Behold: the Hebrew focusing particle reflected by this translation is left out in certain English versions, including New Revised Standard Version and New International Version. But in those languages which have a natural equivalent that directs particular attention to what follows, this should be used here.

One of the pits: as indicated in most English versions (including New International Version and New American Bible), this may refer to one of the many caves to be found in the area. It is true that the word used here is not the usual one for “cave,” which is found in 23.13 and 1 Sam 13.6, but in many languages the same word will be used for “pit,” “hole,” and “cave.” The Hebrew word used here normally refers to a hole that goes down into the ground and not a hole that goes back into the wall of a mountain or side of a hill.

When some of the people fall: literally “and there will be as a falling upon them,” that is, when some soldiers die. It should be made clear in translation that what is involved here is the death of fighting men. A literal translation will risk making this obscure. Further, it should be clear whose soldiers are “falling.” Compare Moffatt, “When he attacks your troops and some of them fall at the first onset….” Since Hushai is speaking as if he were part of Absalom’s people, translators may also say “If at the beginning some of our troops fall….”

The direct quotation at the end of this verse may be made indirect in those languages where this will sound more natural. Since it is found within the larger direct quotation, it may be quite awkward if translated literally and directly. A possible option is to translate as in Good News Translation, or “whoever hears it will say that David has devastated your followers.”

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 .