The altars on the roof of the upper chamber of Ahaz: The altars mentioned here were apparently set up on the flat roof above the private living quarters of King Ahaz (compare Jer 19.13). (Archaeologists have discovered small four-horned altars that could be carried from place to place. Excavations at the city of Ashkelon uncovered such an altar in a collapsed roof.) The living quarters of King Ahaz were in an upstairs room or rooms (see the comments on upper chamber at 1 Kgs 17.19 and 2 Kgs 1.2). Because the Hebrew noun translated roof has a definite article with it (which is grammatically unusual), many interpreters think that the words translated of the upper chamber of Ahaz are a later addition to the text. For this reason New Jerusalem Bible omits the words of the upper chamber of Ahaz. Critique Textuelle de l’Ancien Testament recognizes that the unusual grammar probably indicates that these words are indeed a later addition, but since all the ancient manuscripts have them, Critique Textuelle de l’Ancien Testament advises readers to translate the full text as reflected in Revised Standard Version.

The altars which Manasseh had made in the two courts of the house of the LORD were built by King Manasseh for the worship of stars (see 2 Kgs 21.5; 2 Chr 33.5). Although Manasseh was also a king of Judah, the wording of Revised Standard Version might lead readers to believe that this was not the case. Translators should therefore be careful to adjust their rendering in order to avoid this misunderstanding. Notice that Good News Translation identifies Manasseh as a king.

Pulled down: This renders the same Hebrew verb as the one translated “broke down” in verses 7 and 8. It may be translated “demolished” (Revised English Bible, New American Bible) or “removed” in this context. In many languages it will be more natural to shift this main verb to a position closer to the beginning of this verse.

Broke in pieces: The meaning of the Hebrew expression translated here is questionable because it includes an adverb of place that is not reflected in Revised Standard Version. Revised Standard Version assumes that the Hebrew verb here is from the root ratsats, which means “to smash up.” Others understand the root to be ruts, which means “to run.” If the second view is accepted, then an alternative rendering is “ran quickly from there….” Most versions, however, convey the idea of smashing found in Good News Translation (also Contemporary English Version, New Century Version). In order to reflect the adverb of place, New Jerusalem Bible translates “broke them in pieces on the spot.” This is perhaps the best solution.

Cast the dust of them into the brook Kidron: Probably what is implied here is that the items that had been broken in pieces were pulverized as described in verse 6. The small pieces of debris were then thrown into the Kidron Valley. Regarding the brook Kidron, see the comments at verse 6 as well as 1 Kgs 2.37.

Since this verse first provides historical background before describing the actions of Josiah, some translators may find it necessary to break it down into two or more separate sentences, the first of which will supply the historical information. The following may prove to be a helpful model:

• Some kings of Judah had built pagan altars on the roof above the upstairs room of King Ahaz. One of these kings, named Manasseh, had also set up pagan altars in the two courtyards of the Temple of the LORD. Josiah broke down these altars and there he smashed them to pieces. He then threw the dust of them into the Kidron Valley.

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 .