Yet the LORD would not destroy the house of David: Yet correctly translates the common Hebrew conjunction. Since Jehoram did what was evil, the reader expects God to punish him, but this verse indicates that God did what was unexpected. Other possible connectors are “However” (An American Translation, La Bible du Semeur), “Nevertheless” (New International Version), and “but” (Good News Translation). In this context the house of David refers to the royal descendants of David, so Good News Translation and Bible en français courant say “the dynasty of David.” New Century Version says “David’s family,” which is correct, but is subject to misunderstanding. The LORD was concerned with the continuation of the rule by one of David’s descendants and not just for the safety of his family.

Because of the covenant which he had made with David: God was not willing to destroy the dynasty of David because of the covenant he made with him (see 1 Chr 17.10-14; 2 Chr 6.16; 7.18). For covenant see the comments on 1 Chr 11.3.

And since he had promised to give a lamp to him and to his sons for ever: God promised David that his descendants would always reign. The pronoun he refers to God. The pronouns him and his point to David. In some languages it will be necessary to translate one or more of these pronouns more explicitly. The Hebrew verb translated promised is literally “said,” but in the context of the covenant, the rendering of Revised Standard Version is clearly acceptable. The lamp was a symbol for the continuing existence of the royal dynasty. The lamp promised to David and his descendants is certainly not to be understood in terms of a literal lantern or flame. Rather, it is a figurative expression, which is also found in 2 Sam 21.17; 1 Kgs 15.4; 11.36; and 2 Kgs 8.19. The extinction of the light would represent the end of his dynasty. In some languages the figurative language of the lamp may obscure the meaning. If this is the case, translators may consider dropping the image, as in Good News Translation. Other possible nonfigurative renderings are “he had promised that his descendants would always reign” (La Bible du Semeur) and “He had promised that one of David’s descendants would always rule” (New Century Version).

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 .