And David took the shields of gold: The Hebrew verb rendered took is a very general term, but in this context of war it will be more natural to say “seized” (Bible en français courant, Traduction œcuménique de la Bible) or “captured” (Good News Translation). The exact meaning of the Hebrew word translated shields is uncertain. Several versions take this word to mean “quivers” (Nouvelle Bible Segond, Revised English Bible margin), “bow cases” (Klein), or “bow-and-arrow cases” (Knoppers) on the basis of archaeological evidence of a tomb inscription in which the Babylonian word for a bow-and-arrow case is similar to the Hebrew word here in 1 Chronicles. Such cases were made of wood and plated with gold and contained both a bow and arrows. Even though the majority of modern versions retain the idea of small, circular shields, the rendering “bow-and-arrow cases” is recommended.

Which were carried by the servants of Hadadezer is literally “which were upon the servants of Hadadezer.” The passive expression in Revised Standard Version may be easily transformed into an active one by saying “which the servants of Hadadezer had carried…” or “which belonged to….” The Hebrew word translated servants once again refers to people who were more than menial domestic workers. Here New International Version has “officers,” and Good News Translation says “officials.” New Jerusalem Bible and Bible en français courant speak of “guards.”

And brought them to Jerusalem: The use of the verb brought seems to imply that the writer is in Jerusalem. But in some languages the perspective of the reader is more important. If so, a verb such as “transported,” “transferred,” or “took” (Good News Translation) may be more appropriate. In all probability David himself did not perform the actions described by the verbs in this verse. He almost certainly had his soldiers do the work. In some languages this may affect the verb forms used; for example, this clause may be rendered “and he had them brought to Jerusalem” or “and he caused them to be brought….”

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Chronicles, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2014. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .