It is significant that the word letter appears with the definite article. While a letter is not specifically mentioned previously in the Hebrew text, it seems that this is what is implied in verse 9, where it only says that “messengers” were sent. The word translated letter is actually plural in Hebrew and it is so translated by Hobbs and Knox (“despatches”). But as explained in 1 Kgs 21.8, the plural form has a singular meaning. Some manuscripts of the ancient versions also read the singular here.

Went up: As usual, it is not necessary to reflect the idea of upward movement here in translation if it is unnatural to do so.

Spread it before the LORD: The Hebrew verb rendered spread is also used of the spreading of the wings of the cherubim in 1 Kgs 8.7. This gesture was a symbolic way of presenting to Yahweh the terrible things said by the Assyrians. While most versions give the impression that the letter or letters might have been laid down in an open position, Knox has “held them out open in the Lord’s presence.” Often letters were written on clay tablets, but the fact that Hezekiah spread it suggests that this letter was written on papyrus or leather.

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 .