This verse begins a new topic concerning the reign of Jehoram, and for this reason most versions begin a new paragraph at this point. Jehoram’s father, Jehoshaphat, had managed to defeat the Edomites, and in fact they were ruled by a deputy appointed by the predecessors of Jehoshaphat (see 1 Chr 18.12-13). But his son was unable to keep this country under the domination of Judah. Edom’s revolt against Judah fulfills the words of Isaac to Esau in Gen 27.40.

In his days Edom revolted from the rule of Judah: Since verse 7 refers to King David, Good News Translation makes it clear that In his days refers to the time when Jehoram was king by saying “During Jehoram’s reign.” New International Version has “In the time of Jehoram.” Edom may be rendered “the people of Edom” (Bible en français courant) or “the Edomites” (Parole de Vie). Revolted from the rule of Judah is literally “revolted from under the hand of Judah.” This expression may be translated “refused to submit to the king of Judah” or “stopped obeying the king of Judah.” Some other possible translations are “rebelled against Judah’s rule” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh), “renounced their allegiance to Juda” (Knox), and “threw off the domination of Judah” (New Jerusalem Bible, Osty-Trinquet).

And set up a king of their own may be rendered “and chose their own king” (New Century Version; similarly New American Bible) or “and crowned their own king” (New Living Translation).

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 .