From the time when he turned away from the LORD: See verses 14 and 20. The Hebrew literally says “From the time when Amazyahu turned away from the LORD,” but both Revised Standard Version and Good News Translation have replaced the name “Amazyahu” with the pronoun he for reasons of English style.

They made a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem is literally “they conspired a conspiracy….” The Hebrew word translated conspiracy is the same one rendered “treason” in 2 Chr 23.13 (see the comments there). The subject of the Hebrew verb here is indefinite. In languages that use passive forms, the meaning of this clause may be expressed as “a conspiracy was formed against him” (Revised English Bible, New American Bible, New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh). Where the passive is not possible, the following model of Contemporary English Version might be helpful: “some people in Jerusalem plotted against Amaziah.”

And he fled to Lachish: Lachish was an important city, strategically located about 45 kilometers (28 miles) southwest of Jerusalem (see the comments on 2 Chr 11.9). It would have been a possible place of refuge for the king in the face of an uprising against him in his capital city. It will be important in most languages to add a classifier word like “city.”

But they sent after him to Lachish: The pronoun they refers to the same indefinite enemies as in the beginning of the verse. Revised English Bible has “the conspirators” as the subject of this clause. For they sent after him, Good News Translation has “his enemies followed him,” and New American Bible says “they pursued him.” Other possible renderings are “he was pursued” and “he was followed” if the passive form is a realistic option. New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh says “they sent men after him,” indicating that the leaders of the coup did not make the journey themselves, but rather sent their subordinates. To Lachish may be rendered “there” (Good News Translation) since this city has just been mentioned.

And slew him there: The archaic verb slew is replaced by “killed” in New Revised Standard Version.

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 .