But Amaziah would not listen: But is a good translation of the common Hebrew conjunction here because Amaziah’s reaction is contrary to what might be expected in this context. Amaziah would not listen does not mean he refused to hear but rather he refused to follow the advice of Jehoash. So this clause may be better translated “Amaziah disregarded the advice” or “… paid no heed” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh).

For it was of God: God caused Amaziah not to listen to Jehoash, so that Amaziah and his army would attack Israel and be defeated. For the same thought of God being in control of what happens, see 2 Chr 10.15 and 22.7. New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh says “it was God’s doing.”

In order that he might give them into the hand of their enemies: The pronouns them and their have no clear antecedent, but they unquestionably refer to the people of Judah or more specifically to the army of Judah. Bible en français courant says that God wanted “to cause the loss of Amaziah and his army.” Good News Translation makes this defeat apply to Amaziah alone who, as their king, was representative of all Judah. But it may be better to retain the third person plural and mention the people or army of Judah specifically. Into the hand of their enemies is literally “into a hand.” Revised Standard Version has added the words of their enemies as the sense requires. Following one part of the Septuagint texts, Revised English Bible says “into the power of Jehoash.” For this whole clause New Century Version says “so that Jehoash would defeat Judah.”

Because they had sought the gods of Edom: The pronoun they refers to the people of Judah again. The Hebrew verb rendered sought is the same one translated “resorted to” in verse 15 (see the comments there). For the gods of Edom, see the comments on verse 14. For this whole clause New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh has “because they worshiped the gods of Edom.”

Contemporary English Version restructures this entire verse, making the role of God more evident by saying:

• God made Amaziah stubborn because he was planning to punish him for worshiping the Edomite gods. Amaziah refused to listen to Jehoash’s warning.

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 .