Then: This temporal connector correctly expresses the meaning of the Hebrew adverb here. New Living Translation, New Century Version, and Revised English Bible also keep this adverb, but many versions omit it since they begin a new paragraph here (so Good News Translation).

Solomon offered up burnt offerings to the LORD: For burnt offerings, see the comments on 1 Chr 6.49 and 2 Chr 1.6.

Upon the altar which he had built: See the comments on 2 Chr 4.1. As in other similar cases, Solomon himself did not build this altar, but he commissioned it and oversaw its building. So some languages will use a causative verb form here, saying “caused to be built” or “caused workmen to build.”

Before the vestibule: The vestibule refers to the porch in front of the Temple (see the comments on 1 Chr 28.11 and 2 Chr 3.4). Only consecrated priests were allowed to enter the Temple itself. The Chronicler adds to his source (1 Kgs 9.25) that Solomon was before the vestibule to show that Solomon correctly observed the regulations for worship (see also 2 Chr 23.6; 26.16-18). Since the altar was in front of the porch, which was on the east side of the Temple, Revised English Bible translates “to the east of the vestibule.” Both Good News Translation and Contemporary English Version say simply “in front of the Temple,” but this leaves out a significant detail. It is better to say “in front of the Temple porch” (New Century 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 .