The conversation between Samuel and Saul has apparently been in secret, away from the people. Now Saul asks Samuel to return with him to worship the LORD.

Now therefore: literally “And now.” Revised English Bible, like Good News Translation, begins this verse “But now,” indicating that Saul has something of a change of mind at this point.

I pray renders a Hebrew particle of entreaty or exhortation. In this context it may be legitimately translated “please” (New Jerusalem Bible) or even “I implore you” (Revised English Bible). But it should probably not be omitted. See the comments on 2.36.

Pardon my sin: The verb here translated pardon is more literally “lift.” It is rendered “forgive” in a similar context in Exo 32.32. It is also translated “forgive” in this verse by a number of English translations.

Worship: see the comments on 1.3.

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 .