But David could not go before it: But translates the common Hebrew conjunction, which in this context marks contrast. God’s Word introduces this verse with the connector “However.” The pronoun it refers to the Tabernacle in Gibeon, which New Century Version makes explicit by saying “the Holy Tent.”

To inquire of God: The Hebrew verb here has a range of meanings including “to inquire about,” “to investigate,” “to search,” and “to make supplication.” In this context to inquire of God may mean “to seek a word from God” (so Revised Standard Version), “[to] seek God’s guidance” (Revised English Bible), or “to worship God” (Good News Translation, New American Bible).

For he was afraid of the sword of the angel of the LORD: The conjunction for introduces the reason for David’s inability to go to the Tabernacle. It may be rendered “because” (Good News Translation). Other translations for he was afraid include “shocked and shaken was he” (Revised English Bible) and “he had been terrified” (La Bible du Semeur).

In some languages the meaning of this verse will be more logically presented by altering the structure in such a way as to present the reason at the beginning rather than the end of the verse. A possible model for this is:

• but David was afraid of the sword of the LORD’s angel, so he was not able to go there to worship God.

Biblia Dios Habla Hoy translates verses 29-30 as follows:

29 So even though the tabernacle that Moses had made in the wilderness for the Lord and the altar of burnt offering were then in the place of worship at Gibeon, 30 David was not able to go there to consult God, because he had been filled with terror upon seeing the sword of the Lord’s angel.

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 .