Regarding the phrase slept with his fathers, see the comments on 1 Kgs 1.21.

Was buried with his fathers: See the comments on 1 Kgs 14.31.

The city of David: See the comments on 1 Kgs 2.10.

His father must be understood in this context to mean “his ancestor.”

The name of Jehoshaphat’s son is spelled Jehoram in Hebrew here; but in 2 Kgs 8.16-24 it is spelled “Joram.” Good News Translation uses the form Jehoram for consistency and clarity in English. In addition, the king of Israel (son of Ahab) who ruled at this same time was also named Joram. In order to avoid confusion between the two kings, the king of Israel (son of Ahab) is always called “Joram” in a number of modern versions and the king of Judah (son of Jehoshaphat) is consistently called “Jehoram.” This convention is adopted by Good News Translation, New International Version, New American Bible, and New Century Version. Translators are advised to follow this same convention in their own work in order to clearly distinguish the two rulers for Bible readers.

More information about the reign of Jehoram may be found in 2 Kgs 8.16-24 and 2 Chr 21. As will be noted in the discussion on 2 Kgs 8.16, there are conflicting statements in the text of 2 Kings about when Jehoram began to reign. For this reason some interpreters think that for some unknown reason, Jehoshaphat turned over the kingship to Jehoram about six years before Jehoshaphat died. The reference here in verse 50, then, will refer to the time when he became the sole ruler.

Reigned in his stead: See the comments on 1 Kgs 11.43.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Kings, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2008. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .