And he set combat commanders over the people: The Hebrew verb translated set may be better rendered “appointed” (New Revised Standard Version, New International Version, New Living Translation, NASB) or “designated” (Bible en français courant). Combat commanders is literally “chiefs of wars.” This expression refers to commanding officers who directed the activities of the other soldiers. New Jerusalem Bible says “generals.” As often in the context of war in the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for people may refer specifically to the army.

And gathered them together to him may be expressed as “and summoned them,” “then he gathered them around himself” (La Bible du Semeur), or simply “and met with them” (New Century Version).

In the square at the gate of the city refers to the open space near the city gate. For square see the comments on 2 Chr 29.4; for a city gate, see 2 Chr 8.5.

And spoke encouragingly to them is literally “and he spoke on/to their heart[s].” See the comments on 2 Chr 30.22, where a very similar expression is used.

The verb saying will be considered redundant in some languages and may be omitted in 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 .