are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 1:43

These are the names of places. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

These are the names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 1:44

These are the names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

This is the name of a place. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 1:45

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

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

This is the name of a people group. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 1:46

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

This is the name of a place. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 1:47

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

This is the name of a place. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 1:48

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

This is the name of a place. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 1:49

These are the names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 1:50

These are the names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

This is the name of a place. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

These are the names of women. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 1:51

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

This is the name of a place. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 1:52

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 1:53

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 1:54

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

This is the name of a place. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 2

1 Chronicles 02 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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 2:2

All of the names here are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 2:3

These are the names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “his sons whom Shua’s daughter, a Canaanite woman, bore” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

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: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

The reader should understand that Yahweh may have had a person kill Er. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

1 Chronicles 2:4

This is the name of a woman. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

This refers to the wife of his son.

These are the names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“gave birth to his sons Perez and Zerah”

“5 sons” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

1 Chronicles 2:5

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 2:6

These are all names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 2:7

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

what God had said he wanted the people to destroy

1 Chronicles 2:8

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 2:9

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 2:10

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 2:11

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 2:12

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 2:13

All of the names here are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

The word “son” is understood. Also, the numbers are in ordinal form. Alternate translation: “the second son…the third son” (See: INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis and INVALID translate/translate-ordinal)

1 Chronicles 2:14

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

The word “son” is understood. Also, the numbers are in ordinal form. Alternate translation: “the fourth son…the fifth son” (See: INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis and INVALID translate/translate-ordinal)

1 Chronicles 2:15

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

The word “son” is understood. Also, the numbers are in ordinal form. Alternate translation: “the sixth son…the seventh son” (See: INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis and INVALID translate/translate-ordinal)

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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 2:17

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“Jether, a descendant of Ishmael”

1 Chronicles 2:18

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

These are names of women. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 2:19

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

These are names of women. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 2:20

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 2:21

All names in this list are the names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“gave birth to”

1 Chronicles 2:22

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 2:24

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: “Caleb had sexual relations with Ephrathah” (See: INVALID translate/figs-euphemism)

This is the name of a woman. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“gave birth to his son”

1 Chronicles 2:25

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 2:26

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

This is the name of a woman. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 2:27

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 2:28

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 2:29

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

This is the name of a woman. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 2:30

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 2:31

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 2:32

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 2:33

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 2:34

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 2:35

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“gave birth to his son”

1 Chronicles 2:36

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 2:37

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 2:38

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 2:39

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 2:40

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 2:41

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 2:42

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

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

1 Chronicles 2:43

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 2:44

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 2:46

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

This is the name of a woman. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 2:47

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 2:48

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

This is the name of a woman. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 2:49

“She also gave birth to””

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

This is the name of a woman. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 2:50

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

This is the name of a woman. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 2:51

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 2:52

See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

These are names of clans. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 2:55

This is the name of a town. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

These are names of clans. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“the Kenites who descended from Hamath”

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 3

1 Chronicles 03 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: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

This is the name of a man. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 3:3

These are the names of women who were David’s wives. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

These are the names of men. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

1 Chronicles 3:5

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 3:6

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 3:7

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 3:8

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 3:9

This is the name of a woman. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/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 3:11

This continues the list of David’s descendants who became king. All of the names in this list are the names of men. Form these sentences as you did starting in 1 Chronicles 3:10.

1 Chronicles 3:12

This continues the list of David’s descendants who became king. All of the names in this list are the names of men. Form these sentences as you did starting in 1 Chronicles 3:10.

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 3:13

This continues the list of David’s descendants who became king. All of the names in this list are the names of men. Form these sentences as you did starting in 1 Chronicles 3:10.

1 Chronicles 3:14

This continues the list of David’s descendants who became king. All of the names in this list are the names of men. Form these sentences as you did starting in 1 Chronicles 3:10.

1 Chronicles 3:15

This continues the list of David’s descendants who became king. All of the names in this list are the names of men. Form these sentences as you did starting in 1 Chronicles 3:10.

1 Chronicles 3:16

This continues the list of David’s descendants who became king. All of the names in this list are the names of men. Form these sentences as you did starting in 1 Chronicles 3:10.

1 Chronicles 3:17

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 3:20

These are all names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 3:21

These are all names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

This man has the same name as the prophet Obadiah but is a different person. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 3:23

These are all names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 3:24

These are all names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 4

1 Chronicles 04 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: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 4:3

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

This is the name of a woman. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 4:4

These are names of cities. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

These are the names of men. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 4:6

“gave birth to his sons”

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 4:8

These are the names of men. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 4:10

“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: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy and INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

1 Chronicles 4:11

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 4:12

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

It apprears that Ir Nahash may have been a city. Alternate translation: “Tehinnah, the founder of the city of Nahash” (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

These are the names of places. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-versebridge)

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 4:14

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-names and INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

people skilled at making or building things

1 Chronicles 4:15

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 4:16

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-versebridge)

These are the names of men. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

someone from the Gar people group (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

someone from the region of Maacah, which is also called Maacath (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 4:20

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 4:21

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

These are names of towns. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

people who made clothing out of a fabric made from crushed reeds (See: INVALID translate/translate-unknown)

1 Chronicles 4:22

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

These are names of towns. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 4:23

the people who make containers out of clay

These are names of towns. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 4:24

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 4:25

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 4:26

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

the son of Mishma’s son

the son of Mishma’s grandson

1 Chronicles 4:27

“16 sons and 6 daughters” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

1 Chronicles 4:28

These are the names of towns. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 4:29

The list of the cities where Simeon’s descendants lived continues.

These are the names of towns. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 4:30

These are names of towns. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 4:31

These are names of towns. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 4:32

The list of places where Simeon’s descendants lived continues.

These are the names of villages. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 4:33

the villages that were near but outside the main town

This is the name of a town. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 4:34

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 4:35

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 4:36

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 4:37

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 4:38

“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: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

1 Chronicles 4:39

This is the name of a town. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

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

1 Chronicles 4:40

“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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 4:42

“500 men” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 4:43

“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 05 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: INVALID translate/writing-background)

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “but Israel gave Reuben’s birthright to the sons of Joseph, another of Israel’s sons” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

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: INVALID translate/figs-euphemism and INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “So the family history does not list Reuben as the oldest son” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

1 Chronicles 5:2

This verse finishes the background information about Reuben. (See: INVALID translate/writing-background)

1 Chronicles 5:3

These are the names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 5:4

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 5:5

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 5:6

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 5:7

This can start a new sentence: “Their genealogical records list them as” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

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

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 5:8

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

These are the names of cities. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 5:10

This is a name of a people group. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

1 Chronicles 5:11

This is the name of a city. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 5:15

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 5:16

“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: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

This refers to the people from the tribe of Gad.

“forty-four thousand seven hundred and sixty soldiers” (See: INVALID translate/translate-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: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

1 Chronicles 5:19

These are the names of people groups.

1 Chronicles 5:20

“the Israelites prayed to God for help”

1 Chronicles 5:21

“The Israelites captured the Hagrites’ animals”

“50,000 camels” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

“two hundred and fifty thousand sheep” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

“2,000 donkeys” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

“one hundred thousand men” (See: INVALID translate/translate-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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 5:24

These are the names of men. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

These are the names of people groups. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

These are names of towns. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

This is the name of a river. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

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

1 Chronicles 6

1 Chronicles 06 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter records the descendants of Levi.

1 Chronicles 6:1

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 6:2

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 6:3

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 6:4

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 6:5

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 6:6

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 6:7

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 6:8

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 6:9

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 6:10

The reader should understand that Solomon probably hired workers to do the work. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

1 Chronicles 6:11

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 6:12

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 6:13

This is the name of a man. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 6:14

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 6:20

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 6:21

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 6:22

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 6:23

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 6:24

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 6:25

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 6:26

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 6:27

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 6:28

This is the name of a man. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

the second son

1 Chronicles 6:29

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 6:30

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 6:31

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

“the people of Israel placed the ark there”

1 Chronicles 6:32

Possible meanings are 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”

“They did their work” or “They did their various kinds of work”

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “according to the instructions that David gave them” or “according to the instructions they received” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

