Now: this is the common Hebrew conjunction, which, at the beginning of this new section, may not need to be translated at all in some languages. But others may substitute a discourse marker showing that a new story is beginning.

Gathered: while certain English versions use the technical military term “mustered” (Revised English Bible, New Jerusalem Bible), the verb used here is a very general one for gathering together. But it is followed by the words “for battle,” which clearly indicate a military purpose.

Socoh and Azekah were located about thirty kilometers (about eighteen miles) southwest of Jerusalem. Socoh was one of three towns by this name in the Old Testament. To indicate which of these towns is intended, the writer adds which belongs to Judah, that is, this Socoh was located in the lowlands of Judah. The name Socoh comes from a root meaning “to hedge” or “to shut in.” Nueva Biblia Española translates this name as Vallado, that is, “Enclosure.”

Azekah: another town in the lowlands of Judah, about five kilometers (three miles) north of Socoh. The name means “hoed ground.” Nueva Biblia Española translates this name as Cavada, that is, “Dug out.”

Ephes-dammim was located about six kilometers (about four miles) northeast of Socoh. The meaning of this name is uncertain. But it refers to the same place that is called “Pas Dammim” in 1 Chr 11.13 (and, in some versions that are based on the Septuagint, in 2 Sam 23.9). Since the reference is to the same place, translators would be justified in using the same spelling here and in the other passages where this place is referred to.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on the First and Second Books of Samuel, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2001. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .