All the descendants of Israel is literally “all the seed of Israel.” Translators will need to make it clear whether this refers to the northern kingdom only or literally to all descendants of Jacob (who was also called “Israel”), which would also include Judah, the southern kingdom. The context seems to show that both Judah and Israel are intended. New Jerusalem Bible attempts to convey this idea with “the whole race of Israel.” Parola Del Signore: La Bibbia in Lingua Corrente, which says “the kingdom of Israel” in verse 18, uses the words “the entire people of Israel” here in order to include the people of Judah also. But some readers may fail to understand the intended sense of “the entire people of Israel,” thinking that it refers to all of the people in the northern kingdom. Contemporary English Version is even clearer with “everyone in Israel and Judah,” but a footnote is included to state that the expression might possibly refer only to the northern kingdom. Although a number of modern versions are not completely clear on this point, translators are advised to translate in such a way as to show clearly that both Israel and Judah are intended.
Afflicted them: The people of Israel were reprimanded or chastised in various ways in an effort to bring them back to God. The Hebrew verb rendered afflicted is a rather general one. New Jerusalem Bible has “brought them low,” and several other modern versions use the verb “punished” (New Century Version, New Living Translation). One of the ways that the people of Israel is said to have been afflicted is by the lack of rain (1 Kgs 8.35).
Gave them into the hand of …: See the comments on hand at 1 Kgs 8.15. The figurative use of hand here may not be possible in all languages. The idea here is that God “delivered them into the power of…” or “made them subject to….”
Spoilers: Many modern versions have “plunderers” (New International Version, Revised English Bible), and New Jerusalem Bible has “marauders.” The term refers to the enemies of Israel and implies that they were ruthless in taking the belongings of the Israelites.
Until he had cast them out of his sight: See the comments at verse 18, where a different verb is used but the meaning is essentially the same. The connector until is used to show that the banishment of the Israelites was a last resort following attempts to bring them to their senses by causing suffering of various kinds. In some languages it will be more natural to begin a new sentence at the conclusion of this verse, saying something like “Finally he was forced to expel them from his presence.”
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 .