On the third day: literally “it happened on the third day” (as explained on page 19). In the context of the previous verse, which mentions staying in Ziklag for two days, it may be more natural in many languages to say simply “The next day” as Good News Translation has done. David had been in Ziklag for two days prior to the events recounted in this verse. It was on the following day that these events occurred.

Behold: the Hebrew particle translated in this way is often used to heighten the emotional impact of a narrative. Here it introduces a new, unexpected event. Most modern English versions leave it untranslated, but in those languages where such a device exists and is natural, it may be used here to increase the intensity of the events described in the following words. See page 18.

A man: later in the story we learn that this person was “a young man,” or a warrior, and that he was an Amalekite. But this additional information is introduced only gradually by the writer, who reserves the surprise until verse 8. While it may be necessary in some languages to introduce some of this information earlier, if at all possible it will be a good idea to respect the style of the author. The writer does, however, indicate immediately that this man was from Saul’s camp. This has been translated “a man from Saul’s army,” showing that the messenger was a member of Saul’s fighting force.

With his clothes rent and earth upon his head: (see 1 Sam 4.12) the text gives no explicit indication of who tore this man’s clothing and put earth on his head. A literal translation such as that in Revised Standard Version may give the incorrect impression that the man’s clothes had been torn accidentally. Revised English Bible renders the words earth upon his head as “and there was dust on his head.” The English word “dust” will suggest to most readers that he was accidentally covered with dust from running on a dirt road. It was, however, common practice for Jewish persons to do these things to themselves in order to show their sadness about something that had happened, particularly after a death. For this reason Good News Translation makes clear two facts that are only implied in the original: (1) the man had torn his own clothes and had put the dirt on his own head, and (2) the purpose of this action was “to show his grief.” Translators will do well to follow this example in most cases.

He fell to the ground and did obeisance: this is not intended to indicate two separate actions (see the comments on a similar phrase in 1 Sam 24.8 [Masoretic Text 24.9]). Rather the purpose of his bowing to the ground was to show his great respect for David. Instead of the coordinating conjunction and, it will be better in many languages to say something like New International Version, “fell to the ground to pay him honor.”

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 .