1 Chronicles 6:33

“These were the musicians”

This is the name of a people group, the descendants of Kohath (1 Chronicles 6:1). (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 6:34

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 6:37

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 6:38

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 6:39

“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: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 6:40

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 6:41

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 6:42

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 6:43

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 6:44

See: INVALID translate/translate-names

“Standing on Heman’s left side”

“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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 6:45

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 6:46

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

1 Chronicles 6:49

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

1 Chronicles 6:50

“These were the descendants of Aaron”

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 6:51

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 6:52

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 6:53

This is the name of a man. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

“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: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

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

“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: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 6:59

These are names of towns. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 6:62

“The clans of Gershon’s descendants gained 13 cities” (See: INVALID translate/translate-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: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 6:69

These are names of towns. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 6:70

These are names of towns. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 6:73

These are names of towns. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 6:74

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “The tribe of Asher gave Issachar” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

These are names of towns. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 6:76

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “The tribe of Naphtali gave them” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

These are names of towns. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 6:77

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “The tribe of Zebulun gave the rest…descendants” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

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

These are names of towns. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-versebridge)

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “the tribe of Reuben, across…Jericho, gave them” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

These are names of towns. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-versebridge)

These are names of towns. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 6:80

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “The tribe of Gad gave the Levites” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

These are names of towns. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 7

1 Chronicles 07 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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 7:2

All of the names here are the names of men. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

“during David’s life” or “while David was alive”

1 Chronicles 7:3

All of the names here are the names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 7:4

Another possible meaning is “Among them were.”

“36,000 soldiers who were ready for battle” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

1 Chronicles 7:5

“87,000 fighting men” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

1 Chronicles 7:6

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 7:7

All of the names here are the names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“twenty-two thousand and thirty-four” (See: INVALID translate/translate-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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 7:9

“twenty thousand two hundred family leaders” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

1 Chronicles 7:10

All of the names here are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 7:11

This is the name of a man. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“The clan lists contained 17,200”

“seventeen thousand two hundred heads of houses” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

1 Chronicles 7:12

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

These are names of clans of people. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 7:13

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“the sons of Bilhah’s son.” Bilhah is the name of a woman. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 7:14

This is the name of a man. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“Aramean concubine gave birth to”

These are names of men. See how you translated “Makir, father of Gilead” in 1 Chronicles 2:21. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 7:15

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

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

This is the name of a woman. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 7:16

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 7:17

All of the names here are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 7:19

All of the names here are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 7:20

All of the names here are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “Men of Gath, the natives in the land, killed Ezer and Elead” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

“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: INVALID translate/figs-euphemism)

“She became pregnant and gave birth to a son”

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“named him”

1 Chronicles 7:24

This is the name of a woman. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

These are names of towns. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 7:25

All of the names here are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 7:26

All of the names here are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 7:27

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 7:28

All of the names listed here are names of towns. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/figs-abstractnouns)

1 Chronicles 7:29

These are names of towns. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 7:31

All of the names here are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 7:33

All of the names here are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 7:34

All of the names here are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 7:35

All of the names here are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 7:36

All of the names here are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 7:37

All of the names here are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 7:38

All of the names here are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 7:39

All of the names here are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 7:40

This is the name of a man. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

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

“important men”

“According to the clan records, there were 26,000 men who were able to serve in the military” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

1 Chronicles 8

1 Chronicles 08 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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 8:2

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 8:3

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 8:4

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 8:5

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 8:6

This is the name of a man. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“needed to move” or “had to move”

1 Chronicles 8:7

All of the names here are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 8:8

This is the name of a man. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

These are names of women. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 8:9

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

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

This is the name of a woman. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 8:10

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

This is the name of a woman. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 8:12

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

These are names of places. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 8:13

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 8:14

All of the names here are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 8:15

All of the names here are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 8:16

All of the names here are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 8:17

All of the names here are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-versebridge)

1 Chronicles 8:18

All of the names here are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 8:19

All of the names here are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-versebridge)

1 Chronicles 8:20

All of the names here are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-versebridge and INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 8:21

All of the names here are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 8:22

All of the names here are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-versebridge)

1 Chronicles 8:23

All of the names here are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 8:24

All of the names here are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 8:25

All of the names here are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 8:26

All of the names here are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-versebridge)

1 Chronicles 8:27

All of the names here are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

This is the name of a town. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

This is the name of a man. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

This is the name of a woman. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 8:30

“Jeiel’s first son”

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 8:31

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 8:32

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 8:33

All of the names here are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 8:34

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 8:35

All of the names here are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 8:36

All of the names here are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 8:37

All of the names here are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 8:38

All of the names here are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 8:39

All of the names here are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“Jeush, who was born after Ulam, and Eliphelet, who was born after Jeush” (See: INVALID translate/translate-ordinal)

1 Chronicles 8:40

This is the name of a man. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“a total of one hundred fifty sons and grandsons” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

1 Chronicles 9

1 Chronicles 09 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: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

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: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

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: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

1 Chronicles 9:4

All of the names here are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 9:5

This is the name of a people group descended from Shelah. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

This is the name of a man. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 9:6

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“numbered six hundred ninety people” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers and INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

1 Chronicles 9:7

All of the names here are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 9:8

All of the names here are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 9:9

“numbered nine hundred and fifty-six people” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers and INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

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

1 Chronicles 9:10

All of the names here are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 9:11

All of the names here are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 9:13

“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: INVALID translate/translate-numbers and INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

1 Chronicles 9:14

All of the names here are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“one of the descendants”

1 Chronicles 9:15

All of the names here are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 9:17

“The guards were” or “The gatekeepers were”

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 9:18

“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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

descendants of Korah (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

1 Chronicles 9:20

This is the name of a man. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

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

1 Chronicles 9:21

This is the name of a man. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-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: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

“numbered two hundred and twelve” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “The records in peoples’ villages included the names of these men” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

1 Chronicles 9:23

“their descendants”

1 Chronicles 9:24

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “men guarded the entrances” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

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

1 Chronicles 9:25

“The guards’ brothers”

“would come to help for 7-day periods, taking turns” (See: INVALID translate/translate-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: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

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

1 Chronicles 9:28

“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: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

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: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

1 Chronicles 9:31

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

This is the name of a people group. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 9:32

This is the name of a people group. (See: INVALID translate/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”

“they did not have to do other work”

“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: INVALID translate/figs-merism)

1 Chronicles 9:34

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

1 Chronicles 9:35

“the man Gibeon…the town of Gibeon”

This is the name of a man. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

This is the name of a woman. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 9:36

All of the names here are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 9:37

All of the names here are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 9:38

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 9:39

All of the names here are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 9:40

All of the names here are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 9:41

All of the names here are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 9:42

All of the names here are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 9:43

All of the names here are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 9:44

All of the names here are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

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: INVALID translate/figs-hyperbole)

1 Chronicles 10:2

See how you translated these men’s names in 1 Chronicles 8:33. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 10:4

The action of stabbing is a metonym for the result, death. Alternate translation: “kill me with it” (See: INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/figs-nominaladj)

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: INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis and INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

1 Chronicles 10:7

This is probably a generalization. Alternate translation: “When the men of Israel” (See: INVALID translate/figs-hyperbole)

“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.

“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: INVALID translate/figs-euphemism)

1 Chronicles 10:9

“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: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

1 Chronicles 10:10

“The Philistines put Saul’s armor”

This is the name of a false god. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/figs-hyperbole and INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

This is the name of a town in the region of Gilead. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 10:12

The bones are a synecdoche for the dead bodies. Alternate translation: “their bodies” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

“7 days” (See: INVALID translate/translate-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.

“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: INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID bible/kt/works)

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: INVALID translate/figs-hyperbole)

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

1 Chronicles 11:2

This is historical information. Saul had been their king before David. (See: INVALID translate/writing-background)

These two clauses mean basically the same thing and emphasize that Yahweh had chosen David to be king. (See: INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

1 Chronicles 11:3

To “anoint” is a symbolic act to show that they recognized that God had chosen David as king. (See: INVALID translate/translate-symaction)

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the word of Yahweh that Samuel had declared” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

1 Chronicles 11:4

Here the phrase “all Israel” represents the entire Israelite army. Alternate translation: “David and all the Israelite army” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

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

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: INVALID translate/figs-idiom and INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

Both of these names refer to Jerusalem.

