He also took out of all the cities of Judah the high places and the incense altars: The pronoun He refers to Asa, which may be made explicit (so New Living Translation, Bible en français courant, Parole de Vie). The exact meaning of the Hebrew word translated incense altars is uncertain. Some think it means “shrines.” Moffatt says “sun-pillars,” and La Bible Pléiade has “obelisks,” which are upright four-sided pillars.

And the kingdom had rest under him is literally “and the kingdom had rest before him.” See 2Chr 14.1. Revised Standard Version reflects the structure of the Hebrew text, which connects the two parts of this verse with the common conjunction rendered And. However, it is clear that the southern kingdom of Judah had peace because of the actions of King Asa. Therefore it may be better to follow the model of Good News Translation, which renders this clause as a result (also New Jerusalem Bible). Compare Bible en français courant, which says “with the result that the kingdom was quiet during his reign.”

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 .