They ministered with song may be rendered “They served by making music” (New Century Version) or “They performed their musical duties” (Revised English Bible). Good News Translation leaves it implied that the duties of these men were specifically related to the making of music. But it is probably better to make this explicit as does the original text unless this repetition after verse 31 is considered unnatural.
The tabernacle of the tent of meeting refers to the portable sanctuary that the Israelites had carried with them in the wilderness. It is described in Exo 25–30 and was the place where God revealed himself to his people (Exo 29.42-46). The literal translation of Revised Standard Version does not adequately convey the full meaning of this expression, and it may even be misunderstood as referring to a place where Israelites met each other rather than where they met God. For many languages Good News Translation provides a better model with “the Tent of the LORD’s presence.” The word tent may be difficult to translate in some languages. It may be rendered “temporary shelter” or “house made of skins.”
Until Solomon had built the house of the LORD in Jerusalem: Good News Translation identifies Solomon as “King Solomon.” In this context the house of the LORD refers to the Temple. Good News Translation leaves implied the location of the Temple, because this information was moved up to the preceding verse. Regarding Solomon’s building of the Temple, see 1 Kgs 6.
And they performed their service in due order: These words translate four Hebrew words whose exact meaning is not clear. The verb translated performed is literally “stood.” The sense is apparently that they “stood,” that is, were in position, to perform the duties to which they had been appointed. The noun translated due order is often rendered in other contexts as “judgment” or “legal claim,” since it is frequently used in contexts of legal matters. Here the Hebrew noun seems to mean “custom” or “what is due,” but God’s Word translates it “regulations set down for them.” The final two Hebrew words, which Revised Standard Version translates their service, regularly refers to service of a religious or liturgical nature in 1–2 Chronicles. A comparison of various translations shows the different ways the Hebrew has been understood. The major differences in translation are due to the different ways the word translated due order have been understood. Here are the two major understandings of this clause:
• (1) Some consider it as referring to taking regular turns of service. Following this interpretation, Good News Translation says “They took regular turns of duty.”
• (2) Others take it as referring to performing their prescribed duties. Following this interpretation, Parole de Vie says “these men accomplished their service … according to fixed rules.” New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh similarly says “and they carried out their duties as prescribed for them.”
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 .