Because … therefore …: The structure of this verse may have to be altered since Revised Standard Version, like the Hebrew, begins with a subordinate clause indicating the reason for God’s anger. The text then goes on to say God is indeed angry with the people of Judah and Israel (see verse 21). However, in many languages the statement that God is angry will come naturally before the explanation of why this is so.
They have forsaken me may be rendered “they have stopped following me” or “they have abandoned me” (New Jerusalem Bible). The pronoun they refers to “The people of Judah and Israel” (Contemporary English Version; similarly New Living Translation, New Century Version) or possibly to “The people of Jerusalem” (Bible en français courant, Parole de Vie).
And have burned incense to other gods: The Hebrew verb translated burned incense is sometimes ambiguous since it can refer to the burning of animal or vegetable offerings or to the burning of incense (see the comments on 1 Chr 6.49 and 23.13). Either interpretation is acceptable here. Like Revised Standard Version, New Jerusalem Bible says “burnt incense,” and New American Bible has “offered incense.” Good News Translation gives the other interpretation, saying “offered sacrifices,” and Revised English Bible is similar with “burnt sacrifices.”
That they might provoke me to anger: The relationship of this clause to the preceding clause is uncertain. The Hebrew word rendered that may express either purpose or result. According to Revised Standard Version and New Jerusalem Bible (“so as to provoke my anger”), the people worshiped other gods in order to make God angry. However, according to Good News Translation and New Revised Standard Version (“so that they have provoked me to anger”), the people have worshiped other gods, and the result is that God became angry. Most likely the author did not make such a fine distinction between purpose and result, but if a choice must be made in the receptor language, either is acceptable. For the Hebrew verb rendered provoke … to anger, see the comments on 2 Chr 28.25.
With all the work of their hands may be rendered “with all the idols they have made” ( NET Bible) or “with all the idols they have made with their own hands.” Good News Translation translates more generally by saying “by all they have done.” Similarly, Moffatt has “with all their evil practices.”
My wrath will be poured out upon this place: See the same expression in verse 21. The Hebrew verb here is most naturally rendered with a future tense as in Revised Standard Version and New Jerusalem Bible. The reference is to the exile. However, the Hebrew verb may be rendered with a present tense as in Good News Translation and New American Bible. There is a textual problem here that is quite similar to the one in verse 21 since the difference is between the verbs poured out and “kindled” (La Bible de Jérusalem: Nouvelle édition revue et corrigée). Critique Textuelle de l’Ancien Testament gives an {A} rating to “poured out,” and most versions follow this option here. As in the previous verse, this place may refer to the capital city of Jerusalem or to the whole country. But the latter is more likely.
And will not be quenched compares the divine anger to a fire: it is like a fire that cannot be put out. But if the imagery of a fire is not appropriate, translators may consider a nonfigurative rendering such as “I am furious” (Contemporary English Version).
The LORD’s words end here and Huldah directly addresses Josiah’s delegation again at the beginning of the next verse.
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 .