As in verse 7, the vocative expression O our God may be translated as an affirmation of faith by saying “You are our God!” (Good News Translation).

Wilt thou not execute judgment upon them?: This is another negative rhetorical question that expects a positive answer. This question begs God to punish the approaching enemies. New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh translates it as an affirmation, saying “surely You will punish them.” Good News Translation renders it as an imperative by saying “Punish them.” Revised English Bible is similar with “Judge them.”

For we are powerless against this great multitude that is coming against us is the reason why Jehoshaphat wants God to punish the enemies of Judah: it is because Judah itself is not strong enough to accomplish the task. We are powerless is literally “[there is] not in us strength.” This expression may be rendered “We won’t stand a chance” (Contemporary English Version), “We are weak” (Parole de Vie), or “we lack the strength.” For this whole sentence New Century Version has “We have no power against this large army that is attacking us.”

We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon thee: But translates a Hebrew particle that has a broad range of functions. It is often translated “for” or “because,” but in this context it seems to function as an adversative (“on the contrary”). Despite the fact that the people did not know what to do, they looked to God for help. Our eyes are upon thee is a way of expressing confidence in the God of Israel to whom Jehoshaphat is praying. This figurative expression may be rendered in a variety of ways, including “we are looking to you for help” (New Living Translation), “we are begging for your help” (Contemporary English Version), and “we look to thee” (Moffatt).

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 .