Solomon the son of David established himself in his kingdom: Since this is the beginning of a book, translators may wish to identify more precisely Solomon and David. Some versions do so by inserting “King” before the name David (so Good News Translation, New Living Translation), and others do it by inserting “King” before the name Solomon (so Revised English Bible). Established himself in his kingdom is literally “strengthened himself over his kingdom.” The Hebrew verb translated established himself is a reflexive verb that is found frequently in 2 Chronicles (12.13; 13.21; 17.1; 21.4; 27.6). Here it focuses on Solomon’s action in taking control of his kingdom. But the remainder of the verse makes it clear that this was not done in his own power. Some interpreters see this clause as an indirect reference to Solomon’s elimination of anyone who might have been a threat to his authority, as described, for example, in 1 Kgs 2.46. The author may also have been thinking of Solomon’s building projects. Acceptable translations of established himself in his kingdom include “consolidated his power over his kingdom” (Parola Del Signore: La Bibbia in Lingua Corrente), “strengthened his authority over his kingdom” (La Bible du Semeur), “strengthened his hold on the kingdom” (Revised English Bible, New American Bible), “took firm hold of his kingdom” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh), “made himself secure over his kingdom” (New Jerusalem Bible), and “took firm control of his kingdom” (New Living Translation). Instead of his kingdom, the meaning may be clearer for some readers if translators specify “the kingdom of Israel.”
And the LORD his God was with him …: And renders the common Hebrew conjunction. A number of modern versions omit the conjunction, making no explicit connection with the previous clause (so Nouvelle Bible Segond, La Bible de Jérusalem: Nouvelle édition revue et corrigée, Traduction œcuménique de la Bible). However, some interpreters understand the second half of this verse as providing the basis or reason that Solomon was able to take firm control of his kingdom. The Hebrew grammar favors this interpretation. If this interpretation is followed, then the conjunction may be translated “for” (New International Version, New Living Translation, Revised English Bible, NET Bible, New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh) or “because” (Contemporary English Version).
Was with him is literally “with him.” Revised Standard Version has supplied the verb was as English usage requires. These words imply more than simply the presence of the LORD his God. They suggest that God protected Solomon, and that God’s presence with Solomon was of considerable benefit to Solomon and greatly enhanced his life and reign. Some may even prefer to translate “blessed him.”
And made him exceedingly great is literally “and made him big exceedingly.” See the comments on 1 Chr 29.25. The Hebrew verb here is a very general one, but it is clearly used of political greatness and power in this context. The adverb translated exceedingly strongly reinforces the meaning of the verbal expression. Translators should ensure that the meaning rendered involves more than personal physical strength or ability. The Hebrew no doubt includes the idea that God gave Solomon “very great prestige” (La Bible du Semeur; similarly Bible en français courant), but it seems to include more than that. The whole clause may be translated “greatly increased his power” (Biblia Dios Habla Hoy), “caused him to be great,” or “caused him to become powerful.” For the last half of this verse La Sainte Bible: La version Etablie par les moines de Maredsous says “The LORD his God was with him and developed his power.”
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 .