The same conjunction as in the beginning of verse 3 now introduces the response of King David, which is contrary to the implicit advice of Joab and is therefore correctly rendered But. Others have translated it “However” (New American Bible), “Nonetheless” (New Jerusalem Bible), and “Notwithstanding” (Goldman).

The king’s word prevailed against Joab: some other ways of saying this are “the king very strongly commanded Joab…” (New Century Version), “the king … overruled Joab” (New American Bible), “the king’s command remained firm…” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh), “the king … enforced his order…,” or “David refused to change his mind…” (Contemporary English Version).

The twofold repetition of Joab and the commanders of the army in this verse may be awkward and unnecessary in many languages. The second occurrence should probably be replaced by the pronoun “they” as in Good News Translation.

Went out from the presence of the king: some may wish to say “departed from the royal court,” but probably it will be most natural to say simply “left the king.”

In the first verse of this chapter the noun Israel referred specifically to the northern tribes, in distinction from the southern tribe of Judah. Here, however, Israel is used inclusively of both groups, as verses 5-7 make clear. And the people still refers to “the fighting men” (New International Version).

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 .