Said: the verb used here is a very general one, but in view of the nature of the encounter, and the fact that the two groups were seated at least eleven meters (thirty-six feet) apart on opposite sides of the pool of Gibeon, a stronger verb may be required. Contemporary English Version has “yelled to Joab.” It has also been translated in some languages as “proposed” (La Bible du Semeur); it can be rendered “challenged.”

Young men: as in 1.15 this expression refers to fighting men, or “soldiers” (Anchor Bible).

Arise and play: what is proposed here was probably not a matter of a harmless sporting match that got out of hand, although some commentators speculate about this possibility. Rather it was very likely an individual confrontation between the best men from each side: “join in single combat” (Revised English Bible). Anderson speaks of seasoned warriors engaging in “a trial of arms,” and Fox has “arise and do-a-war-dance.” The story goes on to show clearly that this was a fight to the death. The verb play is therefore probably much too weak for this context. A translation such as “hold a tournament [or, contest]” may express the correct meaning in some languages.

Let them arise: this is a repetition of what Abner had just said to Joab, and is simply a way of agreeing with what he had said. Instead of a direct quotation as in Revised Standard Version and Good News Translation, it is possible to say simply “and Joab agreed” or “Joab accepted Abner’s proposal [or idea, or plan].”

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 .