They strengthened the kingdom of Judah: The pronoun They refers to the people from the northern tribes who were intent on worshiping the LORD. Good News Translation changes the focus here somewhat by centering on the fact of their devotion rather than on the people themselves, but the meaning is essentially the same. Bible en français courant says “They thereby contributed to the strength of the kingdom of Judah” (similarly La Bible du Semeur).

And for three years they made Rehoboam the son of Solomon secure means they supported Rehoboam as king for three years.

For they walked for three years in the way of David and Solomon: Instead of they walked, some versions follow the Septuagint, which has “he walked” (so Revised English Bible, Bible de Jérusalem, Traduction œcuménique de la Bible). The singular expression does fit the style of 2 Chronicles in other passages (see 2 Chr 17.3; 20.32; 21.6; 22.3; 28.2; 34.2). However, Critique Textuelle de l’Ancien Testament argues that the singular verb is the result of harmonization to these other passages, which all say “he walked.” So Critique Textuelle de l’Ancien Testament gives a {C} rating to the Masoretic Text and suggests that this last clause of the verse simply expresses the same idea as the preceding verse, that is, that many people from the northern kingdom were faithful to the worship of the LORD in Jerusalem. For the figurative use of the verb walked here, see the comments on 2 Chr 6.14. Walked … in the way of David and Solomon may be expressed as “followed the example of David and Solomon” (Revised English Bible) or “lived by the traditions of David and Solomon” (Moffatt).

The time reference for three years occurs twice in this verse. In some languages such repetition may be considered awkward. If this is the case, the expression may be stated only once but the verse should be structured in such a way as to ensure that the reader understands it to go with the verbs made … secure and walked; for example, New Living Translation renders the last half of this verse as “and for three years they supported Rehoboam son of Solomon, for during those years they faithfully followed in the footsteps of David and Solomon.”

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Chronicles, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2014. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .