After this: this represents the same transition expression found at the beginning of chapters 2, 8, and 15, as well as at 21.18 and 1 Sam 24.5, where it is rendered “and afterward” in Revised Standard Version. In Hebrew it includes a form of the verb “to be” and introduces a very different subject as compared with the previous chapter. The passage of a significant amount of time is indicated in a number of modern versions: “In the course of time” (New International Version); “Some time afterward” (New Revised Standard Version).

The king of the Ammonites: the king who had died is not named in the Hebrew text of this verse. However, the name Nahash is given in verse 2 (see 1 Sam 11.1-2, where “Nahash” is first mentioned as an enemy of Israel, as also in 1 Sam 12.12; in 2 Sam 17.25 “Nahash” is a woman’s name). For the sake of clarity this has been shifted forward to verse 1 in Good News Translation, and many other languages should probably do the same thing, especially since Nahash’s son is specifically named here.

The words translated Ammonites are literally “the sons of Ammon,” but the expression clearly refers to a tribal group consisting of those who descended from a man named Ammon.

Reigned in his stead: although this is the only time this expression is used in 1 and 2 Samuel, it is commonly used in other parts of the Old Testament to describe the orderly progression from one king to the next. The expression is found in Gen 36.33-39 and very frequently in 1 and 2 Kings and 1 and 2 Chronicles. In some languages there will be a special term for the succession of a chief. In others it will be necessary to use a more general expression such as “took his place,” “began to rule from his throne,” or “followed him as king.”

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on the First and Second Books of Samuel, Volume 2. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2001. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .