He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD: For comments on this expression, see 1 Kgs 11.33, 38 and 14.8. The expression, however, seems somewhat strange in this case because the information that follows appears to contradict it. It must, nevertheless, be taken as an overall positive evaluation of the life of Amaziah.

In languages where there is no distinction between masculine and feminine pronouns, it may be necessary to use the name Amaziah here in place of the pronoun he. Otherwise the readers may think that Jehoaddin is the subject of the sentence.

Yet not like David; that is, not to the same degree as David.

His father: Since this means “his ancestor,” it would be unwise in most cases to translate literally here. David lived several generations before Amaziah was born. For this reason most modern versions translate “his ancestor” (Good News Translation, New Living Translation) or occasionally “his forefather” (New American Bible).

He did in all things as Joash his father had done: In this case the word father refers to the literal father of Amaziah and should therefore be so translated.

Good News Translation marks the contrast between Amaziah following the model of Joash rather than David by adding the word “instead” before this sentence. This may be a helpful model for certain other languages.

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