The LORD our God be with us: The form of the Hebrew verb rendered be indicates that this is a prayer request, a statement of something that Solomon wanted God to do. In some languages such an appeal must be introduced by a verb like “pray,” “beg,” or “ask.” Compare, for example, “The LORD our God … I pray that he will be with us” (Contemporary English Version) and “I ask that the Lord our God be with us” (International Children’s Bible).

May he not leave us or forsake us: The verbs leave and forsake render two Hebrew verbs that are near synonyms. The second verb is perhaps a bit stronger, expressing a more active rejecting or casting away. The cumulative effect of the two verbs together makes the appeal even more forceful. For this reason it is preferable not to reduce them to a single verb in the receptor language unless the two together would sound unnatural.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Kings, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2008. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .