While Revised Standard Version uses a temporal subordinate clause introducing what is said in verses 10 through 12, Good News Translation has made this into a separate sentence. It still sets the stage for what follows but is grammatically independent.

Defeated: the verb so translated by most versions can also mean “killed.” But few versions follow this interpretation.

The small kingdom of Hamath was located between Zobah and the Euphrates River. It is therefore likely that the people of this area endured suffering at the hands of Hadadezer and his army (see verse 10). This explains why their king was pleased that David had defeated Hadadezer.

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 .