As noted in the introductory comments on this section [1 Chr 21.1–22.1], a number of translations begin a new section here. As elsewhere, it may be sufficient to begin a new paragraph at this point.

Then the angel of the LORD commanded Gad …: Then translates the common Hebrew conjunction, but the connector used here depends on how verses 18 and 19 are understood. Before these two verses can be translated, it must be decided what their relationship is to the preceding verses. Most translations take these verses as a continuation of events, as in the parallel text of 2 Sam 24.18-19. However, the Hebrew verb translated commanded (literally “said”) should probably be rendered “had commanded” (La Bible Pléiade, Klein) or “had said” (Nouvelle version Segond révisée, Nouvelle Bible Segond). And in verse 19 the verb translated “went up” should be rendered “had gone up.” Verses 18 and 19 are parenthetical and refer to events that took place between the events noted in verses 15 and 16. Verses 18 and 19 are not a continuation in time of the preceding verses, so the conjunction at the beginning of verse 18 should not be translated Then. Verse 20 picks up the narrative from verse 17, with verses 18 and 19 being a parenthetical comment.

David should go up: Ornan’s threshing floor was on the rocky hilltop north of the city of David, so the verb go up refers to a higher altitude. However, there is no need to place special emphasis on upward movement when translating the verb in this context. It will be quite adequate in many languages to render it simply “go” as in Good News Translation (also Contemporary English Version, Revised English Bible, New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh).

And rear an altar to the LORD on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite: The Hebrew verb translated rear really means “cause to arise,” but may in this context it may be rendered “set up” (Revised English Bible, New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh), “erect” (New Revised Standard Version, New Jerusalem Bible, New American Bible), or “build” (Good News Translation, New International Version). To the LORD means the altar would be used in the worship of Yahweh. It will be more natural in some languages to say “for the LORD,” “to honor the LORD,” or possibly “for worshiping the LORD.” For the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite, see the comments on verse 15.

Bible en français courant turns this verse into direct discourse, saying “The angel of the Lord said to Gad, ‘Command David to go up to the threshing floor where Ornan threshes his wheat, and to build there an altar for the Lord’ ” (similarly Traduction œcuménique de la Bible, Nueva Versión Internacional).

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 .