1 Chronicles 11:6

This is the name of a man. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “so David made Joab the chief” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

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: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

This likely refers to a terraced structure that consisted of retaining walls with dirt filled in behind them. (See: INVALID translate/translate-unknown)

1 Chronicles 11:10

“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: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

1 Chronicles 11:11

This is the name of a man. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

This refers to a person from the Hachmon clan. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“in one battle”

1 Chronicles 11:12

“After Jashobeam”

These are the names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

The “Ahohites” is the name of a people group. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 11:13

This is the name of a place. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 11:14

“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: INVALID translate/figs-euphemism)

1 Chronicles 11:15

“3 of the 30” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

“the cave near the town of Adullam.” Adullam is near Bethlehem. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

This is the name of a place. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 11:16

“in his safe place in a cave”

“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: INVALID translate/figs-doublet)

1 Chronicles 11:18

“3 mighty men” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

“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: INVALID translate/figs-doublet)

This means that he poured out the water as an offering to Yahweh. (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

1 Chronicles 11:19

“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. This rhetorical question can be translated 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: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor and INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

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: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “People often mentioned him when they spoke of the Three” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

1 Chronicles 11:21

This can be stated in active form. Possible meanings are 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: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

1 Chronicles 11:22

These are the names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

This is the name of a city. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 11:23

A “cubit” is a unit of measurement equal to 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: “2.3 meters” (See: INVALID translate/translate-bdistance)

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: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

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

1 Chronicles 11:24

“did these mighty deeds”

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “people praised him like they praised the three mighty men” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

1 Chronicles 11:25

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “The people respected him more than the 30 soldiers, but not as much as the 3 most elite soldiers” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

the group of people responsible for protecting David

1 Chronicles 11:26

This begins a list of David’s thirty most important warriors. The list contains the names of the men and the clans to which they belonged. The list continues through 1 Chronicles 11:47. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 11:27

This continues the list of David’s thirty most important warriors. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 11:28

This continues the list of David’s thirty most important warriors. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 11:29

This continues the list of David’s thirty most important warriors. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 11:30

This continues the list of David’s thirty most important warriors. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 11:31

This continues the list of David’s thirty most important warriors. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 11:32

This continues the list of David’s thirty most important warriors. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 11:33

This continues the list of David’s thirty most important warriors. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 11:34

This continues the list of David’s thirty most important warriors. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 11:35

This continues the list of David’s thirty most important warriors. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 11:36

This continues the list of David’s thirty most important warriors. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 11:37

This continues the list of David’s thirty most important warriors. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 11:38

This continues the list of David’s thirty most important warriors. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 11:39

This continues the list of David’s thirty most important warriors. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 11:40

This continues the list of David’s thirty most important warriors. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 11:41

This continues the list of David’s thirty most important warriors. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 11:42

This continues the list of David’s thirty most important warriors. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“30 men with him” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

1 Chronicles 11:43

This continues the list of David’s thirty most important warriors. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 11:44

This continues the list of David’s thirty most important warriors. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 11:45

This concludes the list of David’s thirty most important warriors. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 11:46

This continues the list of David’s thirty most important warriors. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 11:47

This ends the list of David’s thirty most important warriors. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

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

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “during the time when he could not be in the presence of” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

1 Chronicles 12:2

“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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 12:4

This continues the list of the men from the tribe of Benjamin who joined David at Ziklag. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“the 30 soldiers” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

1 Chronicles 12:5

This continues the list of the men from the tribe of Benjamin who joined David at Ziklag. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 12:6

This continues the list of the men from the tribe of Benjamin who joined David at Ziklag. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 12:7

This ends the list of the men from the tribe of Benjamin who joined David at Ziklag. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 12:8

This begins a list of the men from the tribe of Gad who joined David. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche and INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

This hyperbole compares how swiftly these men were able to run with how swiftly gazelles are able to run over rugged mountain terrain. (See: INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/translate-names and INVALID translate/translate-ordinal)

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: INVALID translate/translate-names and INVALID translate/translate-ordinal)

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: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 12:14

This means that the smallest group of the army that a leader led was 100 men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

This means that the largest group of the army that a leader led was 1,000 men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-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: INVALID translate/translate-hebrewmonths and INVALID translate/translate-ordinal)

“when the Jordan overflowed its banks”

“they chased away all those living in the valleys”

1 Chronicles 12:16

“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: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

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: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

This is the name of a man. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“the 30 soldiers” (See: INVALID translate/translate-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: INVALID translate/figs-parallelism and INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/figs-doublet)

1 Chronicles 12:19

“left their leaders to join”

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

1 Chronicles 12:20

This is the name of a city. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

These are the names of men. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-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

“Each day”

Possible meanings are 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: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

1 Chronicles 12:23

This begins the list of the number of men who joined David from each tribe. (See: INVALID translate/translate-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: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

“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: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

“six thousand eight hundred, armed for war” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

1 Chronicles 12:25

This continues the list of the number of men who joined David from each tribe. (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

“From Simeon” or “From the tribe of Simeon”

“seven thousand one hundred fighting men” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

1 Chronicles 12:26

This continues the list of the number of men who joined David from each tribe. (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

“four thousand six hundred fighting men” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

1 Chronicles 12:27

This continues the list of the number of men who joined David from each tribe. (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

This is the name of a man. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“with him were three thousand seven hundred” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

1 Chronicles 12:28

This continues the list of the number of men who joined David from each tribe. (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

“22 leaders” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

1 Chronicles 12:29

This continues the list of the number of men who joined David from each tribe. (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

“From Benjamin, the tribe to which Saul belonged”

“3,000” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

1 Chronicles 12:30

This continues the list of the number of men who joined David from each tribe. (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

“twenty thousand eight hundred fighting men” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

“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: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

“18,000” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

1 Chronicles 12:32

This continues the list of the number of men who joined David from each tribe. (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

“200” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

Possible meanings are 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: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

“50,000” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

It is implicit that they would give loyalty to David. Alternate translation: “ready to give undivided loyalty to David” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

1 Chronicles 12:34

This continues the list of the number of men who joined David from each tribe. (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

“1,000…37,000” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

1 Chronicles 12:35

This continues the list of the number of men who joined David from each tribe. (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

“From Dan” or “From the tribe of Dan”

“twenty-eight thousand six hundred men” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

1 Chronicles 12:36

This continues the list of the number of men who joined David from each tribe. (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

“40,000” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

1 Chronicles 12:37

This ends the list of the number of men who joined David from each tribe. (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

“Reuben, Gad” or “the tribe of Reuben, the tribe of Gad”

“one hundred twenty thousand men” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

1 Chronicles 12:38

“determined to make David king”

1 Chronicles 12:39

“These soldiers were there with David”

“3 days” (See: INVALID translate/translate-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: INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID bible/kt/priest and INVALID bible/kt/lawofmoses and INVALID bible/kt/covenant)

1 Chronicles 13:1

Possible meanings are 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: INVALID translate/translate-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: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

This idiom means that this action is something that Yahweh approves. Alternate translation: “if this is something that Yahweh our God approves” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Let messengers tell them to join us” or “Let them join us” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

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: INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/figs-hyperbole)

These are the names of places. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 13:6

These are the names of places. “Baalah” is another name for Kiriath Jearim. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“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: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

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.

This can be stated in active form. Possible meanings are 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: INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

1 Chronicles 13:7

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/figs-hyperbole)

“singing while playing stringed instruments”

hand drums with pieces of metal around the side that sound when the instruments are shaken (See: INVALID translate/translate-unknown)

two thin, round metal plates that are hit together to make a loud sound (See: INVALID translate/translate-unknown)

1 Chronicles 13:9

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

“in the presence of God”

1 Chronicles 13:11

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “People call that place” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

This is the name of a place. Translator may add a footnote that says, “The name ‘Perez Uzzah’ means ‘the punishment of Uzzah.’” (See: INVALID translate/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. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “I am too afraid to bring the ark of Yahweh with me to Jerusalem.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

1 Chronicles 13:13

This is the name of a man. A “Gittite” is a person from the city of Gath. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 13:14

“with Obed Edom’s family in his house”

“3 months” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

Here the word “house” is a metonym for his family. Alternate translation: “Yahweh blessed his family” (See: INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

people who make things with wood

people make things with stone or brick

“The carpenters and masons built a house for David”

1 Chronicles 14:2

“made him”

The idiom “exalted on high” means that Yahweh had given great honor to David’s kingdom. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Yahweh had exalted David’s kingdom on high” or “Yahweh had given great honor to David’s kingdom” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom and INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Here the word “his” refers to Yahweh.

