The Hebronites were descendants of Hebron, who was also a son of Kohath (see verse 23). Good News Translation says “the descendants of Hebron.”

Hashabiah and his brethren, one thousand seven hundred men of ability: Brethren is better translated “relatives” (Good News Translation, Nova Tradução na Linguagem de Hoje) in this context where there are many of them. Here, as often necessary in the Old Testament, translators should decide whether to write out the number one thousand seven hundred as in Revised Standard Version or whether to use the figure “1,700” as in NET Bible. The same decision should be followed in verse 32. For men of ability (literally “sons of strength”), see the comments on verses 6-7. Here, and in verse 32, New American Bible translates this phrase as “police officers.” But this rendering has too narrow a meaning for the context.

Had the oversight of Israel may be rendered “were in charge of the administration of Israel” (American Bible).

Westward of the Jordan (literally “beyond/across the Jordan westward”) refers most likely to the land of Israel on the west side of the Jordan River (see verse 32). It is less likely that this phrase refers to the western part of Israelite territory on the east side of the Jordan River (see the next verse).

For all the work of the LORD and for the service of the king refers to both religious and secular duties, most likely including collecting taxes. Parole de Vie translates “all religious and non-religious matters,” while Contemporary English Version speaks of “all religious and government business.” But in many languages a more literal rendering will convey the meaning quite well.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Chronicles, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2014. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .