They served idols means they worshiped images or representations of deities (see 2 Kgs 10.18). The verb “serve” may be misleading if translated literally. Some other verbs that may fit the context better are “worshiped” (New International Version, Revised English Bible), “honored,” and “glorified.” Regarding the Hebrew noun translated idols, see the comments on 1 Kgs 15.12.

Of which the LORD had said to them, “You shall not do this”: See Exo 20.4-5. The words presented as a direct quotation in Revised Standard Version are an accurate reflection of the Hebrew, but this is in fact a pseudo-quotation (see the comments at 1 Kgs 1.5-6). It should almost certainly be rendered as an indirect statement in most languages. Good News Translation provides one possible model for doing this. Another model is found in Revised English Bible: “a thing which the LORD had forbidden them to do.”

Another possible restructuring of this verse might be as follows:

• Although the LORD had commanded them not to worship idols, they did it anyway.

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 .