Arose: see the comments on 9.3. The meaning of this verb in this context is better expressed in English with the verb “set out.” Compare New Revised Standard Version (“So David set out and went over”) and Revised English Bible (“So David and his six hundred men set out and crossed the frontier”). But Good News Translation reflects this first verb, which indicates immediate action, by adding the words “at once” to the second verb.

Went over: David crossed over the border that separated the Philistine territory from the Israelite territory. As noted in the paragraph above, Revised English Bible makes explicit that they went over “the frontier.” The subject of the verbs arose and went over is singular, referring specifically to David, but the verbs are followed by the mention of the six hundred men who were with him, who in fact also participated in the action of the verbs. This is a common occurrence in the Old Testament and serves to keep the focus on the main character in the story. But the same structure may not be natural in the receptor language. Translators should search for a natural equivalent in their own language that will keep the focus on David while at the same time showing that the other men went along with him. In some cases the following model may be helpful: “So David, along with his six hundred soldiers, crossed over….”

Achish the son of Maoch: see note on 21.10. It is Achish who is the king of Gath, not his father Maoch, which is how Revised Standard Version may be misunderstood.

Gath: see note on 5.8.

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 .