And they entered into a covenant: For covenant see the comments on 1 Chr 11.3. It will be important in this verse to make it clear whether this covenant was an agreement that the people made with each other or, more likely, one that they made with the king. The expression entered into a covenant is a literal rendering of the text, although the Hebrew often uses the expression “cut a covenant.” It will be more natural in many languages to say “made an agreement” (New Century Version, God’s Word) or “made a solemn promise” (Contemporary English Version).

To seek the LORD: See the comments on 2 Chr 11.16. This clause may be rendered “to worship the LORD” (Good News Translation) or “to obey the LORD” (New Century Version).

The God of their fathers is more accurately rendered “the God of their ancestors” (Good News Translation) in this context.

With all their heart and with all their soul: See the comments on 2 Chr 6.38, where the Hebrew phrase here is rendered “with all their mind and with all their heart.” In this context it indicates the manner in which the people would follow the LORD. It may be rendered “wholeheartedly” (Revised English Bible) or “with their whole being” (New Century Version).

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 .