Then he died in a good old age, full of days, riches, and honor: David lived a long time and died wealthy and respected by the people. This happened because of God’s blessing. Full of days is a literal translation of the Hebrew, which means “with a long life” (see the comments on 1 Chr 23.1). This is another way of saying a good old age. But the two expressions together reinforce each other. Languages have a wide variety of ways of talking about people who have lived a long and fruitful life. Good News Translation, New Living Translation, and New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh use the English idiom “a ripe old age.” Translators should use a corresponding expression in their own language rather than attempt to copy any existing translation. Riches and honor are also characteristics of other kings who descended from David (see 2 Chr 17.5; 18.1; 32.27).

And Solomon his son reigned in his stead: For reigned in his stead, see the comments on 1 Chr 19.1. This phrase is expressed in other versions as “succeeded him” (Bible en français courant), “succeeded him on the throne” (La Bible du Semeur), and “succeeded him as king” (Good News Translation). This is the common expression used when one king of Israel or Judah took the place of another.

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 .