So: the common conjunction of the Hebrew text is used here as a logical connector. It was as a result of the prophet’s words that the action described in this verse was taken.

Israel, literally “the sons of Israel,” that is, “the Israelites.” Others may prefer to say “the people of Israel.”

In contemporary English put away sometimes means that something is put into storage to be kept for later use. The meaning is clearly expressed in Good News Translation, “got rid of.” Some other possible renderings of this verb are “removed” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh) and “banished” (Revised English Bible, New Jerusalem Bible).

Baals and the Ashtaroth: the plural forms of the male god Baal and the female goddess Astarte may refer (1) to Canaanite gods and goddesses in general or (2) to local representations of the gods Baal and Astarte (so Good News Translation, Nueva Biblia Española).

Served the LORD: this expression includes the idea of worship as well as submission. In this context it is the notion of divine adoration that is in focus. Several modern versions, in fact, opt for the verb “worship” (Moffatt, New American Bible, Revised English Bible, Contemporary English Version). The addition of the qualifying word only shows that there are to be no other objects of worship. Not only are Baal and Astarte excluded, but there were to be absolutely no others.

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 .