1 Chronicles 14:4

“the children whom his wives bore for him”

These are names of men. See how you translated these in 1 Chronicles 3:5. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 14:5

This continues the list of the children who were born to David in Jerusalem. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

These are names of men. These names appear also in 1 Chronicles 3:6, although there “Elpelet” is spelled “Eliphelet.” (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 14:6

This continues the list of the children who were born to David in Jerusalem. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

These are names of men. These names appear also in 1 Chronicles 3:7. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 14:7

This ends the list of the children who were born to David in Jerusalem. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

These are names of men. These names appear also in 1 Chronicles 3:8, although there “Beeliada” is spelled “Eliada.” (See: INVALID translate/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.

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the elders of Israel had anointed David as king” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

It is implied that David led his army out to fight against them. Alternate translation: “led his army out to fight against them” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

1 Chronicles 14:9

This is the name of a place. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/figs-simile)

This refers to David’s resources. Alternate translation: “using my army” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

1 Chronicles 14:12

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “to burn their false gods” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

1 Chronicles 14:13

“the Valley of Rephaim”

1 Chronicles 14:14

“attack from the front”

“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: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

1 Chronicles 14:16

This is the name of a town. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID bible/kt/priest)

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: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

1 Chronicles 15:2

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Yahweh had chosen them” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

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: INVALID translate/figs-hyperbole)

1 Chronicles 15:4

This begins the list of the number of men whom David assembled from each of the Levite clans. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names and INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

1 Chronicles 15:5

“one hundred twenty men” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

1 Chronicles 15:6

This continues the list of the number of men whom David assembled from each of the Levite clans. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names and INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

“two hundred twenty men” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

1 Chronicles 15:7

This continues the list of the number of men whom David assembled from each of the Levite clans. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names and INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

1 Chronicles 15:8

This continues the list of the number of men whom David assembled from each of the Levite clans. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names and INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

1 Chronicles 15:9

This continues the list of the number of men whom David assembled from each of the Levite clans. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names and INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

1 Chronicles 15:10

This ends the list of the number of men whom David assembled from each of the Levite clans. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names and INVALID translate/translate-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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 15:13

“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: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

Here seeking Yahweh means to seek his counsel. Alternate translation: “we did not ask him for instructions” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

1 Chronicles 15:15

The word “word” can be translated with a verb. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the rules that the word of Yahweh had given” or “the rules that Yahweh had spoken” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive and INVALID translate/figs-abstractnouns)

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: INVALID translate/translate-unknown)

This idiom means to sing loudly. Alternate translation: “singing loudly” (See: INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-ordinal)

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: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “The Levites appointed the musicians Heman, Asaph, and Ethan” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

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: INVALID translate/translate-unknown)

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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

The meaning of this word is not clear but may refer to a style of music. (See: INVALID translate/translate-unknown)

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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

The meaning of this word is not clear but may refer to a style of music. (See: INVALID translate/translate-unknown)

“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: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 15:25

Possible meanings are 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: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

This is the name of a man. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 15:27

This can be stated in active form. 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: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

a cloth made from fibers of the flax plant

This is the name of a man. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/translate-unknown)

1 Chronicles 15:29

“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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Here “heart” represents thoughts or emotions. Alternate translation: “she despised him” or “she hated him” (See: INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID bible/kt/priest)

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.

“to God”

1 Chronicles 16:2

This is a metonym for David directing the priests, who performed the actual sacrifices. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

To bless “in the name of Yahweh” means to bless with Yahweh’s power and authority or as his representative. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

1 Chronicles 16:3

This was done under David’s authority and direction. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

a baked sweet bread made with dried grapes

1 Chronicles 16:5

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

This means next to him in authority and position. (See: INVALID translate/translate-ordinal)

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: INVALID translate/translate-unknown)

1 Chronicles 16:6

This is the name of a man. (See: INVALID translate/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.

“song of giving thanks”

1 Chronicles 16:8

Here “his name” represents Yahweh. Alternate translation: “call on Yahweh” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

This refers to the people in the nations. Alternate translation: “the people of the nations” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

1 Chronicles 16:10

Here “his holy name” represents Yahweh. Alternate translation: “Boast in who Yahweh is” or “Boast in Yahweh” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

• Here “the heart” represents the person who seeks Yahweh. Alternate translation: “let the people who seek Yahweh rejoice” (See: INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

“seek to be near him always”

1 Chronicles 16:12

“Remember the marvelous things”

The understood verb may be supplied. Alternate translation: “remember his miracles and” (See: INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

Here “mouth” refers to the things that Yahweh spoke. Alternate translation: “decrees that he has spoken” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

1 Chronicles 16:13

These phrases share similar meanings and are used for emphasis. (See: INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/figs-parallelism and INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

This means to remember and think about his covenant. Alternate translation: “Remember his covenant” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

“1,000 generations” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

1 Chronicles 16:16

The phrase “calls to mind” means to remember something. Alternate translation: “He remembers” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

Both “the covenant” and “the oath” refer to the same promise that Yahweh made to his people. (See: INVALID translate/figs-parallelism)

This refers to the oath that he had previously made to Issac. Alternate translation: “his oath that he made to Isaac” (See: INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

1 Chronicles 16:18

The words “you” and “your” in this verse refers to Israel.

“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: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

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: INVALID translate/figs-parallelism)

1 Chronicles 16:21

The words “them” and “their” in this verse refers to Israel.

“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: INVALID translate/figs-hyperbole)

1 Chronicles 16:23

Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See: INVALID translate/writing-poetry and INVALID translate/figs-parallelism)

This refers to the people of the earth. Alternate translation: “all you people who live on the earth” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

The abstract noun “salvation” can be translated using the verb “save.” Alternate translation: “announce that he has saved us” or “tell people that he is the one who saves” (See: INVALID translate/figs-abstractnouns)

“every day”

1 Chronicles 16:24

“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: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “fear him above all other gods” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

1 Chronicles 16:27

The author speaks as if splendor and majesty are people who can stand before a king. (See: INVALID translate/figs-personification)

“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: INVALID translate/figs-personification)

“in his temple” or “in his sanctuary”

1 Chronicles 16:28

“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: INVALID translate/figs-abstractnouns)

1 Chronicles 16:29

The abstract noun “glory” can be stated as 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: INVALID translate/figs-abstractnouns)

Here “his name” refers to the person of God. Alternate translation: “due to him” or “he deserves” or “he is worthy to receive” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

The implied information is that the people were to bow down in worship. Alternate translation: “Bow down to worship Yahweh” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit and INVALID translate/translate-symaction)

The abstract nouns “splendor” and “holiness” can be translated as adjectives. Alternate translation: “because he is gloriously beautiful and holy” (See: INVALID translate/figs-abstractnouns)

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: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

1 Chronicles 16:31

Possible meanings are 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: INVALID translate/figs-personification and INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/figs-explicit and INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/figs-personification)

1 Chronicles 16:33

This speaks about the trees as if they were people who could shout for joy. (See: INVALID translate/figs-personification)

1 Chronicles 16:34

The abstract noun “faithfulness” can be stated as “faithfully” or “faithful.” Alternate translation: “for he faithfully loves us forever” or “for he is faithful to his covenant forever” (See: INVALID translate/figs-abstractnouns)

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: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Here Yahweh is referred to by his “holy name.” Alternate translation: “give thanks to you” or “give thanks to Yahweh” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

1 Chronicles 16:36

This refers to two extremes and means for all time. Alternate translation: “for all eternity” (See: INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/figs-hyperbole)

1 Chronicles 16:37

“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: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

1 Chronicles 16:38

These were names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“68 relatives” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

1 Chronicles 16:39

“to serve at the tabernacle”

1 Chronicles 16:40

The word “They” in this verse refers to the priests.

