The Hebrew text does not have a direct object after the verb sent. A word such as “a message” (Good News Translation, New American Bible, New Jerusalem Bible) or “a word” (Revised English Bible) may be added to complete the sense. See also New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh, “Saul sent word to Jesse.”

The words Let … remain reflect a third person singular imperative followed by a particle indicating a polite request. This is similar to Let … command in verse 16 above. One possible translation in this context is “please agree to…,” or in some languages “I ask you to allow….”

Remain in my service: literally “stand before me.” See the comments on verse 16.

Found favor in my sight: literally “found favor in my eyes.” See the comments on 1.18. The rendering in Good News Translation, “I like David,” seems flat. New Jerusalem Bible says “since he has won my favour.” And New American Bible has “he meets with my approval.” Contemporary English Version translates “I really like David.” In certain languages it will be more natural to make Saul the subject of the sentence rather than David: “I appreciate David very much” (La Bible du Semeur).

Some languages will naturally reverse the order of the two elements in the quotation so that Saul states his approval of David before ordering that he be kept in the royal service.

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 .