Then: this adverb of time is used twice in this verse, but both seem to refer to the same time and so may be translated by a single term in many languages. It was while David was at his stronghold that the Philistine forces were occupying Bethlehem.

The word stronghold is sometimes translated “fortress” and is generally thought to refer to a high place that is well protected. However, in this case (as in 1 Sam 22.1-5) the word seems to be used as another way of speaking of the cave of Adullam. Since this was a protected place, the identification of the cave as the stronghold is not unreasonable. This means that the Good News Translation rendering is probably off the mark. New Century Version perhaps translates more correctly, “in a protected place.”

The word translated garrison is used in 1 Sam 13.23 and frequently in 1 Sam 14. The English word usually refers to a more or less permanent military installation. Another way of saying that the garrison of the Philistines was then at Bethlehem is to say “the Philistine soldiers had taken up positions in the town of Bethlehem” or “… had taken control of Bethlehem” (Parola Del Signore: La Bibbia in Lingua Corrente).

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 .