“every day, morning”

1 Chronicles 16:41

The word “them” in this verse refers to the priests.

These were names of men. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-unknown)

The implied information is that they were to guard the entrance to the tabernacle. Alternate translation: “guarded the tabernacle gate” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

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: INVALID bible/kt/temple and INVALID bible/kt/promise and INVALID bible/kt/eternity)

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: INVALID translate/writing-newevent)

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: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

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: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

1 Chronicles 17:2

Here “heart” represents the mind. Alternate translation: “do what you think you should” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Here “with you” means God is helping and blessing David. (See: INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/figs-quotesinquotes and INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

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: INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/figs-quotesinquotes and INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

Those who are leaders of the people of Israel are spoken of as if they were shepherds and the people were sheep. (See: INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

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: INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Here “name” represents a person’s reputation. Alternate translation: “I will make your name to be great and well known” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

The phrase “great ones” means famous persons.

1 Chronicles 17:9

Yahweh continues describing his promises to King David through the prophet Nathan.

“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: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “no one will ever trouble them” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

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: INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

1 Chronicles 17:11

Yahweh continues describing his promises to King David through the prophet Nathan.

“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: INVALID translate/figs-parallelism and INVALID translate/figs-euphemism)

God appointing David’s descendant is spoken of as if Yahweh would raise or lift him up. (See: INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/figs-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.

The abstract noun “faithfulness” can be translated as “faithfully.” Alternate translation: “I will never stop faithfully loving him, as I stopped loving Saul” (See: INVALID translate/figs-abstractnouns)

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: INVALID translate/figs-parallelism)

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “I will establish his throne forever” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

A king’s right to rule is referred to by the place a king sits. Alternate translation: “his right to rule” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

1 Chronicles 17:15

“told him”

Here “words” represents what Yahweh said. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

1 Chronicles 17:16

“David said”

• David asks this question to express the deep emotion he felt from hearing Yahweh’s proclamation. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “My family and I are not worthy of this honor, Yahweh God.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

1 Chronicles 17:17

David continues to speak to Yahweh.

Something that is not important is described as being small. (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

Here sight represents judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: “in your judgment” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Here David refers to himself as “your servant.” This can be stated in first person. Alternate translation: “my family” (See: INVALID translate/figs-123person)

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: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Here David refers to himself as “your servant.” This can be stated in first person. Alternate translation: “me” (See: INVALID translate/figs-123person)

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: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

These two phrases have similar meanings and are repeated for emphasis. (See: INVALID translate/figs-parallelism)

The abstract noun “recognition” can be translated using the verb “recognize.” Alternate translation: “You have recognized your servant in a special way” (See: INVALID translate/figs-abstractnouns)

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: INVALID translate/figs-123person)

“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: INVALID translate/figs-parallelism)

Here “we” refers to David and the nation of Israel. (See: INVALID translate/figs-exclusive)

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. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “there is no nation on earth…by great and awesome deeds.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

The implied information is that they were rescued from slavery. Alternate translation: “you rescued from slavery in Egypt” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Here “name” represents Yahweh’s reputation. Alternate translation: “to make all people know who you are” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Here “nations” represents the people groups that were living in Canaan. (See: INVALID translate/figs-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.

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “may you do what you promised to me and my family, and may your promise never change” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

David is speaking about himself in the third person. This can be stated in the first person. Alternate translation: “me and my family” (See: INVALID translate/figs-123person)

1 Chronicles 17:24

David continues to speak to Yahweh.

Here “name” represents Yahweh’s reputation. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Here “house” represents family. Alternate translation: “my family” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “is secure because of you” or “continues because of you” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

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: INVALID translate/figs-123person)

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: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

The abstract noun “courage” can be expressed here as 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: INVALID translate/figs-123person)

These two phrases have about the same meaning and are repeated here for emphasis. (See: INVALID translate/figs-parallelism)

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “you will continue to bless it forever” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

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: INVALID bible/kt/temple)

1 Chronicles 18:1

“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: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

This is the name of a man. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

This is the name of a country.

“was going to the Euphrates river to conquer people in that area”

1 Chronicles 18:4

“1,000 chariots” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

These are soldiers who rode on horses. “7,000 horsemen” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

These are soldiers who walked. “20,000 footmen” (See: INVALID translate/translate-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: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

1 Chronicles 18:5

“killed 22,000” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

1 Chronicles 18:6

groups of soldiers assigned to particular areas

“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.

“that Hadadezar’s servants carried”

1 Chronicles 18:8

These are the names of cities. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“a large quantity of bronze”

The writer adds this background information to explain what would happen to this bronze at a later time. (See: INVALID translate/writing-background)

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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

These are the names of places. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 18:10

These are the names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“been at war with”

1 Chronicles 18:11

“decided that these objects would only be used to worship Yahweh”

“David took from all the nations that he defeated”

1 Chronicles 18:12

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“18,000 Edomites” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

This is the name of a valley between Edom and Judah that was used as a battlefield.

1 Chronicles 18:14

“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: INVALID translate/figs-abstractnouns)

1 Chronicles 18:15

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

the person who writes down details of special events

1 Chronicles 18:16

These are the names of men. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

These are the names of foreign people groups who became David’s bodyguards. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 19:2

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

The abstract noun “kindness” can be stated as an action. Alternate translation: “I will be kind…was kind” (See: INVALID translate/figs-abstractnouns)

comfort

1 Chronicles 19:3

The princes asked this question to turn the king against David. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should not think that David is honoring your father because he has sent men to comfort you.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

The princes asked this question to turn the king against David. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “Surely his servants come to you to explore the land in order to overthrow it.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

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: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

“their clothes”

1 Chronicles 19:5

“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: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

This refers to David.

“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: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

“1,000 talents” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

approximately 33 kilograms (See: INVALID translate/translate-bmoney)

These are names of cities. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 19:7

“32,000 talents” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

These are names of cities. (See: INVALID translate/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

“heard that the Ammonites were coming out for war”

“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

“the enemy soldiers lined up for battle”

1 Chronicles 19:11

“arranged his soldiers in lines for battle”

This is the name of Joab’s brother. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 19:13

“Be brave…behave bravely”

“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: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

1 Chronicles 19:14

“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: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

“requested more soliders”

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/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.

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: When David’s messengers told him that a larger Aramean army was coming” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

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: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

This is a generalization. Not every person in Israel came to fight. Alternate translation: “a very large number of Israelites” (See: INVALID translate/figs-hyperbole)

“He organized”

Here “him” refers to David’s soldiers, in addition to David. Alternate translation: “the Arameans fought David and his soldiers” (See: INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/translate-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.

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Israel had defeated them” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

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: INVALID translate/writing-background)

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: INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

1 Chronicles 20:2

about 33 kilograms (See: INVALID translate/translate-bmoney)

This can be stated in active form. Possible meanings are 1) David put the crown on his own head or 2) David’s men placed the crown on his head. (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

The word “he” refers to David, but also refers to David’s soldiers who helped David do this. (See: INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/figs-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.

“the Israelites battled the Philistines at Gezer”

This is the name of a city. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

These are names of people groups. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “they subdued the Philistines” or “they defeated the Philistines” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

1 Chronicles 20:5

This is the name of a city. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

These are names of people groups. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/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. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “David and his soldiers killed the descendants of the Rephaim” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche and INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

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: INVALID bible/kt/trust and INVALID bible/kt/sin)

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: INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

The word “this” refers to David’s plan to count all the men of Israel.

1 Chronicles 21:4

“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: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

1 Chronicles 21:5

“one million, one hundred thousand men” (See: INVALID translate/translate-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: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

“four hundred seventy thousand soldiers” (See: INVALID translate/translate-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: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Joab was offended by what David had commanded” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

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: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

David refers to himself as God’s servant. Alternate translation: “my guilt” (See: INVALID translate/figs-123person)

1 Chronicles 21:12

Here “their swords” represents death in battle. Alternate translation: “being killed by them in battle” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Here the plague is spoken of as Yahweh’s sword because the “sword” is a metonym for death. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

“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: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

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: INVALID translate/figs-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.”

