The people of the land took Jehoahaz …: For The people of the land, see the comments on 2 Chr 33.25. The shortened form of the name Jehoahaz is “Joahaz” (Good News Translation). Bible readers are often confused by the fact that two different kings had this name. The king of Israel who ruled 814–798 B.C. was also called “Jehoahaz” (2 Kgs 13.1-9). Good News Translation consistently uses the shortened form of the name, “Joahaz,” for the king of Judah and the longer form for the earlier king of Israel to avoid confusing the reader (compare the comments on 2 Chr 21.1). Jehoahaz is also called “Shallum” in 1 Chr 3.15 and Jer 22.11. He was the youngest of Josiah’s sons according to 1 Chr 3.15 (see the comments there). Normally, the oldest son would become the new king following the death of his father. He was probably two years younger than his brother Jehoiakim who is mentioned in verses 4-8. In spite of the fact that he was the youngest brother, he was perhaps considered a more satisfactory candidate because of the policies of his father.

And made him king in his father’s stead …: See the comments on 2 Chr 26.1. This clause may be translated “and crowned Jehoahaz their new king to replace his father….” Bible en français courant has “to make him the successor of his father.”

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 .