The lot for the east fell to Shelemiah: The lot … fell to focuses on the result of the drawing of lots. Another way of expressing this whole clause is “The drawing showed that Shelemiah would guard the east gate.” A similar expression might also be used for the other gates in the following verses. Shelemiah is called “Meshelemiah” in verses 1, 2, and 9; and several modern translations read “Meshelemiah” here also for the sake of clarity (so New Living Translation, New Century Version, New American Bible, Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch). Bible en français courant keeps the name Shelemiah here but explains in a footnote that this is the same person as Meshelemiah in verses 1 and 9 (similarly Contemporary English Version, New International Version).

They cast lots also for his son Zechariah: There were four gates but only three groups, those headed by Meshelemiah, Obed Edom and Hosah. So Shelemiah and his son Zechariah were assigned to guard different gates.

A shrewd counselor: The word shrewd may have a negative connotation in English. The Hebrew is better translated “wise” (New International Version), “clever” (American Bible), or “prudent” (New Revised Standard Version). The word counselor may also be rendered “adviser.” For this whole phrase New Living Translation has “a man of unusual wisdom,” and New American Standard Bible says “a counselor with insight.”

And his lot came out for the north: The Hebrew expression rendered lot came out has the same basic meaning as the one translated The lot … fell to.

It may be helpful in other languages to follow the model of Good News Translation and make it clear that for the east and for the north refer to the gates to the east and north of the Temple. Good News Translation adds the word “gate” each time (so also Revised English Bible).

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 .