Did what was evil in the sight of the LORD: This expression has already been discussed in detail in 1 Kgs 11.6 and 2 Kgs 3.2, and it is used frequently elsewhere.

As his fathers had done: The word fathers here refers to the “ancestors” (New Revised Standard Version) of Zechariah as well as his literal father. For this reason Good News Translation has translated “predecessors.” Revised English Bible has “forefathers.” In order to avoid giving the mistaken impression that Jeroboam II (Zechariah’s father) was not included, some languages may have to resort to an expression like “those who had ruled Israel before him.”

He did not depart from …: This negative statement may be more naturally expressed in a positive way by saying, for example, “He continued to follow…” or something similar (compare 2 Kgs 3.3).

For the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, see 1 Kgs 16.31 and 2 Kgs 3.3.

Which he made Israel to sin: See the comments at 1 Kgs 14.16 and 2 Kgs 10.29.

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 .