The Hebrew text repeats the introductory formula, Thus says the LORD, from verse 23. While this is probably done for reasons of emphasis, the repetition may seem unnecessarily redundant in some languages.

Behold: The Hebrew focusing particle here directs special attention to the prophetic word that follows.

I will bring evil …: This expression suggests punishment. Several versions speak of “disaster” (New Revised Standard Version, New International Version, Revised English Bible, New Jerusalem Bible, Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch) rather than evil. However, what is important is the relationship between the evil and all the curses that are written in the book which occur later in the verse. Perhaps the prophetess had in mind the warnings found in passages like Deut 28.15-68.

This place may refer to the city of Jerusalem where Huldah and the royal delegation were located at the time of their discussion, so Good News Translation, Bible en français courant, and Parola Del Signore: La Bibbia in Lingua Corrente say “Jerusalem” (similarly Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch with “this city”). Or it may refer to the whole country of Judah, so Contemporary English Version and La Bible du Semeur say “this country.” The latter understanding seems more likely since the promised punishment was not likely to be limited to the capital. In some languages it will be wise to make this clear 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 .