The Hebrew text here begins with the common conjunction, which is omitted in most modern versions at the beginning of this new section. But it is legitimate to insert a transition marker showing that some time had passed since the events described in the previous chapter. Contemporary English Version has “Some time later,” while New Living Translation says simply “Then.”

The Spirit of God came upon Azariah means that God inspired Azariah and gave him divine authority (see the comments on 1 Chr 12.18). Revised Standard Version capitalizes the noun Spirit (also New International Version, New Living Translation, English Standard Version). But since The Spirit of God is not a reference to the Holy Spirit as part of the Christian Trinity, but a reference to a spirit sent by God or to God himself, it will be better to say “The spirit of God” (New Revised Standard Version, Good News Translation) or “God’s spirit.” For this whole clause Moffatt has “the spirit of God inspired Azariah.”

The name Azariah (literally “Azaryahu” [La Bible Pléiade]) is given to at least twenty-six different people in the Old Testament. In this verse the person in question is specified as the son of Oded. Apart from this incident, he is unknown in the Old Testament.

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 .