In Hebrew this verse begins with the verbal transition that is sometimes translated “Now it came to pass” (King James Version, Jewish Publication Version), but most modern versions consider a new paragraph here as an adequate representation of this transitional element (so Revised Standard Version, Good News Translation).

After Amaziah came from the slaughter of the Edomites: Amaziah returned from the battle where he had routed the numerically superior Edomite army (verses 11-12). Contemporary English Version says “After Amaziah had defeated the Edomite army, he returned to Jerusalem.”

He brought the gods of the men of Seir: The gods were representations of the gods of Edom and not the gods themselves. Bible en français courant says “the statues of the gods,” and New Century Version has “the idols.” The men of Seir (literally “the sons/children of Seir”) is better expressed as “the people of Seir” (New Revised Standard Version, Revised English Bible) or “the people of Edom.” Regarding Seir, see verse 11.

And set them up as his gods: Amaziah made the Edomite idols his own gods. NET Bible says “and made them his personal gods.”

And worshiped them is literally “and he bowed down to them” (similarly NASB). The Hebrew verb here has the sense of worship (see the comments on 1 Chr 29.20). Amaziah worshiped the Edomite gods as he should have worshiped Yahweh.

Making offerings to them: The Hebrew verb rendered making offerings means “to let [a sacrifice] go up in smoke.” It can refer to the burning of animal or vegetable offerings or to the burning of incense (see the comments on 1 Chr 6.49 and 23.13). Either interpretation is acceptable here. Good News Translation says “and burned incense to them,” and New Century Version has “and offered sacrifices to them.”

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 .