The first sentence of this verse follows a common formula found frequently in 1-2 Chronicles. It sums up the remainder of a king’s reign and tells where other information about him may be found. See the comments on 1 Chr 29.29 and 2 Chr 9.29. Traduction œcuménique de la Bible puts it in the form of a question, as it does elsewhere with similar summaries.

Accounts of his sons is literally “And his sons.” Revised Standard Version supplies the implied word Accounts. Jewish Publication Version translates “Now concerning his sons.”

And of the many oracles against him: The Hebrew word rendered oracles may also be understood to mean “prophecies” or “pronouncements.” Further, the Hebrew word translated against may also be understood to mean simply “about” or “regarding.” These ambiguities in the Hebrew explain the different translations for oracles against him, such as “prophecies about him” (New International Version, New Living Translation), “prophecies spoken against him” (Good News Translation), “pronouncements against him” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh), and “divine revelations against him” (God’s Word). Another Hebrew word, which has the same spelling as the word translated oracles, means “a load” or “a burden.” This Hebrew word is sometimes used in reference to tribute that a foreign king required a conquered king to pay to him (see, for example, 2 Chr 17.11). In this context such an interpretation also makes sense and is the basis for the following translations: “what moneys he amassed” (Knox), “tribute imposed on him” (New Jerusalem Bible, New American Bible), and “contributions that he received” (Bible en français courant alternative translation).

And of the rebuilding of the house of God is literally “and the founding of the house of God.” The Hebrew word for “founding” clearly refers to rebuilding in this context.

Are written in the Commentary on the Book of the Kings: Are written is literally “behold, they are written” (NASB). The Hebrew word for “behold” draws attention to the source cited here. The Commentary on the Book of the Kings is unknown today. So there is no way of knowing whether it has any relationship at all to what is known today as 1-2 Kings. Good News Translation restructures this verse, mentioning the source first and thus avoiding the use of the passive verb are written.

And Amaziah his son reigned in his stead: The name of the new king of Judah is Amaziah. For reigned in his stead, see the comments on 1 Chr 19.1 and 2 Chr 9.31.

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 .