The anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel: This expression is used frequently in the Old Testament (Exo 4.14; Num 11.33; Deut 29.27; Jdg 2.14; 2 Sam 6.7, 24.1) to describe the displeasure of Yahweh with his people and their leaders. Some other ways of saying this might be “This aroused Yahweh’s anger against the Israelites” (New Jerusalem Bible) or, retaining the image of the fire, “this caused the LORD’s anger to burn hot against the people of Israel.” In other languages it will be much more natural to make the LORD the subject of the sentence rather than his anger, saying “The LORD became very angry with the people of Israel.”
He gave them … into the hand of Hazael: This literal rendering of the Hebrew idiom involving the hand may not be satisfactory if translated literally in some languages. The meaning is that “he delivered them … into the power of Hazael” (New Jerusalem Bible). But others may prefer to say “he made them subject … to Hazael” (so Revised English Bible). See the comments on 1 Kgs 20.13.
The adverb continually is literally “all the days.” It is translated “time after time” at the end of the verse in Good News Translation, but it will be rendered in some languages by the use of a verb form indicating habitual or repeated action. Others will find the model of New International Version and New Century Version more helpful: “for a long time.” Or perhaps Revised English Bible (“for some years”) is better because it shows somewhat more precisely the period of time involved.
The fact that the Syrians defeated Israel repeatedly over several years is further emphasized by referring to two Syrian rulers. In addition to Hazael (see 1 Kgs 19.15; 2 Kgs 8.8; 9.14; 10.32), there was also his son Ben-hadad. Regarding the identity of Ben-hadad, see the comments on 1 Kgs 15.18 and 20.1. In order to distinguish this Ben-hadad from the king by the same name in 1 Kgs 15.18-20, translators may wish to use the name “Benhadad II” (or, “Benhadad III,” depending on one’s decision in 1 Kgs 20).
It will be recalled that Syria is literally “Aram” (New Revised Standard Version, Revised English Bible, and others). But the translation of Revised Standard Version and Good News Translation is preferred. See the comments at 1 Kgs 10.29 and 2 Kgs 5.1.
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 .