He hired also a hundred thousand mighty men of valor from Israel …: Amaziah also hired 100,000 Israelite soldiers to make up one-fourth of his army. The verb hired stands in contrast to “mustered” in the previous verse. Those who were mobilized from Judah for war were expected to serve their country in this way. However, those who were hired from Israel had no such obligation, so they had to be paid for their service. They were mercenaries. For mighty men of valor, see the comments on 1 Chr 12.21. This phrase may be translated “gallant soldiers” (Moffatt) or “valiant warriors” (New American Bible). Israel here refers to “the kingdom of Israel” (Bible en français courant). La Bible du Semeur speaks even more specifically of “the kingdom of Israel to the north.”

A hundred talents of silver: For talents see the comments on 1 Chr 19.6. A hundred talents equals “about four tons” (Good News Translation) or “about 7,500 pounds” (New Living Translation). French versions use a somewhat different measuring system and speak of “about three tons” (Bible en français courant, Parole de Vie).

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 .