Then the people rejoiced because these had given willingly, for with a whole heart they had offered freely to the LORD: The people refers to all the people of Israel, while these refers to the their leaders (see verse 6). The Hebrew verb rendered had given willingly is the same one translated had offered freely. It is the same verb that occurs in verses 5 and 6. The words with a whole heart serve to reinforce the meaning (see the comments on 1 Chr 28.9). Moffatt says “without grudging.” Another translation that correctly expresses the meaning is “in the loyalty of their hearts” (Revised English Bible). The Hebrew conjunction rendered for is an emphatic particle here, so it is better translated “indeed” or “truly.” New Century Version expresses well the meaning of the first half of this verse by saying “The leaders gave freely and completely to the LORD. The people were happy to see their leaders give so gladly.”

David the king also rejoiced greatly is literally “and also David the king rejoiced [with] a great joy.”

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 .