“Yahweh is very merciful”

1 Chronicles 21:14

Here Israel is a metonym that represents the people of Israel. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

“70,000 people died” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

1 Chronicles 21:15

Here “mind” represents his decision. Alternate translation: “decided not to destroy Jerusalem” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

This exclamation means “You have killed enough people!” (See: INVALID translate/figs-exclamations)

This is an idiom that means to stop doing something. Alternate translation: “do not kill attack the people of Jerusalem” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

This is the name of a man. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/writing-symlanguage)

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: INVALID translate/translate-symaction)

These were symbols of repentance. (See: INVALID translate/translate-symaction)

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: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

David speaks of the people of Israel as if they were sheep, who are known for trusting and following their leader. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

David uses this question to asks God not to punish the people. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “they certainly have done nothing that deserves punishment.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

Here “hand” represents Yahweh’s power to punish. Alternate translation: “Punish me and my family” (See: INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

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: INVALID translate/translate-symaction)

1 Chronicles 21:22

“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: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

David’s understanding is described as his sight. Alternate translation: “whatever you decide to do with it” (See: INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/translate-unknown)

1 Chronicles 21:24

See how you translated this in 1 Chronicles 21:22.

1 Chronicles 21:25

“600 shekels of gold” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

a unit of weight equal to about 11 grams (See: INVALID translate/translate-bmoney)

“to buy the threshing floor”

1 Chronicles 21:26

“He prayed for help to Yahweh”

“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: INVALID translate/translate-symaction)

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: INVALID translate/writing-background)

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: INVALID translate/writing-background)

“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: INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID bible/kt/temple)

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

“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. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “so much bronze that no one could weigh it” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive and INVALID translate/figs-hyperbole)

1 Chronicles 22:4

This is an exaggeration to show that there was a very large number of cedar trees. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “so many cedar trees that no one could count them” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive and INVALID translate/figs-hyperbole)

This is background information to explain who provided so many logs. (See: INVALID translate/writing-background)

1 Chronicles 22:5

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the house that he will build for Yahweh” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

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: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

“prepare to build it”

1 Chronicles 22:6

“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: INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

“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: INVALID translate/figs-rpronouns)

Here “name” represents God’s honor. Alternate translation: “in order to honor Yahweh my God” (See: INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Here “name” represents God’s honor. Alternate translation: “to honor me” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Here “sight” refers to what God has seen. Alternate translation: “I have seen that you have shed much blood on the earth” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

1 Chronicles 22:9

David continues telling Solomon what Yahweh said to him.

“live at peace with everyone”

“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: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

“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: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

God will treat Solomon as if he were God’s own son. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Here “throne” refers to the authority to rule as king. Alternate translation: “I will make his descendants rule over Israel forever” (See: INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

1 Chronicles 22:12

David continues speaking to Solomon.

“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: INVALID translate/figs-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”

“I have worked hard to prepare”

“one hundred thousand talents” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

about 33 kilograms (See: INVALID translate/translate-bmoney)

“1,000,000” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

“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: INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

1 Chronicles 22:18

This is an idiom that implies that Yahweh will help Israel to prosper. (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

Here these pronouns are plural. (See: INVALID translate/figs-you)

“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: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

This can be stated in active form. “The other nations no longer attack Yahweh and his people” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

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 represents either 1) asking God for help or 2) thinking about God and obeying him. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Here these pronouns are plural. (See: INVALID translate/figs-you)

Here “heart” and “soul” refer to the whole person. Alternate translation: “with your whole being” (See: INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Here “name” refers to honor. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the temple you will build to honor Yahweh” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy and INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

1 Chronicles 23

1 Chronicles 23 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The preparation for the construction of the temple continues in this chapter. (See: INVALID bible/kt/temple)

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: INVALID bible/kt/priest)

1 Chronicles 23:1

David appoints Solomon as his successor and organizes Levitical priests and staff for temple service.

1 Chronicles 23:3

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Some of David’s men counted the Levites who were 30 years old and older” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

“There were 38,000 of them” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

1 Chronicles 23:4

“Of these Levities, 24,000” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

“6,000 Levites” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

These Levites listened to legal arguments and administered justice according to the law of Moses.

“4,000 Levites” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

1 Chronicles 23:5

These Levites guarded the temple entrance so no person who was ceremonially unclean entered.

1 Chronicles 23:6

“based on” or “according to the descendants of”

These are names of Levi’s sons. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 23:7

This is the list of Levites according to their clans. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 23:8

This continues the list of Levites according to their clans. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 23:9

This continues the list of Levites according to their clans. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 23:10

This continues the list of Levites according to their clans. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 23:11

This continues the list of Levites according to their clans. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

The word “son” is understood. Also, “second” is in ordinal form. Alternate translation: “the oldest son…the second son” (See: INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis and INVALID translate/translate-ordinal)

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “so David considered them to be one clan” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

1 Chronicles 23:12

This continues the list of Levites according to their clans. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“Kohath had 4 sons”

1 Chronicles 23:13

This continues the list of Levites according to their clans. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Yahweh chose Aaron to dedicate the most holy things” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

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: INVALID translate/figs-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. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the people considered Moses’ sons to be part of the Levite clan” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

1 Chronicles 23:15

This continues the list of Levites according to their clans. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 23:16

This continues the list of Levites according to their clans. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 23:17

This continues the list of Levites according to their clans. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 23:18

This continues the list of Levites according to their clans. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 23:19

This continues the list of Levites according to their clans. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis and INVALID translate/translate-ordinal)

1 Chronicles 23:20

This continues the list of Levites according to their clans. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

The word “son” is understood. Also, “second” is in ordinal form. Alternate translation: “the oldest son…the second son” (See: INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis and INVALID translate/translate-ordinal)

1 Chronicles 23:21

This continues the list of Levites according to their clans. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 23:22

This continues the list of Levites according to their clans. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 23:23

This ends the list of Levites according to their clans. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 23:24

This can be stated in active form. 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: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

“from 20 years old and older” (See: INVALID translate/translate-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.

Possible meanings are 1) Yahweh will be present in Jerusalem forever or 2) Yahweh’s temple will be present in Jerusalem forever.

1 Chronicles 23:26

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “all the equipment they used in its service”

1 Chronicles 23:27

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “For David’s last command was for his men to count the Levites” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

“who were 20 years old and older.” See how you translated this phrase in 1 Chronicles 23:24. (See: INVALID translate/translate-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

“The Levites also stood at the temple”

1 Chronicles 23:31

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “whenever the priests offered burnt offerings to Yahweh” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

These holidays marked the beginning of each new month.

“A specific number of the Levites were always assigned to be present at the temple to make offerings to Yahweh”

1 Chronicles 23:32

“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: INVALID bible/kt/temple)

Special concepts in this chapter

Arranging the priests

David arranged for the order in which priests would be on duty. (See: INVALID bible/kt/priest)

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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“divided the descendants of Eleazar and Ithamar into groups”

1 Chronicles 24:4

“David, Zadok, and Ahimelech divided”

“16 groups” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

Here “heads” is a metaphor for the more important people—the leaders of the clans. Alternate translation: “leaders of the clans” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

“There were 8 divisions based on the clans of Ithamar’s descendants”

1 Chronicles 24:5

“They divided them by lot so that the divisions would be fair”

1 Chronicles 24:6

This is the name of a man. (See: INVALID translate/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.

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “They chose one by lot from Eleazar’s descendants, then they would choose by lot one from Ithamar’s descendants” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

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: INVALID translate/translate-ordinal)

See how you translated the names of these men in 1 Chronicles 9:10. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-ordinal and INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/translate-ordinal and INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-ordinal and INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-ordinal and INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-ordinal and INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-ordinal and INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-ordinal and INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-ordinal and INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-ordinal and INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-ordinal and INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-ordinal and INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-ordinal and INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 24:19

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “following the rules that Aaron their ancestor gave them” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

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: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-ordinal)

1 Chronicles 24:24

Translate the names of these men as in 1 Chronicles 23:20.

