And all Judah rejoiced over the oath: All Judah refers to all the people of Judah and Benjamin. Rejoiced over the oath may be rendered “were happy about the promise they had made.”

For they had sworn with all their heart: The people were happy because they had made the promise to God wholeheartedly. For with all their heart, see the comments on verse 12.

And sought him with their whole desire, and he was found by them: See the comments on verses 2 and 4. With their whole desire describes the manner in which the people followed God. This phrase may be rendered “eagerly” (New International Version) or “willingly” ( NET Bible). The passive clause he was found by them may be made active by saying “they found him” (New Living Translation), “he allowed them to find him,” or “he responded to them” ( NET Bible).

And the LORD gave them rest round about: See the comments on 2 Chr 14.6. In this context rest refers to “peace” (Good News Translation). Round about indicates that there was peace throughout the southern kingdom. There were no areas of conflict anywhere. In some languages this phrase is best translated “everywhere.” Bible en français courant and Parole de Vie say “on all their borders,” and BCI has “from all their neighbors who were around them.” The sense is probably similar to that expressed in 2 Sam 7.1.

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 .