Seek the LORD and his strength: Seek the LORD should not be rendered in such a way that the reader may get the impression that God has become lost. The translation “Search for the LORD” (New Living Translation) is not a good translation since it seems to imply that God is difficult to find. Good News Translation‘s rendering “Go to the LORD” is particularly appropriate since it has both the idea of going to the place where God was to be found, and worshiping him. For Good News Translation his strength refers to the LORD’s “help.” NET Bible similarly says “the strength he gives.” But in this context his strength may have a much more specific reference. In a footnote New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh states that his strength refers to the Covenant Box as in Psa 78.61 and 132.8. A reference to the Covenant Box fits the context (see verses 4-6). Other acceptable translations of this line include “Turn to the almighty Lord” (Bible en français courant) and “Look to the LORD and be strong” (Revised English Bible).

Seek his presence continually: The Hebrew verb for seek is synonymous with the one in the previous line. His presence is literally “his face.” For the adverb continually, see the comments on 1 Chr 16.6. Revised English Bible says “at all times.” In certain languages this adverb will be best expressed by the use of the habitual form of the verb “to seek.”

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 .