The Hebrew verb translated ordered is the common word usually rendered “said.” But the context suggests a translation like that of Revised Standard Version and Good News Translation.

Sanctify renders the same Hebrew verb that is elsewhere translated “make holy.” But the present context requires a meaning like “set aside” or something similar. In addition to Good News Translation, certain other versions use the verb “Proclaim” (Revised English Bible, New American Bible). New Jerusalem Bible has “Summon” while New International Version has the same meaning using the more common language term “Call.” Another possibility would be to say “Prepare” (New Century Version).

A solemn assembly: The Hebrew term used here occurs only occasionally in the Pentateuch, where such an assembly is dedicated to Yahweh (Lev 23.36; Num 29.35; Deut 16.8). It is found somewhat more frequently in the Prophets although not always in positive terms (Isa 1.13; Amos 5.21). Here the term seems to include a time especially set aside when people would gather to honor Baal. Two modern versions seem to carry over something of the meaning of the verb Sanctify to this part of the verse: “a sacred assembly” (New Jerusalem Bible) and “a sacred ceremony” (Revised English Bible).

New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh (similarly Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch) converts the direct quotation into indirect speech by saying “Jehu gave orders to convoke a solemn assembly for Baal.” This may be a helpful model for other languages where direct discourse is limited.

So they proclaimed it: The pronoun they is indefinite, so this clause may be translated with a passive construction where this is natural; for example, New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh has “and one was proclaimed.” Revised English Bible says simply “This was done.” Languages that require an active expression may say “so the people proclaimed it.”

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Kings, Volume 2. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2008. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .