But: The common Hebrew conjunction here is rendered “And” by New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh. However, the transition word should probably mark contrast as in most versions. It should show that in spite of the fact that there was no one to help Israel, the LORD would not allow his people to be completely destroyed.
The LORD had not said: Given the close association between God’s word and his will in the Old Testament, it is not unreasonable to translate this clause in terms of his intention. This explains translations like the following: “it was not the LORD’s purpose” (Good News Translation), “the LORD resolved not” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh), “… had not determined” (New American Bible), and “… had made no threat” (Revised English Bible).
Blot out the name of Israel from under heaven: The Hebrew verb translated blot out comes from a root meaning “to erase” or “to wipe away.” It seems to indicate something stronger than mere destruction. Something that is blotted out has no possibility of being brought back to life. Similar expressions are found in Deut 9.14; 29.20 and Psa 9.5. The English words “eradicate” and “annihilate” would be reasonable equivalents but they are not really common language. Here it is legitimate to translate “completely destroy Israel from the world” (New Century Version) or “exterminate this people” (Bible en français courant).
So he saved them: The transition word so, which translates the common Hebrew conjunction, shows the logical relationship between Yahweh’s decision not to destroy Israel completely and his saving action described in the words that follow. The subject of the verb saved is the LORD. If there is any doubt about this fact, it will be acceptable to make the subject explicit in translation.
By the hand of Jeroboam: While it was Yahweh who was the ultimate deliverer of Israel, in this case it was the power of Jeroboam that he used to accomplish his purposes. It will not be appropriate to translate the word hand literally in most languages since the meaning here is “power.”
One possible model for bringing together the immediate action of Jeroboam and the ultimate agency of God might be the following: “the LORD used the power of Jeroboam to save Israel.”
It will be noted that Good News Translation leaves out the son of Joash at the end of this verse as being repetitious and unnecessary in the light of the fact that this is stated in verse 23.
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 .