This is the name of a man. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 24:30

Translate the name of this man as in 1 Chronicles 23:21.

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID bible/kt/temple)

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

“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: INVALID translate/translate-unknown)

Translate the names of these men the same as you did in 1 Chronicles 16:41. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 25:2

This begins a list of leaders of the tabernacle service.

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“these were the sons of Asaph, whom he supervised. Asaph prophesied under the king’s supervision”

“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: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

These are all names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 25:5

“14 sons and 3 daughters” (See: INVALID translate/translate-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: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

1 Chronicles 25:6

“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: INVALID translate/translate-unknown)

Translate the names of these men the same as you did in 1 Chronicles 16:41. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 25:7

“were two hundred and eighty-eight men” (See: INVALID translate/translate-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: INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/translate-ordinal)

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: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

This refers to the second lot. The word “lot” may be supplied here. Alternate translation: “the second lot” or “lot number 2” (See: INVALID translate/translate-ordinal and INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

See how you translated this man’s name in 1 Chronicles 25:3. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“12 people” (See: INVALID translate/translate-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: INVALID translate/translate-ordinal and INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

See how you translated the name of this man in 1 Chronicles 25:2. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“12 people” (See: INVALID translate/translate-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: INVALID translate/translate-ordinal and INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

This name of this man is spelled Zeri in 1 Chronicles 25:3. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“12 people” (See: INVALID translate/translate-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: INVALID translate/translate-ordinal and INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

See how you translated the name of this man in 1 Chronicles 25:2. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“12 people” (See: INVALID translate/translate-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: INVALID translate/translate-ordinal and INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

See how you translated the name of this man in 1 Chronicles 25:4. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“12 people” (See: INVALID translate/translate-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: INVALID translate/translate-ordinal and INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

This is the name of a man. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“12 people” (See: INVALID translate/translate-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: INVALID translate/translate-ordinal and INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

See how you translated this man’s name in 1 Chronicles 25:3. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“12 people” (See: INVALID translate/translate-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: INVALID translate/translate-ordinal and INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

See how you translated the name of this man in 1 Chronicles 25:4. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“12 people” (See: INVALID translate/translate-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: INVALID translate/translate-ordinal and INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

See how you translated the name of this man in 1 Chronicles 25:3. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“12 people” (See: INVALID translate/translate-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: INVALID translate/translate-ordinal and INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

This is the name of a man. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“12 people” (See: INVALID translate/translate-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: INVALID translate/translate-ordinal and INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

See how you translated the name of this man in 1 Chronicles 25:3. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“12 people” (See: INVALID translate/translate-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: INVALID translate/translate-ordinal and INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

See how you translated this man’s name in 1 Chronicles 25:4. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“12 people” (See: INVALID translate/translate-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: INVALID translate/translate-ordinal and INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

See how you translated this man’s name in 1 Chronicles 25:3. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“12 people” (See: INVALID translate/translate-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: INVALID translate/translate-ordinal and INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

See how you translated the name of this man in 1 Chronicles 25:4. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“12 people” (See: INVALID translate/translate-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: INVALID translate/translate-ordinal and INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

See how you translated the name of this man in 1 Chronicles 25:4. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“12 people” (See: INVALID translate/translate-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: INVALID translate/translate-ordinal and INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

See how you translated the name of this man in 1 Chronicles 25:4. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“12 people” (See: INVALID translate/translate-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: INVALID translate/translate-ordinal and INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

Translate the name of this man as you did in 1 Chronicles 25:4.

“12 people” (See: INVALID translate/translate-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: INVALID translate/translate-ordinal and INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

Translate the name of this man as you did in 1 Chronicles 25:4.

“12 people” (See: INVALID translate/translate-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: INVALID translate/translate-ordinal and INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

Translate the name of this man as you did in 1 Chronicles 25:4.

“12 people” (See: INVALID translate/translate-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: INVALID translate/translate-ordinal and INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

Translate the name of this man as you did in 1 Chronicles 25:4.

“12 people” (See: INVALID translate/translate-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: INVALID translate/translate-ordinal and INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

Translate the name of this man the same as you did in 1 Chronicles 25:4. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“12 people” (See: INVALID translate/translate-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: INVALID translate/translate-ordinal and INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

Translate the name of this man the same as you did in 1 Chronicles 25:4. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“12 people” (See: INVALID translate/translate-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: INVALID translate/translate-ordinal and INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

Translate the name of this man the same as you did in 1 Chronicles 25:4. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“12 people” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

1 Chronicles 26

1 Chronicles 26 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The preparation for the temple continues in this chapter. (See: INVALID bible/kt/temple)

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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

See how you translated the name of this man in 1 Chronicles 9:21. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

See how you translated the name of this man in 1 Chronicles 9:19. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

This is an alternative spelling to “Ebiasaph” in 1 Chronicles 9:19. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-ordinal and INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

1 Chronicles 26:3

This continues the list of gatekeepers that started in 1 Chronicles 26:1.

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-ordinal and INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-ordinal and INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

1 Chronicles 26:5

This continues the list of gatekeepers that started in 1 Chronicles 26:1.

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-ordinal and INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

These are the names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“62 men” (See: INVALID translate/translate-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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“18 total” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

1 Chronicles 26:10

This continues the list of gatekeepers that started in 1 Chronicles 26:1.

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-ordinal and INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

“There were 13 of Hosah’s sons and kinsmen.” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

1 Chronicles 26:12

groups

1 Chronicles 26:13

“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: INVALID translate/figs-merism)

1 Chronicles 26:14

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “When they cast the lot” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

See how you translated this man’s name in 1 Chronicles 26:2. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

This is a person who shows good judgment in making decisions.

1 Chronicles 26:15

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Obed Edom was responsible for guarding the south gate, and his sons guarded the storehouses” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

See how you translated this man’s name in 1 Chronicles 26:4. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 26:16

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Shuppim and Hosah were responsible for guarding” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

This is the name of a man. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

See how you translated this man’s name in 1 Chronicles 26:10. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

This is the name of the gate. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

This can be stated in active form. 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: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

1 Chronicles 26:17

“6 Levites” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

These phrases refer to the gates. Alternate translation: “the east gate…the north gate…the south gate” (See: INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

This refers to the number of men on guard duty. Alternate translation: “four men each day” or “four Levites each day” (See: INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

“2 pairs of men” or “2 sets of 2 men each” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

1 Chronicles 26:18

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “four men guarded the pillar to the west” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

The numbers “four” and “two” refer to guards. Alternate translation: “Four men guarded the road, and two men guarded the court” (See: INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

1 Chronicles 26:19

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “They were” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

See how you translated this man’s name in 1 Chronicles 26:10. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 26:21

Translate the names of these men the same as you did in 1 Chronicles 23:7. (See: INVALID translate/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/klappy/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md)

A descendant of Gershon. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Translate the names of these men the same as you did in 1 Chronicles 23:8. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 26:24

Translate the name of this man as you did in 1 Chronicles 23:16. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Translate the name of this man as you did in 1 Chronicles 23:15. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 26:25

Translate the name of this man as you did in 1 Chronicles 23:15. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Translate the name of this man as you did in 1 Chronicles 23:17. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 26:26

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “were in charge of” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

Possible meanings are 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: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

1 Chronicles 26:27

things an army takes from its enemies after a victory

1 Chronicles 26:28

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “everything that Samuel the prophet…Joab son of Zeruiah set apart to Yahweh” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Everything that the leaders set apart” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

1 Chronicles 26:29

Translate the name of this man the same as you did in 1 Chronicles 23:12. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 26:30

Translate the name of this man the same as you did in 1 Chronicles 23:12. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

This is the name of a man. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“one thousand seven hundred capable men” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

“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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

See how you translated this man’s name in 1 Chronicles 23:19. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “their names were on the lists” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

“When David had been king for 40 years” (See: INVALID translate/translate-ordinal and INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

“capable men”

This is the name of a city. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 26:32

“two thousand seven hundred family members” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

1 Chronicles 27

1 Chronicles 27 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The preparation for the temple continues in this chapter. (See: INVALID bible/kt/temple)

1 Chronicles 27:1

“These are the names”

Possible meanings are 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: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

“in different ways” or “in many ways”

This means that each division took turns serving periods of a month at a time.

“Each group”

“all year long”

“24,000 men” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

1 Chronicles 27:2

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “In charge of the division” (See: INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/translate-hebrewmonths and INVALID translate/translate-ordinal)

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“24,000 men” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

1 Chronicles 27:3

This is the name of a man. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 27:4

“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: INVALID translate/translate-hebrewmonths and INVALID translate/translate-ordinal)

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

See how you translated this man’s name in 1 Chronicles 8:4. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“In his group of soldiers”

“24,000 men” (See: INVALID translate/translate-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: INVALID translate/translate-hebrewmonths and INVALID translate/translate-ordinal)

See how you translated this man’s name in 1 Chronicles 11:22. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“24,000 men” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

1 Chronicles 27:6

This is the name of a man. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“the 30.” This refers to “David’s 30 mightiest soldiers.” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “in charge of the 30 men” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

1 Chronicles 27:7

“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: INVALID translate/translate-hebrewmonths and INVALID translate/translate-ordinal)

These are the names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“his military group”

“24,000 men” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

1 Chronicles 27:8

These are the names of men. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-hebrewmonths and INVALID translate/translate-ordinal)

“24,000 men” (See: INVALID translate/translate-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: INVALID translate/translate-hebrewmonths and INVALID translate/translate-ordinal)

Translate the names of these men the same as you did in 1 Chronicles 11:28. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

This is the name of a place. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“24,000 men” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

1 Chronicles 27:10

“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: INVALID translate/translate-hebrewmonths and INVALID translate/translate-ordinal)

See how you translated the name of this man and the name of his clan in 1 Chronicles 11:27. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“24,000 men” (See: INVALID translate/translate-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: INVALID translate/translate-hebrewmonths and INVALID translate/translate-ordinal)

See how you translated the name of this man and the name of his clan in 1 Chronicles 11:29. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

See how you translated this man’s name in 1 Chronicles 2:4. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“24,000 men” (See: INVALID translate/translate-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: INVALID translate/translate-hebrewmonths and INVALID translate/translate-ordinal)

See how you translated the name of this man and the name of his clan 1 Chronicles 11:28. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“24,000 men” (See: INVALID translate/translate-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: INVALID translate/translate-hebrewmonths and INVALID translate/translate-ordinal)

See how you translated the name of this man in 1 Chronicles 11:30. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

This is the name of a place. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

See how you translated the name of this man in 1 Chronicles 2:4. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“24,000 men” (See: INVALID translate/translate-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: INVALID translate/translate-hebrewmonths and INVALID translate/translate-ordinal)

This is the name of a place. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“24,000 men” (See: INVALID translate/translate-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: INVALID translate/translate-hebrewmonths and INVALID translate/translate-ordinal)

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

This is the name of a place. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“24,000 men” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

1 Chronicles 27:16

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 27:17

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

See how you translated the hame of this man in 1 Chronicles 6:8. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 27:18

This is the name of a man. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

See how you translated the name of this man in 1 Chronicles 12:20. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

See how you translated the name of this man in 1 Chronicles 7:3. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 27:19

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 27:20

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 27:21

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 27:22

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 27:23

“people 20 years old or younger” (See: INVALID translate/translate-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: INVALID translate/figs-simile)

Here “Israel” represents the people who live there. Alternate translation: “increase the population of Israel” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

1 Chronicles 27:24

See how you translated this woman’s name in 1 Chronicles 2:16. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “No one wrote this number down” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

1 Chronicles 27:25

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“responsible for guarding”

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “was in charge of” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

“strong towers”

1 Chronicles 27:26

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

This is the name of a person from the city of Ramah. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

This is the name of a person from the city of Shepham. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

This is a type of tree. (See: INVALID translate/translate-unknown)

This is the name of a man. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

This is the name of a place. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 27:29

This is the name of a place. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that ate grass in the fields” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

1 Chronicles 27:30

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “In charge of the” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Translate the name of this clan as you did in 1 Chronicles 2:17. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Translate the name of this people group as you did in 1 Chronicles 5:10. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

This is the name of a place. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 27:31

This is the name of a man. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Translate the name of this people group as you did in 1 Chronicles 5:10. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“All of these men”

1 Chronicles 27:32

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 27:33

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

This is the name of a tribe or clan. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 27:34

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/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: INVALID bible/kt/temple)

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.

Possible meanings are 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: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

The word “over” is used here as an idiom. Alternate translation: “the managers in charge of” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

These two words share similar meanings and refer to all of the items and lands that the king owned. (See: INVALID translate/figs-doublet)

1 Chronicles 28:2

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “stood up” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

These two phrases share similar meanings and emphasize that David and the people of Israel are family. (See: INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/figs-parallelism and INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

“a man accustomed to war and have shed blood.” Both descriptions emphasize the same thing, namely that David had killed people. (See: INVALID translate/figs-parallelism)

This refers to killing people. Alternate translation: “have killed people” (See:INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

“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: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

“Israel, which is Yahweh’s kingdom”

1 Chronicles 28:6

David continues speaking to the Israelites.

“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: INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

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: INVALID translate/figs-parallelism and INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

The phrase “in the sight of” means that they are all present and listening. Alternate translation: “in the hearing of” (See: INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche and INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

1 Chronicles 28:9

David calls himself “your father” because this is a very formal occasion. Alternate translation: “my God” (See: INVALID translate/figs-123person)

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: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche and INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

Here the “spirit” represents the whole person and emphasizes the person’s will. Alternate translation: “willingly” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize that Yahweh knows the thoughts and motives of every person. (See: INVALID translate/figs-parallelism)

Here people’s “hearts” represent their feelings and desires. Alternate translation: “searches everyone’s emotions and desires” (See: INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive and INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

1 Chronicles 28:10

David continues speaking to Solomon.

“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: INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

1 Chronicles 28:18

“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: INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

1 Chronicles 28:19

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “I wrote all of this down” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

This refers to the detail for the design of the temple. Alternate translation: “helped me to understand the details for his temple” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

1 Chronicles 28:20

These two words basically mean the same thing and emphasize that Solomon must be courageous. (See: INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/figs-doublet)

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “will help you” (See: INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID bible/kt/temple)

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

“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.

This can be stated in active form. 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: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

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.

This can be stated in active form. 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: INVALID translate/translate-bmoney and INVALID translate/translate-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: INVALID translate/translate-bmoney and INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

1 Chronicles 29:5

David finishes talking to the people about his provisions for the building of the temple.

This can be stated in active form. 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: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

“give himself to God”

1 Chronicles 29:6

(See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Then the leaders…and the officials over the king’s work made freewill offerings” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Possible meanings are 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: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

Here the word “over” is used as an idiom. Alternate translation: “the officials in charge of the king’s work” (See: INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/translate-bmoney)

“one hundred thousand talents” (See: INVALID translate/translate-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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

This was the firstborn son of Levi. See how you translated these men’s names in 1 Chronicles 23:7. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

1 Chronicles 29:9

willingly and without any doubt or hesitation

1 Chronicles 29:10

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “May people praise you” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Here “Israel” refers to the man Jacob. Alternate translation: “Jacob our ancestor” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

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: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

The words “power” and “might” mean the same thing and emphasize the greatness of Yahweh’s power. (See: INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

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: INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/figs-simile and INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

“I am joyful as I see”

1 Chronicles 29:18

David continues his prayer of praise to Yahweh.

“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: INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/figs-abstractnouns)

1 Chronicles 29:20

“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: INVALID translate/translate-symaction)

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: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

“1,000 bulls, 1,000 rams, and 1,000 lambs” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

1 Chronicles 29:22

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “in honor of Yahweh” (See: INVALID translate/figs-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: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

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: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

1 Chronicles 29:24

“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: INVALID translate/figs-parallelism)

1 Chronicles 29:27

“40 years…33 years” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

1 Chronicles 29:28

“as an old man”

1 Chronicles 29:29

These are written accounts that no longer exist.

1 Chronicles 29:30

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “There men wrote down the deeds” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

“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: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)