This verse begins with the Hebrew verbal transition that is sometimes translated “And it came to pass” (King James Version). Here it is not translated by Revised Standard Version and most other modern versions since the beginning of a new paragraph and a new section serve much the same purpose.
When the rule of Rehoboam was established and was strong: According to the Revised Standard Version rendering, the Hebrew text uses two verbs to refer to the rule of Rehoboam: was established and was strong. The Hebrew verb rendered was established means “to make firm [or, stable].” The Hebrew verb translated was strong has a third person masculine suffix, which most likely refers to Rehoboam. So it is better to understand the subject of the second verb as Rehoboam and not his rule. Revised English Bible, for example, says “When Rehoboam’s kingdom was firmly established and he grew powerful” (similarly New Revised Standard Version, New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh, Moffatt, Bible en français courant, Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch). Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch makes explicit the place of his rule by saying “his rule in Judah.” The passive expression the rule of Rehoboam was established will have to be made active in some languages. Models that do this are “Rehoboam had consolidated his royal authority” (La Bible du Semeur) and “Rehoboam had established his kingdom” (God’s Word).
He forsook the law of the LORD: The Hebrew verb translated forsook is used often in 2 Chronicles for disobedience. Here it implies that Rehoboam and his people had previously obeyed the Law. Contemporary English Version and Bible en français courant say they “stopped obeying.” Good News Translation and New International Version use the verb “abandoned.” In some languages a figurative expression such as “turned their backs on” may be appropriate here. The expressions “they had been unfaithful to the LORD” (verse 2) and “You abandoned me” (verse 5) are simply different ways of referring to the same thing. By the time that 2 Chronicles was written, the first five books of the modern Bible had probably been accepted as sacred scripture. Therefore the law of the LORD most likely refers to the Pentateuch here. However, translators should not make this explicit in translation. If necessary, a footnote may be added about the possible meaning of this phrase here. It is probably not wise to follow Contemporary English Version at this point since it makes no mention of the law and says simply “the LORD.”
And all Israel with him: Here all Israel refers to the southern kingdom alone, so Contemporary English Version says “everyone in Judah.” For this whole phrase New Living Translation says “and all Israel followed him in this sin.”
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 .